02/02/2020  Shatin  Race 2

ONE HAPPY STAR was withdrawn on 1.2.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter V CHEVALIERS (H T Mo). Before being allowed to race again, ONE HAPPY STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY ICHIBAN and SHANGHAI POWER bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, WONDER EXPRESS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After initially being ridden along in the early stages, JUNEAU PARK was steadied approaching the 1100 Metres to obtain cover from a wide barrier. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SHANGHAI POWER commenced to travel very keenly and got its head up when being steadied to allow TATTENHALL FORTUNE to cross. Also approaching the 1000 Metres, JADE PHOENIX momentarily raced in restricted room between HAPPY ICHIBAN and POWER KING which shifted in. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, JADE PHOENIX was crowded for room between POWER KING and HAPPY ICHIBAN which made the turn awkwardly and shifted out. In the early part of the Straight, POWER KING got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Passing the 400 Metres, WONDER EXPRESS was shifted out away from the heels of JUNEAU PARK to obtain clear running. TEAM POWER was held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 300 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, JADE PHOENIX was shifted to the inside of POWER KING after being disappointed for running outside that horse and inside JUNEAU PARK. JADE PHOENIX then momentarily raced tight inside the heels of POWER KING which lay in approaching the 100 Metres. Near the 50 Metres, JADE PHOENIX was shifted to the outside of EIGHT TRIGRAMS to continue improving and then over the concluding stages raced tight between EIGHT TRIGRAMS and POWER KING. Throughout the race, REGENCY POET travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if SMART CHARADE had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the videos, it was established that as the start was effected, SMART CHARADE reared abruptly and struck its head on the overhead barrier structure, resulting in the horse becoming badly unbalanced and then taking no part in the race. As the Stewards were satisfied that the manner in which SMART CHARADE began was not as a result of any external influence, that horse was found to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly was deemed as a runner. Before being allowed to race again, SMART CHARADE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. A veterinary inspection of SMART CHARADE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. POWER KING, EIGHT TRIGRAMS and TEAM POWER were sent for sampling.