11/01/2020  Shatin  Race 10

BUTTERFIELD began awkwardly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HELENE CHARISMA began only fairly. From the outside barrier, SUPERICH was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Despite being hard ridden for some distance in the early stages, CIRCUIT NUMBER TWO failed to muster speed and after the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 900 Metres, NICCONI EXPRESS got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind GOOD OMEN. BAND OF BROTHERS travelled keenly passing the 800 Metres and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRIVATE SECRETARY. Passing the 350 Metres, COLUMBUS COUNTY was very awkwardly placed behind PRIVATE SECRETARY when held up for clear running behind that horse which at this time shifted out marginally away from PRECIOUSSHIP. When being checked away from the heels of PRIVATE SECRETARY, COLUMBUS COUNTY struck the heels of that horse which was dragged down behind, became badly unbalanced and shifted out a number of horses, causing COLUMBUS COUNTY to be further hampered and to shift out, inconveniencing CIRCUIT NUMBER TWO. Over the concluding stages, NICCONI EXPRESS lay in towards the heels of COLUMBUS COUNTY and consequently was not able to be fully tested. When questioned regarding the performance of PRIVATE SECRETARY, T Piccone stated that after travelling keenly when being steadied to allow CORDYCEPS to cross after the 1100 Metres, PRIVATE SECRETARY then travelled well. He said he shifted his mount to the outside of CORDYCEPS at the entrance to the Straight and anticipated that the horse would close off strongly, however, PRIVATE SECRETARY immediately came under heavy pressure. He said after PRIVATE SECRETARY became unbalanced when struck on the heels by COLUMBUS COUNTY near the 300 Metres, the horse gave ground and failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of PRIVATE SECRETARY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, PRIVATE SECRETARY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of KING OPIE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, KING OPIE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PRECIOUSSHIP and COLUMBUS COUNTY were sent for sampling.