23/11/2019  Shatin  Race 7

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that TIME TO CELEBRATE had lost its right front plate. After this plate was refitted, TIME TO CELEBRATE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. NOTHINGILIKEMORE shifted out at the start and bumped GOOD STANDING. GREEN LUCK shifted out on jumping and bumped ENCOURAGING. From wide barriers, HARMONY VICTORY, DOCTOR GEOFF, TIME TO CELEBRATE and RED WARRIOR were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. FAST MOST FURIOUS was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 1200 Metres, GOOD STANDING was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of ENCOURAGING when that horse was crossing, resulting in GOOD STANDING shifting out marginally and inconveniencing GRACEANDMERCY which was then steadied to obtain cover behind GOOD STANDING. Near the 650 Metres, CHAMPION’S WAY raced tight outside NOTHINGILIKEMORE which shifted out. Approaching the 200 Metres, TIME TO CELEBRATE was taken out by INSAYSHABLE which resulted in TIME TO CELEBRATE racing tight inside HARMONY VICTORY. Due to TIME TO CELEBRATE making slight contact with the hindquarters of HARMONY VICTORY, that horse got its head on the side and lay in, resulting in TIME TO CELEBRATE being steadied when crowded for room between HARMONY VICTORY and INSAYSHABLE which was racing tight outside EXTRA BRUT as that horse commenced to improve to the outside of CHAMPION’S WAY. Then near the 150 Metres, INSAYSHABLE was steadied due to EXTRA BRUT and HARMONY VICTORY shifting ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that this incident was not as a result of any rider carelessness, no further action was taken. Passing the 100 Metres, EXTRA BRUT raced tight inside HARMONY VICTORY which continued to lay in under pressure. After the race, N Callan stated that his saddle again shifted back on GOOD STANDING in the early stages, however, it did not place him at any disadvantage. He said after shifting GOOD STANDING to the outside of ENCOURAGING at the entrance to the Straight, GOOD STANDING did not quicken as expected and then was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the final 200 Metres. He added, in his opinion, carrying a big weight in a fast run race today may have been the reason for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of GOOD STANDING and GRACEANDMERCY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAST MOST FURIOUS and HARMONY VICTORY were sent for sampling.