20/10/2019  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, JUDY’S STAR reared and consequently lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, JUDY’S STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. WINSTON’S LAD began awkwardly. MENAGGIO was bumped at the start by RICH AND LUCKY which was taken out by SPARKLING DOLPHIN which shifted ground after beginning awkwardly. From wide barriers, SUPER EIGHTEEN and VIGOR CHAMP were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1000 Metres, MASTER ALBERT, which improved into tight running inside SPARKLING DOLPHIN, was briefly crowded for room inside that horse which shifted in. WINSTON’S LAD, which was racing to the inside of MASTER ALBERT, was inconvenienced in consequence. After the 1000 Metres, TARGET FINDER travelled keenly and was momentarily awkwardly placed behind YICHUN BLITZ. Approaching the 700 Metres, YICHUN BLITZ, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed behind MASTER ALBERT. After the 400 Metres, TARGET FINDER was shifted out away from the heels of MENAGGIO which improved to the outside of IRISH VEGA. In the Straight, IRISH VEGA lay in under pressure. After the race, M F Poon expressed concern regarding the action of SUPER EIGHTEEN which finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of SUPER EIGHTEEN immediately following the race found that horse to be distressed. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER EIGHTEEN 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, B Shinn stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position on QUADRUPLE DOUBLE. He said after riding his mount along initially for a short distance in the early stages, QUADRUPLE DOUBLE was able to obtain the lead without having to be made further use of. He said after the 1100 Metres he commenced to steady QUADRUPLE DOUBLE, however, the horse would not relax as he expected. He said he continued to attempt to steady QUADRUPLE DOUBLE in the lead as he was aware that the race, in the middle stages, was being run at a faster tempo than he hoped, however, he was reluctant to place more pressure on the horse than he did as he did not want to break its stride. He added the race being run quicker than what had been anticipated in the middle stages was as a result of QUADRUPLE DOUBLE’s failure to relax with him in the lead. BIG FORTUNE and QUADRUPLE DOUBLE were sent for sampling. <21/10/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>SUPER EIGHTEEN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was distressed. SUPER EIGHTEEN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A T Millard this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a stiff and restricted action. As previously advised, SUPER EIGHTEEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.