27/06/2020  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, J Moreira expressed concern regarding the action of LONDON LUCKYSTAR. A veterinary examination of LONDON LUCKYSTAR found that horse to be lame in its left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, LONDON LUCKYSTAR was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, LONDON LUCKYSTAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLEAR CHOICE shifted out at the start and bumped SINCERE BOY, causing both horses to become unbalanced. From the outside barriers, WEALTHY EMPLOYEE, KYRUS UNICORN and ENFOLDING were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1400 Metres, GAMEPLAYER TIMES commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of SINCERE BOY which was being steadied to obtain cover. GAMEPLAYER TIMES then shifted out abruptly away from the heels of SINCERE BOY and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. In the early stages, PING HAI TREASURE was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 1000 Metres. Approaching the 1100 Metres, KYRUS UNICORN commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MISSION TYCOON. Near the 600 Metres, CLEAR CHOICE (K Teetan) lay in when awkwardly placed behind GAMEPLAYER TIMES, resulting in MISSION TYCOON being momentarily crowded and losing ground. KYRUS UNICORN, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of MISSION TYCOON in consequence. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no carelessness exhibited by K Teetan in this incident, no further action was taken. Approaching the 200 Metres, KYRUS UNICORN was shifted in away from the heels of CLEAR CHOICE which shifted in under pressure. When questioned regarding the performance of CLEAR CHOICE, K Teetan stated that he was able to obtain a good position on the horse in the early stages without having to make too much use of it. He said CLEAR CHOICE travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages, however, came under pressure approaching the 600 Metres and commenced to lay in. He said CLEAR CHOICE immediately came off the bridle and then would not respond to his riding when the eventual winner TOUCH OF LUCK was able to quicken away from CLEAR CHOICE rounding the Home Turn. He added then in the Straight CLEAR CHOICE gave ground and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of CLEAR CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CLEAR CHOICE, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLEAR CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of KYRUS UNICORN and ENFOLDING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MISSION TYCOON immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. CLEAR CHOICE, TOUCH OF LUCK and SINCERE BOY were sent for sampling. <29/6/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that SINCERE BOY was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SINCERE BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLEAR CHOICE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. CLEAR CHOICE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, CLEAR CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.