01/10/2019  Shatin  Race 1

SUPER EIGHTEEN began awkwardly and lost ground. Then despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, SUPER EIGHTEEN was slow to muster speed. MASTER ALBERT was checked on jumping when crowded between GOLDEN MISSION and FOREVER SHARP which was taken out by ONE HAPPY STAR which was in turn taken out by BEST FOR YOU. After this, from wide barriers, MASTER ALBERT and GOLDEN MISSION were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from the outside barrier, GUN GUN WIN was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, IRON BRAVO was bumped by E STAR which was taken in marginally by BEST FOR YOU which, when being steadied, got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. Also passing the 1000 Metres, WINNER APPROACH commenced to race greenly and shifted in abruptly, resulting in SUPER EIGHTEEN being momentarily crowded for room. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, WINNER APPROACH lay out, resulting in MASTER ALBERT being taken out and causing GOLDEN MISSION to be inconvenienced. Approaching the 650 Metres, WINNER APPROACH got its head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of IRON BRAVO after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. When WINNER APPROACH shifted out, it struck the heels of ONE HAPPY STAR and blundered badly, resulting in its rider, R Bayliss, becoming badly unbalanced and losing the use of his left stirrup iron for the remainder of the race. WINNER APPROACH was consequently eased out of the race. The racing manners of WINNER APPROACH, which was having its first race start today, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINNER APPROACH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of WINNER APPROACH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ONE HAPPY STAR had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. As FOREVER SHARP commenced to give ground, it was momentarily awkwardly placed inside EIGHT TRIGRAMS approaching the 300 Metres. After this, FOREVER SHARP continued to give ground and lay out. Near the 200 Metres, IRON BRAVO, which was attempting to improve to the outside of FOREVER SHARP, was checked away from the heels of that horse which again shifted out when weakening. In this incident, GOLDEN MISSION, which was racing outside IRON BRAVO, was momentarily awkwardly placed between that horse and BEST FOR YOU. Passing the 250 Metres, H W Lai (VEGA RHYTHM) dropped his whip. Passing the 50 Metres, SUPER EIGHTEEN was shifted out away from the heels of GOOD VIEW CLARICO when held up for running behind that horse and inside VEGA RHYTHM. Throughout the race, BEST FOR YOU and GUN GUN WIN travelled wide and without cover. T H So, the rider of ONE HAPPY STAR, was reminded of his obligation regarding the amount of whip to be used on a horse over the concluding stages when not in contention for the placings. A veterinary inspection of GOOD VIEW CLARICO and SUPER EIGHTEEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. E STAR and EIGHT TRIGRAMS were sent for sampling. <2/10/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNER APPROACH, which was eased out of the race, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNER APPROACH was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg with a swollen tendon. As previously advised, WINNER APPROACH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend before being allowed to race again. It will now also be subjected to an official veterinary examination.