08/02/2020  Shatin  Race 5

CHARITY GO began only fairly. SUCH A HAPPINESS shifted in at the start and bumped CHAMPION SUPREME. Despite being ridden along in the early and middle stages, GIANT TURTLE was slow to muster speed and subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. SUPER BULLET lost its right front plate in the early stages. Passing the 700 Metres, CHARITY GO got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind JIMMU. At the 600 Metres, JIMMU was steadied away from the heels of BLASTOISE (J Moreira) which shifted out away from the heels of EPIC which was awkwardly placed behind SUPERBELLA as that horse commenced to give ground abruptly. J Moreira was told that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he does not place undue pressure on other runners in order to improve his position. In this incident, JIMMU bumped the hindquarters of MORE THAN A HORSE which became unbalanced. CHARITY GO, which was following JIMMU, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence, resulting in SUCH A HAPPINESS being taken wider. For some distance after the 600 Metres, EPIC was awkwardly placed behind SUPERBELLA as that horse continued to give ground abruptly and near the 500 Metres was checked away from the heels of that horse. Approaching the 500 Metres, JIMMU raced in restricted room between CHARITY GO and ENZEMBLE which shifted out. Close to the finishing line, I DO commenced to shift out abruptly, requiring its rider, K Teetan, to stop riding and straighten his mount as that horse shifted out towards CHAMPION SUPREME. The performances of SUPERBELLA and EPIC, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERBELLA and EPIC 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, G van Niekerk advised that after passing the winning post he noted that SUPERBELLA made an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of SUPERBELLA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of EPIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BLASTOISE, WORLD FAMOUS and ENZEMBLE were sent for sampling. <10/2/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>SUPERBELLA, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. SUPERBELLA was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer F C Lor yesterday morning. He said at that time he noted the horse to be lame in its left hind leg with a minor laceration to its superficial digital flexor tendon. As previously advised, SUPERBELLA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.