15/09/2024  Shatin  Race 5

ENJOY GOLF (J222): Shortly after the start was bumped by HANDSOME BOMB which shifted out, resulting in ENJOY GOLF being taken wider. AEROINVINCIBLE (J180): Near the 1200 Metres, when being crossed by MEANINGFUL DRAGON (L Hewitson), was steadied to avoid the heels of that runner. L Hewitson was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. When questioned, Z Purton stated that throughout the early and middle stages of the event his mount raced fiercely and refused to settle and as a result was checked away from the heels of MEANINGFUL DRAGON for some distance near the 1000 Metres. He said as a consequence AEROINVINCIBLE failed to respond strongly to his riding in the Home Straight. He further stated that he had recommended to connections that AEROINVINCIBLE may be better suited by being dropped back in distance for its next race start where it will be provided with the opportunity to settle with a more genuine pace. Trainer P C Ng stated that although the hood had been removed from the horse today, he believed its racing manners were due to it racing first up when being fresh. He said having regard to Jockey Purton’s comments, he would now look to drop AEROINVINCIBLE back in distance for its next race start. Sent for sampling post-race. COMING PATCH (G222): Jumped only fairly. Approaching the 400 Metres was steadied to avoid MEANINGFUL DRAGON when that runner commenced to give ground and shift out slightly. ORIENTAL TYCOON (J112): Making the Home Turn raced tight to the inside of AEROINVINCIBLE. HANDSOME BOMB (H402): Shifted out at the start and was bumped. After the event, A Atzeni stated that whilst his mount was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event, it would derive benefit from today’s first up performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MIGHTY STRENGTH (H450): Jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race. ONLY U (J037): No report. MEANINGFUL DRAGON (H453): After the event, L Hewitson reported that making the Home Turn his mount became unbalanced and then gave ground noticeably in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. As this was the second consecutive occasion that MEANINGFUL DRAGON had finished tailed out, the horse will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination which must include additional diagnostic assessments before being allowed to race again. STRONGEST BOY (H027): No report. VANTASTIC CHOICE (G401): After the event, M F Poon reported that on pulling up his mount coughed. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, VANTASTIC CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOLLY COMPANION (H454): After the event, K C Leung stated that it was not his intention to lead, but when other runners did not show intent to hold the front, JOLLY COMPANION led without being pressured to do so. TEAM HAPPY (J218): Raced very wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the event, Y L Chung reported that his saddle slipped to the right during the event, placing him at some disadvantage. When questioned regarding the improved performance, Trainer P C Ng stated that the intention was to endeavour to follow the leader. He said, in his opinion, the improved performance of TEAM HAPPY was due to the horse being more mature this preparation and had also pleased him in its barrier trials in the lead up to today’s race. Sent for sampling post-race.