09/03/2025  Shatin  Race 3

SURUGA BAY (J022): Knuckled over on jumping and shortly afterwards was crowded by COMMANDING MISSILE which shifted out. FLASH CURRENT (J500): Jumped only fairly and then was crowded between SURUGA BAY and ISLAND BUDDY which shifted in slightly. Sent for sampling post-race. SUNNY DARLING (J171): Shifted out at the start and was bumped. When questioned, Apprentice P N Wong stated that her instructions were to hold an on-pace position or lead if possible. She said in the early stages when she observed a number of runners to her outside go forward she elected to allow ISLAND BUDDY to cross her mount leaving the 1000 Metres. She said shortly afterwards SUNNY DARLING commenced to race keenly and as a result she was obliged to shift to the outside of ISLAND BUDDY to avoid that runner’s heels which resulted in SUNNY DARLING making contact with COMMANDING MISSILE and SUNNY DARLING then being obliged to race wide and without cover thereafter when it improved to the outside of SEA EMERALD. When questioned if there was an opportunity to hold a position to the inside of ISLAND BUDDY, Apprentice Wong agreed with the Stewards that in retrospect this would have been a better option for her. AKASHVANI (K234): Shifted in at the start and was bumped. Sent for sampling post-race. SEA EMERALD (J518): On jumping was bumped by AKASHVANI which shifted in. Sent for sampling post-race. RAGING RAPIDS (J228): No report. BEAUTY FORMULA (K066): Noted to have blood at the mouth on arrival at the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. After the event, D McDonogh stated that his mount hung out throughout the race and proved difficult to control. The racing manners of BEAUTY FORMULA were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY FORMULA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend in Hong Kong. ISLAND BUDDY (J217): No report. PANDA (H466): Jumped only fairly. After the event, K Teetan stated that his mount was disadvantaged when it settled behind midfield with the early and middle stages of the event being run outside of standard time. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ALWAYS FLUKE (H252): After the event, K De Melo stated that under pressure in the Home Straight ALWAYS FLUKE hung in and proved difficult to ride out. COMMANDING MISSILE (G210): Near the 900 Metres SUNNY DARLING (Apprentice P N Wong) commenced to race keenly after being crossed by ISLAND BUDDY. As a result, SUNNY DARLING was shifted to the outside of ISLAND BUDDY to avoid that runner’s heels and as a result made contact with COMMANDING MISSILE which became unbalanced. COMMANDING MISSILE was then steadied to obtain cover behind SUNNY DARLING to avoid racing wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY FOR ALL (H181): Shortly after the start was bumped by SUNNY DARLING which shifted out. Between the 450 Metres and the 250 Metres was held up for clear running when being shifted to the outside of FLASH CURRENT.