28/05/2023  Shatin  Race 7

On jumping, SIMPLE HEDGE was checked when crowded by LOST CHILD which shifted in abruptly. WINNING DATA jumped only fairly, raced keenly in the early stages and for some distance after the 1000 Metres was steadied away from the heels of TOGEPI. At the 800 Metres, whilst continuing to race keenly, WINNING DATA shifted in and crowded LOST CHILD. SMART LEADER shifted in at the start and bumped SPANGLE FORTUNE. SMART LEADER was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, FOREST GOLD was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BLUE MARLIN raced keenly and refused to settle in the early stages. Between the 400 Metres and the 300 Metres, VANTASTIC CHOICE was held up behind OSCAR GLORY. Near the 150 Metres, A Hamelin (VANTASTIC CHOICE) dropped his whip. Over the concluding stages, SIMPLE HEDGE was taken in slightly by PUBLICIST which raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SETANTA, Trainer D A Hayes stated that following its last start’s disappointing performance, he sent SETANTA to his Conghua stable to provide a new environment for the horse. He added that SETANTA was aided by being down in grade today, back up in distance to 1400 Metres and aided by a good ride from a wide barrier where SETANTA was able to obtain a position one off the fence with cover. After the race, M Chadwick (CHIU CHOW BROTHER) reported that his mount gave ground in the Straight after leading the event. A veterinary inspection of CHIU CHOW BROTHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PERFETTO and TOGEPI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SIMPLE HEDGE, SETANTA and PUBLICIST were sent for sampling.