15/12/2019  Shatin  Race 4

From the outside barriers, VICTORIOUS SEEKER, VIRTUS STAR, ROMANTIC JOURNEY and GOLDEN TURBO were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. CHAPARRAL STAR was steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start. Passing the 1500 Metres, VIRTUS STAR shifted out away from the heels of PROUD SKY which shifted out. Approaching the 1400 Metres, TIGERLAD was steadied away from the heels of OUR GREEN (M F Poon) which shifted in when not properly clear before being directed out to relieve the tightening to TIGERLAD. M F Poon was reprimanded. Passing the 800 Metres, ROMANTIC JOURNEY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VICTORIOUS SEEKER. Passing the 350 Metres, VICTORIOUS SEEKER was held up for clear running behind DIVINE POWER and after being directed to the inside of that horse near the 300 Metres was steadied for some distance after this when unable to improve inside DIVINE POWER which was taken in by REEVE’S MUNTJAC. This resulted in VICTORIOUS SEEKER being held up for clear running until near the 200 Metres. Then over the concluding stages, VICTORIOUS SEEKER raced close to the heels of DIVINE POWER. Throughout the race, MCMUNIGAL travelled wide and without cover. After the race. Z Purton reported that he was not able to offer any reason for the disappointing performance of VIRTUS STAR. A veterinary inspection of VIRTUS STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PROUD SKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VIRTUS STAR, WICKER and CHAPARRAL STAR were sent for sampling. <16/12/2019 Additional Veterinary Reports>PROUD SKY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. PROUD SKY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer L Ho this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, PROUD SKY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.