08/03/2020  Shatin  Race 5

SUPREME WITNESS was withdrawn on 7.3.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter THE ABRAXAS (H N Wong). Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME WITNESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, JUDY’S STAR reared and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. Having regard to JUDY’S STAR previous record in respect of its barrier manners, the Stewards ruled that that horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to being permitted to race again. WHAT A STORM, which was having its first race start, refused to jump as the start was effected and took no part in the race. The Stewards ruled that WHAT A STORM must pass a series of consecutive barrier trials prior to being permitted to race again. From a wide barrier, PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, BREEZE OF SPRING was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 250 Metres, EIGHT TRIGRAMS raced tight inside JADE PHOENIX which shifted in. After this, EIGHT TRIGRAMS and JADE PHOENIX raced tight for some distance and made contact, causing both horses to become unbalanced passing the 200 Metres. JADE PHOENIX and EIGHT TRIGRAMS then continued to race tight until passing the 100 Metres. Approaching the 100 Metres, GOOD LUCK FRIEND had difficulty obtaining a run and was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running. Then passing the 50 Metres, JUDY’S STAR raced tight outside GOOD LUCK FRIEND which got its head on the side and lay out. J Moreira (JADE PHOENIX) was fined the sum of $5,000 for using the whip forward of the saddle on a number of occasions. When assessing this matter, the Stewards took into consideration that J Moreira had previously been spoken to regarding this issue. A veterinary inspection of ALLOY STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BRILLIANT immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. JUDY’S STAR, PRESIDENT’S CHOICE and JADE PHOENIX were sent for sampling. <9/3/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that EIGHT TRIGRAMS was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, EIGHT TRIGRAMS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.