14/04/2019  Shatin  Race 5

FORTUNE PATROL and ENJOYABLE SUCCESS began only fairly. BEST EFFORT began awkwardly. VICTORY FOLLOW ME and PROUD SKY were crowded for room on jumping between TRIUMPH and DOCTORS DELIGHT, both of which shifted ground. Then after being ridden along for a short distance, PROUD SKY failed to muster speed and subsequently travelled very wide and without cover for the majority of the race. From wide barriers, GORGEOUS AGAIN and YOUNG GLORY were both shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Rounding the Home Turn, MONEY MARSHAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPH which was commencing to give ground. Then passing the 400 Metres, MONEY MARSHAL was steadied when disappointed for running between TRIUMPH and DOCTORS DELIGHT where there was insufficient room. Passing the 400 Metres, VIRTUS STAR was awkwardly placed behind PEARL FURU (N Callan) when attempting to improve outside that horse. Then passing the 350 Metres, TRIUMPH, which was continuing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of VIRTUS STAR which, when endeavouring to improve to the outside of PEARL FURU, was taken out by that horse which shifted out under pressure. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that VIRTUS STAR had not established running to the outside of PEARL FURU, nonetheless N Callan was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. After this, TRIUMPH finished tailed out. The performance of TRIUMPH was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 300 Metres, GORGEOUS AGAIN was held up for clear running and near the 250 Metres was directed to the outside of YOUNG GLORY to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, DOCTORS DELIGHT was crowded for room between PROUD SKY and VIRTUS STAR which, after initially being taken out by PEARL FURU, then shifted out away from that horse. Throughout the race, DOCTORS DELIGHT travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of ENJOYABLE SUCCESS and PROUD SKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEST EFFORT and FORTUNE PATROL were sent for sampling.