20/10/2019  Shatin  Race 10

FOLLOW ME was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, FOLLOW ME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LAOS ENLIGHTENMENT shifted in at the start and bumped GREAT TREASURE. Shortly after the start, STAR MAJESTIC, which was being steadied to obtain cover, was crowded for room between BEAUTY LOYAL which shifted out and BEST ALLIANCE which was taken in by HAPPY FUN. From the outside barrier, CHARIZARD was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After being ridden along in the early stages to take up a forward position, SUPER WISE travelled keenly in the lead throughout the early and middle stages. At the 400 Metres, EVERYONE’S JOY was shifted to the outside of BEAUTY LOYAL after being disappointed for running between that horse and HAPPY FORCE which shifted out from behind HAPPY FUN. EVERYONE’S JOY was then shifted out further to the outside of PRECIOUSSHIP near the 250 Metres to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the performance of EZRA, K Teetan stated that as today’s race was expected to be run at a good tempo, he was asked to position EZRA in about midfield with cover if possible. He said it was felt that, from the horse’s wide barrier, were use to be made of the horse, given the likely fast tempo, this would not provide EZRA with the best opportunity to finish off the race. He said EZRA was required to race further back in the field than had been hoped as a result of being crowded for room on jumping between HAPPY FUN and BEST ALLIANCE which shifted out. He said he attempted to find cover on EZRA, however, due to the circumstances of the race EZRA travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. He said as the horse was carrying a light weight, he attempted to improve his position after the 700 Metres to be closer to the lead, however, despite being ridden along after the 600 Metres, EZRA would not improve its position. He added he was obliged to ride EZRA vigorously rounding the Home Turn in an endeavour to have it finish off the race, however, EZRA did not quicken and was then very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of EZRA immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. The performance of, EZRA, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EZRA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, M L Yeung stated that whilst HAPPY FORCE did not finish off the race, he believed that it would benefit from today’s race. He said although the horse had had two barrier trials in the lead up to today’s race, he believed that its fitness would improve following today’s race. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FORCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. EZRA, PRECIOUSSHIP and HAPPY FUN were sent for sampling.