19/02/2020  Shatin  Race 3

HARBOUR ALERT stumbled at the start and shifted out, resulting in SHIMMER AND SHINE, which began only fairly, being crowded for room. From a wide barrier, FAIRY TWINS was steadied to obtain cover. STRATHCLYDE failed to muster speed when ridden along from a wide barrier and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Near the 700 Metres, THE ABRAXAS was left racing very wide and without cover. Near the 250 Metres, SHIMMER AND SHINE raced tight outside VIVA COUNCIL which raced with its head on the side and shifted out after being brushed by EXCEL DELIGHT. Passing the 250 Metres, WONDER BRAHMA and FAIRY TWINS raced tight. After the race, L Hewitson stated that HARBOUR ALERT, which commenced to give ground from the 600 Metres, did not feel comfortable in its action at any stage of the race. A veterinary inspection of HARBOUR ALERT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HARBOUR ALERT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. As this was the second consecutive occasion that HARBOUR ALERT had finished tailed out in its race, the Stewards ruled that it must undertake a series of satisfactory consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. After the race, J Moreira stated that IRON KING initially quickened satisfactorily for him in the early part of the Straight and it was not until the final 100 Metres that the horse gave ground. He said, in his opinion, IRON KING’s failure to finish off the race could be attributed to its relative immaturity. A veterinary inspection of IRON KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WINS ALL and THE ABRAXAS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. IRON KING, VIVA COUNCIL and SHIMMER AND SHINE were sent for sampling.