22/03/2020  Shatin  Race 5

As the start was effected, HAPPY ALUMNI bounded and became very unbalanced which resulted in its rider C Y Ho’s right foot slipping from the stirrup iron which he was able to regather after travelling a short distance. HAPPY ALUMNI consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. The barrier manners of HAPPY ALUMNI were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY ALUMNI will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. Near the 900 Metres, after shifting in and racing tight with GLENEALY GENERALS, PING HAI BRAVO then became awkward inside STANLEY PARK (T H So) which shifted in. This resulted in GLENEALY GENERALS becoming awkwardly placed near the heels of BLOTTING PAPER for a short distance. GLENEALY GENERALS then commenced to race with its head up and was awkwardly placed behind BLOTTING PAPER for some distance due to a slight reduction in the pace. T H So was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he should exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. THE WEATHERMAN, which was following PING HAI BRAVO, was steadied in consequence. Due to the moderate pace approaching and passing the 700 Metres, HAPPY TIME was checked away from the heels of THE WEATHERMAN and GOLDEN SPECTRUM, which was trailing HAPPY TIME, was also checked. At the same stage, BALTIC SUCCESS commenced to over-race and shifted out away from the heels of STANLEY PARK, forcing BEAUTY LOYAL very wide. BALTIC SUCCESS and BEAUTY LOYAL consequently made the Home Turn wide. Approaching the 500 Metres, GOLDEN SPECTRUM raced in restricted room between HAPPY ALUMNI and THE WEATHERMAN which shifted out slightly. After leaving the 300 Metres, HALL OF CHAMP was steadied away from the heels of GLENEALY GENERALS (G van Niekerk) which shifted to the outside of PING HAI BRAVO to obtain clear running. G van Niekerk was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, HALL OF CHAMP was disappointed for running between BALTIC SUCCESS and GLENEALY GENERALS which shifted out marginally. In this incident, G van Niekerk momentarily dropped his left rein. Throughout the race, STANLEY PARK travelled wide and without cover. C Y Ho (HAPPY ALUMNI) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. When questioned, B Shinn stated that it was intended for BALTIC SUCCESS to be ridden in a forward position as is customary. He said however that after beginning only fairly, BALTIC SUCCESS did not show any early speed and when it was apparent to him that a number of runners to his inside were being ridden to take up positions near the lead, he felt it would have been detrimental to the chances of BALTIC SUCCESS to ride the horse with any urgency. He said BALTIC SUCCESS initially settled satisfactorily, however, when the tempo slowed mid-race, BALTIC SUCCESS raced too keenly and was unable to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of BALTIC SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY TIME had sustained superficial abrasions above the left hock and to the outside of the left hind cannon. A veterinary inspection of STANLEY PARK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. PING HAI BRAVO and HAPPY TIME were sent for sampling.