08/05/2019  Shatin  Race 3

INVESTOR BOOM shifted out at the start and bumped SURE SUPREME. OTOUTO shifted out at the start and bumped JIMSON THE FAMOUS and then a short distance after the start was bumped by ADONIS which shifted out. Then, despite being vigorously ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages, OTOUTO failed to muster speed. From the outside barrier, STAR SUPERIOR was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 700 Metres, SURE SUPREME was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 350 Metres, THE HAPPY BUNCH raced tight outside EXPONENTS which shifted out when improving to the outside of HIDDEN SPIRIT. After the race, M F Poon (THE HAPPY BUNCH) stated that the horse never travelled on the bit at any stage of the race and was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of THE HAPPY BUNCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. When questioned regarding his riding of INVESTOR BOOM over the final 200 Metres, Apprentice C Wong said that his mount was commencing to finish off the race after the 250 Metres and he was aware of ADONIS racing in advance of INVESTOR BOOM. He said he was also aware of JIMSON THE FAMOUS racing outside of INVESTOR BOOM, so he was reluctant to shift immediately to the outside of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR as he was concerned that he may cause interference to JIMSON THE FAMOUS. He said he therefore steadied his mount for a short distance after the 200 Metres at which time there was sufficient room for INVESTOR BOOM to shift to the outside of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR. He said after improving to the outside of that horse after the 150 Metres, he then placed his mount under pressure, however, INVESTOR BOOM hung out and close to the finishing line shifted out and bumped JIMSON THE FAMOUS. He said because of this he was restricted in his riding out of the horse over the concluding stages. Apprentice Wong was advised that given that ADONIS and MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR were some way in advance of INVESTOR BOOM, he should have commenced to position his mount to the outside of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR after the 300 Metres so that INVESTOR BOOM’s momentum would not be impeded by him having to stop riding and shifting to the outside of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR. A veterinary inspection of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR and ADONIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of STRIKING MR C immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. THE HAPPY BUNCH, EXPONENTS and FAME AND FORTUNE were sent for sampling.