09/12/2018  Shatin  Race 2

MASTER ALBERT began awkwardly. HANDSOME REBEL shifted out at the start and bumped MAGNIFICENT. MAGNIFICENT was then crowded for room between REGENCY LEGEND and HANDSOME REBEL which shifted out further. LOVING A BOOM shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of BEAUTY SPIRIT. LOVING A BOOM was then crowded for room between REGENCY LEGEND and BEAUTY SPIRIT which shifted in. From wide barriers, LOVING A BOOM, BEAUTY SPIRIT and SONIC FIGHTER were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, MASTER ALBERT raced tight inside AMBITIOUS HEART which was taken in by HIGH FIVE (Apprentice C Wong). Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to ensure that he does not allow his mounts to shift ground such that other runners are crowded for room. After the 1000 Metres, G van Niekerk (AMBITIOUS HEART) adjusted his left foot in the stirrup. Near the 800 Metres, REGENCY LEGEND was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance after the 700 Metres, AMBITIOUS HEART travelled keenly and passing the 600 Metres was checked away from the heels of FLYING BONUS. AMBITIOUS HEART was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. HIGH FIVE was awkwardly placed behind JING JING WIN passing the 400 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, MASTER ALBERT was shifted to the outside of HANDSOME REBEL after being momentarily held up for clear running. Near the 50 Metres, TOP SCORE, which was improving into tight running inside HIGH FIVE, was struck across the nose by the whip of Apprentice Wong. After the race, Apprentice H T Mo was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of FLYING BONUS. He said he was able to take up a forward position without having to make too much use of the horse and FLYING BONUS then travelled satisfactorily in the lead. He said however that after being placed under pressure in the Straight, the horse did not respond and gave ground over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of FLYING BONUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SONIC FIGHTER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and also found it to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SONIC FIGHTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. REGENCY LEGEND and JING JING WIN were sent for sampling.