26/03/2025  Shatin  Race 5

EVERSTAR (K264): In the early stages raced keenly and near the 800 Metres was steadied away from PATCH OF TIME. Apprentice E C W Wong (SOLID SHALAA) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when not clear of EVERSTAR, resulting in EVERSTAR losing its rightful running when being crowded by SOLID SHALAA. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 2 April 2025 and to expire on Monday, 7 April 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his good race riding record. Approaching the winning post was crowded for room between LOOKS OUTSTANDING which shifted in slightly and REGENCY WIN WIN which lay out. Noted to have lost its right front plate after the race. SOLID SHALAA (H228): Shortly after the start was crowded by SOLAR RIVER which shifted in. Near the 400 Metres got its head up when being steadied to avoid SUNNY DARLING. Apprentice E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 300 Metres (see EVERSTAR). Over the final 250 Metres lay out under pressure and proved difficult to ride out. Sent for sampling post-race. NATURAL HIGH (J365): No report. PATCH OF TIME (H483): Sent for sampling post-race. EVERYONE'S GALLOP (K140): After the event, K C Leung reported that his mount jumped awkwardly and as a result settled further back in the field than what was intended. REGENCY WIN WIN (K214): Near the 250 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of EVERSTAR to continue into clear running. Lay out over the final 200 Metres. SUNNY DARLING (J171): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOOKS OUTSTANDING (K022): Over the concluding stages was bumped on the hindquarters by EVERSTAR and became unbalanced. After the event, L Ferraris reported that his mount, which was only having its third race start, raced greenly and would derive benefit from tonight’s performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NOBLE GO (K053): No report. SOLAR RIVER (J308): Near the 50 Metres was steadied when crowded by CALIFORNIA STAR (Y L Chung) which shifted in to obtain clear running. Y L Chung was reprimanded. CALIFORNIA STAR (J123): Near the 750 Metres lay in and away from EVERYONE’S GALLOP, made contact with the running rail and became unbalanced. When questioned regarding the improved performance of the horse, Trainer A S Cruz stated that at its last start on 2 March 2025 CALIFORNIA STAR jumped only fairly and then was ridden along to hold an on-pace position which resulted in the horse racing too keenly and refusing to settle. He said CALIFORNIA STAR was advantaged tonight by being able to travel comfortably back in the field due to a stronger pace which resulted in it being able to finish the race off strongly in the Home Straight. Sent for sampling post-race. SILVER SPURS (J043): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.