05/05/2019  Shatin  Race 8

Whilst in the saddling stalls, HAPPY TIME had its right front plate refitted. HAPPY TIME was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GREAT SMART began awkwardly and then was steadied away from the heels of GOKO which shifted out. Near the 950 Metres, WAYFOONG VINNIE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of HELLO BEAUTY which was taken out by MULTIMILLION. HAPPY TIME lost its left front plate in the early stages. Passing the 100 Metres, BRIGHT KID was crowded for room between RED DESERT and DIAMOND KING (M L Yeung) which shifted to the inside of MR LUMIERES to continue improving. M L Yeung was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. The performances of WECARE N PROSPER and GREAT SMART, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WECARE N PROSPER and GREAT SMART will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of HAPPY TIME, K C Leung stated that the horse lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began awkwardly. He said HAPPY TIME then lost ground near the 950 Metres when crowded for room between RED DESERT which shifted out after being bumped on the hindquarters by HAPPY TIME and WECARE N PROSPER which was taken in by ORIONIDS. He said it was intended for HAPPY TIME to be ridden in a forward position, however, due to the incidents at the start HAPPY TIME was then required to race towards the rear of the field. He said HAPPY TIME did not travel well at any stage of the race and he had to continually ride the horse in an endeavour to have it race as close in the field as possible. He said, in his opinion, HAPPY TIME’s disappointing performance could be attributed to having to race back in the field rather than in a forward position as had been hoped. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, it was reported that MR LUMIERES had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of WAYFOONG VINNIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY TIME, MULTIMILLION and DIAMOND KING were sent for sampling.