12/04/2020  Shatin  Race 9

ZERO HEDGE began only fairly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of KURPANY which became unbalanced. OOGA CHAKA shifted in at the start and bumped TRUST ME. DAY DAY RICH began only fairly. HEART CONQUERED began awkwardly and bumped JUMBO ENGINE. After travelling a short distance, VALIANT DREAM and LE TERROIR bumped. Over the final 400 Metres, KURPANY hung in under pressure. Approaching the 200 Metres, LUCKY PUZZLE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HELAKU KNIGHT when racing tight outside OOGA CHAKA. When questioned regarding the performance of TRUST ME, C Schofield stated that after being placed in the barriers TRUST ME was fractious and momentarily rested its right front leg on the front gates. He said after this TRUST ME stood well, jumped satisfactorily and then was able to take up a midfield position in the early and middle stages. He said he anticipated the horse would finish off the race strongly from this position as TRUST ME had appeared to race well when coming from a midfield position previously. He said however TRUST ME came under pressure after the 400 Metres and did not quicken as he expected. He said he rode TRUST ME vigorously prior to the 300 Metres, however, the horse did not finish off the race and, in his opinion, was disappointing. He added TRUST ME was backing up quickly after its last start success and was rising in grade today and he felt that the quick backup may have been the reason for the horse’s disappointing performance as TRUST ME raced "flat” today. A veterinary inspection of TRUST ME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRUST ME, a winner of its two most recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRUST ME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VALIANT DREAM, BALTIC SUCCESS and FLYING GENIUS were sent for sampling. <14/4/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that VALIANT DREAM was lame in its left hind leg with a minor wound to the left hind pastern on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, VALIANT DREAM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.