05/04/2020  Shatin  Race 7

AETHERO, which began only fairly, was then checked on jumping when crowded for room between FULL OF BEAUTY and MR STUNNING which was taken out by VOYAGE WARRIOR (C Y Ho) which began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly. In this incident, MR STUNNING also lost ground when crowded for room and FULL OF BEAUTY became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by AETHERO. After the race, C Y Ho reported that his left knee made heavy contact with the outside gate in this incident. C Y Ho was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. From the outside barrier, D B PIN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 900 Metres, BIG PARTY and THANKS FOREVER bumped. Passing the 900 Metres, AETHERO shifted in away from BIG PARTY and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOT KING PRAWN. AETHERO then got its head up when being checked away from the heels of BIG PARTY (K C Leung) which shifted in. After this, AETHERO got its head up for some distance when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind BIG PARTY. As the Stewards were satisfied that AETHERO’s racing manners at this time had largely contributed to this incident, they elected not to issue a charge of careless riding against K C Leung. However, he was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 550 Metres, THANKS FOREVER was bumped by AETHERO (Z Purton) when racing tight outside that horse as a result of AETHERO improving to the outside of BIG PARTY. Z Purton was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 300 Metres, HOT KING PRAWN was shifted to the inside of VOYAGE WARRIOR after being disappointed for running between that horse and BIG PARTY. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AETHERO, Z Purton stated that as it did at its first up run this season AETHERO did not begin well which resulted in the horse being in a position to be crowded for room. He said the manner in which the horse began together with the crowding resulted in AETHERO having to race behind runners today and when in this position AETHERO did not settle and got its head up for a considerable distance after the 900 Metres due to its own racing manners and also being crowded for room inside BIG PARTY. He said this was similar to the manner in which the horse reacted when behind runners at its first up run this season. He said AETHERO never travelled comfortably and also did not seem to appreciate the loose surface which had been cut up by earlier races. He said he placed AETHERO under heavy pressure after the 400 Metres, however, the horse did not respond and gave ground noticeably over the latter stages. He added having regard to the manner in which the horse began and raced today and the similarities between today’s race and its first up race this season, he was of the opinion that AETHERO may derive benefit from its first up run. A veterinary inspection of AETHERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of AETHERO, which finished at the tail of the field as favourite, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, AETHERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AETHERO, VOYAGE WARRIOR and HOT KING PRAWN were sent for sampling.