17/05/2020  Shatin  Race 1

AEROFLASH began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MASTER ROMAN which became unbalanced. GOLDEN KID was slow to begin. From wide barriers, THE JOY OF GIVING and STRAPPING BAUHINIA were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, AMAZING AGILITY was crowded for room inside GREAT SMART which, after improving quickly to be racing inside the heels of YOUNG GLORY, was then momentarily crowded inside that horse which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. In this incident, MASTER ROMAN, which was following AMAZING AGILITY, was steadied. MASTER ROMAN lost its right front plate in the early stages. KING PRINT raced wide and without cover from approaching the 1000 Metres. Passing the 1000 Metres, REEVE’S MUNTJAC was taken wider by GOLDEN KID which shifted out to improve around ENJOYABLE SUCCESS. Near the 900 Metres, SKY GEM and GOLDEN KID raced tight and made contact for some distance as SKY GEM shifted out to improve into tight running between GREAT SMART and GOLDEN KID. After racing in restricted room between GREAT SMART and GOLDEN KID, SKY GEM was then steadied passing the 800 Metres when GREAT SMART shifted out marginally. Passing the 600 Metres, MERIDIAN TALENT raced tight inside YOUNG GLORY which got its head on the side and lay in. Rounding the Home Turn, YOUNG GLORY and KING PRINT raced tight as YOUNG GLORY attempted to shift out from behind ASSOCIATION FANS. YOUNG GLORY was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of ASSOCIATION FANS when held up for clear running after being unable to improve between that horse and KING PRINT. MERIDIAN TALENT was held up for clear running passing the 400 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, GREAT SMART and MASTER ROMAN bumped as MASTER ROMAN attempted to shift out to obtain clear running. In this incident, MASTER ROMAN became unbalanced. Both Apprentice C L Chau (THE JOY OF GIVING) and C Y Ho (REEVE’S MUNTJAC) were spoken to regarding using the whip on a horse out of contention. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on REEVE’S MUNTJAC at the request of Trainer C H Yip. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. Before being allowed to race again, REEVE’S MUNTJAC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of THE JOY OF GIVING and AEROFLASH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SKY GEM and ENJOYABLE SUCCESS were sent for sampling.