08/02/2020  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, both C Y Ho (STAR OF YUEN LONG) and J Moreira (CRAIG’S STAR) expressed concern regarding the action of their respective mounts. An inspection of STAR OF YUEN LONG and CRAIG’S STAR by the Veterinary Officer found STAR OF YUEN LONG to be lame in the right front leg whilst CRAIG’S STAR was found to be lame in the left front leg and accordingly were not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, STAR OF YUEN LONG and CRAIG’S STAR were both withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, STAR OF YUEN LONG and CRAIG’S STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HERCULES began only fairly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BIG FORTUNE shifted in at the start and bumped GOOD BEAUTY which was then shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. PRANCE DRAGON shifted in at the start and bumped PERFECT PAIR. From the outside barrier, AMAZING LUCK was steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start. At the entrance to the Straight, GLORIOUS LOVER got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of PRANCE DRAGON. GLORIOUS LOVER then had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the Straight before being shifted to the outside of TOP SCORE approaching the 100 Metres. GLORIOUS LOVER was then awkwardly placed outside TOP SCORE as that horse shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. Near the 150 Metres, AMAZING LUCK was shifted to the outside of PRANCE DRAGON to improve between that horse and HERCULES. AMAZING LUCK then raced in restricted room approaching and passing the 100 Metres due to PRANCE DRAGON shifting out under pressure. This resulted in AMAZING LUCK being held up for clear running and making contact with the hindquarters of HERCULES. AMAZING LUCK was then not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, CANTSTOPTHEFEELING travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of CANTSTOPTHEFEELING immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SHINING GEM, L Hewitson stated that as the horse was up in distance today, he rode his mount along in the early stages to obtain a midfield position. He said when TOP SCORE maintained its position to his inside, he was left racing wide and therefore he steadied his mount passing the 1200 Metres in an attempt to obtain cover behind that horse. He said as CIRCUIT THREE maintained its position behind TOP SCORE, he was not able to shift in and consequently raced three wide throughout the race. He said despite being up in distance, SHINING GEM did not travel as well as anticipated throughout the middle stages and was always under pressure to maintain its position. He added he had to ride SHINING GEM aggressively rounding the Home Turn in an attempt to improve his position, however, SHINING GEM did not quicken and then did not close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SHINING GEM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FORCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CIRCUIT THREE and TOP SCORE were sent for sampling.