25/02/2018  Shatin  Race 1

SHINING ON began awkwardly and was then crowded for room shortly after the start between FORMULA GALORE which shifted in marginally when being ridden along and HARBOUR CENTURY which shifted out after stumbling on jumping. This resulted in SHINING ON being buffeted and HARBOUR CENTURY and FORMULA GALORE becoming unbalanced. Then despite being ridden along in the early stages, FORMULA GALORE failed to muster speed. HONG KONG’S FOLKS raced in restricted room shortly after the start between STRIKING MR C and MY CHAMPION, both of which shifted ground. After travelling a short distance, MY CHAMPION was awkwardly placed inside the heels of WISH COME TRUE which shifted in. Passing the 1100 Metres, HONG KONG’S FOLKS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FORMULA GALORE when being shifted across behind that horse to obtain cover. MY CHAMPION, which was following HONG KONG’S FOLKS, was steadied when awkwardly placed behind that horse in consequence. Also passing the 1100 Metres, WISH COME TRUE raced greenly and got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. Near the 1050 Metres, FATE FIRE was inconvenienced by STRIKING MR C which was taken in by FLYING LOVER (Apprentice M F Poon) which, after shifting in, was then corrected by its rider. Apprentice Poon was severely reprimanded and advised that this was the second occasion in recent times that he had been spoken to regarding shifting his mounts across at an acute angle and inconveniencing other runners. Apprentice Poon was also placed on notice that should he continue to ride in this manner, further action may be taken. After the 800 Metres, BEAUT BEUAT got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of STRIKING MR C for some distance. After the 700 Metres, BOSSIEE was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 450 Metres, MY CHAMPION got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HONG KONG’S FOLKS which continued to be awkwardly placed behind FORMULA GALORE. Passing the 100 Metres, HARBOUR CENTURY was shifted in away from the heels of STRIKING MR C. After the race, J Moreira stated that based on its barrier trials in which it showed good early speed, it was anticipated that HONG KONG’S FOLKS would be able to take up a forward position in the race. He said however that the horse, which was having its first race start, did not show the anticipated speed and settled back in the field and then throughout the event raced greenly. He said although HONG KONG’S FOLKS was somewhat disappointing, he felt that the horse would benefit from today’s race experience. A veterinary inspection of HONG KONG’S FOLKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNER ST PAUL’S and BEAUT BEAUT were sent for sampling.