02/02/2019  Shatin  Race 9

HAPPY SEBRING began very awkwardly and made heavy contact with the outside of its gate, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. D Whyte reported after the race that in this incident he injured his left foot due to the manner in which HAPPY SEBRING began. D Whyte was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer who said that he was not suitable to fulfil his remaining race riding engagement. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY SEBRING will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From wide barriers, WILLIE WAY and CHEERFUL STAR were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 1600 Metres, DYNAMIC EAGLE was severely checked when crowded for room inside TASHIDELEK (K C Leung) which, after being ridden along, shifted in abruptly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRAVEL FIRST. K C Leung was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, TRAVEL FIRST was sufficiently clear of TASHIDELEK to cross his mount. He was further advised that as he was looking to his inside to ensure that he was clear of DYNAMIC EAGLE, TASHIDELEK improved to be racing close to the heels of TRAVEL FIRST but that at that stage he was continuing to ride his mount along. He was told that the Stewards gave consideration as to whether he was careless in this matter such that a charge of careless riding should be issued against him. However, having regard to the manner in which TASHIDELEK shifted in abruptly when being checked away from the heels of TRAVEL FIRST, the Stewards elected not to proceed to issue a charge of careless riding, rather Jockey Leung was severely reprimanded and told that he must be alert to the circumstances of a race as they occur in order to avoid causing interference to other runners. When DYNAMIC EAGLE was checked, WARM THE VOICE, which was following, was severely checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. DYNAMIC EAGLE also lost its left hind plate in this incident. After the race, DYNAMIC EAGLE was found to have sustained a small wound behind the left hind fetlock and lateral heel bulb. CLASSIC BEAUTY lost its right hind plate at the 1300 Metres. After the 1000 Metres, CLASSIC BEAUTY was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, DYNAMIC EAGLE was awkwardly placed behind XIANG BAI QI. TASHIDELEK was held up for clear running until near the 200 Metres. CHEERFUL STAR had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WARM THE VOICE, M L Yeung stated that after striking significant interference in the early stages, WARM THE VOICE appeared reluctant to race amongst other horses. He said he shifted WARM THE VOICE to the outside of runners in the Straight, however, the horse did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of WARM THE VOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, MARZOUQ was found to be displaying the thumps and was subsequently sent to Equine Hospital for further evaluation. TIANCHI MONSTER and MARZOUQ were sent for sampling.