20/01/2019  Shatin  Race 4

EZRA and HAPPY ALUMNI were slow to begin. GREAT VICTORY began awkwardly and was then bumped by GALLANT SPIRIT which shifted out. FULL OF BEAUTY lost its left front plate on jumping. From the outside barrier, CHARIZARD was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, EZRA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARIZARD. After the 900 Metres, FLYING LOVER was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, PERFECT PAIR made the turn awkwardly after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING LOVER. Near the 700 Metres, GREAT VICTORY commenced to travel keenly and became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of GALLANT SPIRIT. Passing the 700 Metres, PERFECT PAIR was bumped and taken wider by EPTIWINS which shifted out away from the heels of FABULOUS EIGHT which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COOLCELEB. EMPIRE OF PATCH was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. FABULOUS EIGHT was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then near the 300 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of COOLCELEB which was taken out by CRAIG’S STAR. HAPPY ALUMNI, which was racing to the outside of FABULOUS EIGHT, was bumped by that horse in consequence. After this, HAPPY ALUMNI also had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of EPTIWINS and then near the 150 Metres was momentarily held up for clear running behind FLYING LOVER. HAPPY ALUMNI then shifted to the inside of FLYING LOVER, causing FABULOUS EIGHT to be momentarily crowded for room between HAPPY ALUMNI and COOLCELEB which was giving ground. YEE CHEONG PEGASUS had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200 Metres. After the race, G van Niekerk expressed concern regarding the action of FLYING LOVER. A veterinary inspection of FLYING LOVER immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg, however, it was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING LOVER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on EZRA at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of FABULOUS EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FULL OF BEAUTY and CRAIG’S STAR were sent for sampling.