24/05/2020  Shatin  Race 9

HAPPY SEBRING stood flat-footed as the start was effected and lost a considerable amount of ground. Having regard to HAPPY SEBRING’s previous record of being slow to begin, the Stewards ruled that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to being permitted to race again. CHAMPION SUPREME was checked when crowded for room on jumping between SACRED IBIS and DUCKETT’S GROVE, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, CHAMPION SUPREME stumbled after striking heels and both SACRED IBIS and DUCKETT’S GROVE became badly unbalanced due to contact with CHAMPION SUPREME. A short distance after the start, DYNAMIC EAGLE was hampered and steadied away from the heels of TANGMERE which was taken out by WORLD FAMOUS. From the outside barrier, DEFINING MOMENT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, SACRED IBIS was steadied away from the heels of DUCKETT’S GROVE which was being steadied to obtain cover behind TANGMERE. SACRED IBIS lost its left hind plate passing the 1000 Metres. DUCKETT’S GROVE raced wide and without cover after the 900 Metres and then in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of DUCKETT’S GROVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DUCKETT’S GROVE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DUCKETT’S GROVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 200 Metres, CHAMPION SUPREME was shifted in away from the heels of WORLD FAMOUS which was giving ground. Throughout the race, CHARITY GO travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Apprentice C Wong stated that after travelling well when enjoying an uncontested lead, WORLD FAMOUS immediately came under pressure when ENZEMBLE moved up to race alongside WORLD FAMOUS passing the 400 Metres. He said after this WORLD FAMOUS came under heavy pressure and was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of WORLD FAMOUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DEFINING MOMENT and ENZEMBLE were sent for sampling.