01/01/2019  Shatin  Race 7

TEAM SPIRIT shifted out at the start and bumped LUCKY DOLLAR. From a wide barrier, TOP SCORE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, LUCKY DOLLAR got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of FLYING BONUS. Then passing the 900 Metres, GENTLE BREEZE was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY DOLLAR. BULB ELITE was held up for clear running until near the 300 Metres. After the 300 Metres, KEY WITNESS shifted out and bumped LUCKY DOLLAR. Approaching the 100 Metres, TOP SCORE was shifted out away from the heels of GAMECHANGERS to continue improving. TOP SCORE then raced tight inside BULB ELITE over the concluding stages. GAMECHANGERS was not able to obtain clear running at any stage of the Straight and consequently was not tested. Throughout the race, FLYING BONUS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, A Badel stated that HERO TIME felt very stiff in front during the early and middle stages. He said he tried to urge the horse forward shortly after the start to obtain a closer position to the field as it became detached in the early stages. He said, despite being ridden along, HERO TIME did not improve its position and it was not until well into the Home Straight before the horse commenced to free up in its action. He added HERO TIME made up some ground in the latter part of the Straight, however, still finished at the tail of the field. A veterinary inspection of HERO TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of HERO TIME, which was detached from the field for the majority of the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HERO TIME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GENTLE BREEZE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY DOLLAR immediately following the horse confirmed the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on YOUNG LEGEND at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG LEGEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. YOUNG LEGEND and TEAM SPIRIT were sent for sampling.