05/07/2020  Shatin  Race 8

C Schofield (LE TERROIR) was fined the sum of $3,000 for failing to declare a probable 2 lb overweight on the horse at the time of declaration. On arrival at the Start, C Schofield expressed concern regarding the action of LE TERROIR. After the necessary consultations, LE TERROIR was found to be suitable to race. MOST BEAUTIFUL was slow to begin. CALIFORNIA CONCORD shifted in at the start and made contact with PRECIOUS EXPRESS. GOLFMAN STAR shifted out at the start and bumped AQUILA. SMART FOLKS stumbled at the start. Shortly after the start, CORRIENTHES got its head on the side and shifted in away from GOLFMAN STAR, resulting in CORRIENTHES being checked away from the heels of ELITE PATCH. After travelling a short distance, CALIFORNIA CONCORD shifted out and bumped LE TERROIR which became unbalanced. The performance of SMART FOLKS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SMART FOLKS 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 SMART FOLKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PRECIOUS EXPRESS, which was eased down in the Straight, found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CALIFORNIA CONCORD, K Teetan stated that he had to ride his mount aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said CALIFORNIA CONCORD did not travel well at any stage of the race and he had to continually ride the horse along in an endeavor to maintain its position. He said passing the 600 Metres CALIFORNIA CONCORD commenced to give ground despite being ridden along and then came under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and after this did not finish off the race. He said CALIFORNIA CONCORD did not stretch out at any stage of the race and was not comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CONCORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CALIFORNIA CONCORD, favourite for the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA CONCORD 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 CALIFORNIA CONCORD and AQUILA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY BOY and ELITE PATCH were sent for sampling.