24/09/2023  Shatin  Race 10

BEAUTY CHARGE jumped awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded by MASTER EIGHT which shifted out. EASON was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, FLYING ACE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the middle stages, POWER KOEPP raced keenly. Approaching the 500 Metres, IMA SINGLE MAN and ALACRITY raced in restricted room between FLYING ACE and BEAUTY CHARGE which improved into a narrow run to the outside of POWER KOEPP. Near the 150 Metres, POWER KOEPP was shifted out to attempt to secure clear running but then became held up and could not be fully tested to the finish of the event. Over the final 100 Metres, GOKO WIN (A Atzeni) shifted out whilst being ridden along, resulting in NORDIC DRAGON not being able to be ridden out to the finish of the event after having to be steadied near the 50 Metres. A Atzeni was severely reprimanded and advised that he must stop riding and straighten his mounts when they shift whilst not clear. BEAUTY CHARGE was held up for clear running between the 150 Metres and the 50 Metres. When questioned regarding the performance of NORDIC DRAGON, H Bowman stated that from his wide barrier he elected to allow his mount to settle back in the field where comfortable. He said near the 900 Metres he was obliged to correct NORDIC DRAGON to prevent it from shifting in onto ALACRITY and as a consequence was caught wide. He added that passing the 900 Metres NORDIC DRAGON was then hampered when GOKO WIN was taken out by IMA SINGLE MAN which resulted in NORDIC DRAGON being taken wider near the 800 Metres when GOKO WIN shifted out making that turn. He further stated that near the 700 Metres NORDIC DRAGON made contact with IMA SINGLE MAN as he held his position three wide before being able to obtain a comfortable trailing position behind GOKO WIN at the 600 Metres. He stated that once balanced in the Home Straight NORDIC DRAGON, which is still somewhat immature, initially responded to his riding before its run came to an end near the 100 Metres although NORDIC DRAGON was crowded at that point when GOKO WIN shifted out. A veterinary inspection of NORDIC DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman, 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the event. A veterinary inspection of MASTER EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COMPUTER PATCH immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, COMPUTER PATCH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NORDIC DRAGON, PACKING TREADMILL and FLYING ACE were sent for sampling.