27/09/2020  Shatin  Race 6

NOBLE BIRTH began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between BLOTTING PAPER and VIVA COUNCIL which also began awkwardly and shifted out. NOBLE BIRTH was then bumped by VIVA COUNCIL which was steadied when crowded for room outside HANDSOME REBEL which shifted out. After this VIVA COUNCIL and NOBLE BIRTH raced tight. Despite being ridden vigorously for some distance in the early stages, VIVA COUNCIL failed to muster speed. FORTUNE HAPPINESS shifted out at the start and made contact with STARLIGHT. FORTUNE HAPPINESS was then bumped a short distance after the start by WAR LORD which got its head on the side and shifted out. From the outside barrier, STAR SUPERIOR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 800 Metres, VIVA COUNCIL momentarily raced tight inside NOBLE BIRTH which shifted in away from the heels of FORTUNE HAPPINESS. Approaching the 100 Metres, DEMONS ROCK was shifted to the outside of DOLLAR REWARD to continue improving. Throughout the race, GREAT SON travelled wide and without cover. The performance of STARLIGHT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STARLIGHT 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 STARLIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton stated that PEARL CHAMPION did not travel well at any stage of the race. He said he had to ride his mount aggressively throughout the early and middle stages in order to have it maintain its position, however, PEARL CHAMPION was not able to remain racing to the outside of DEMONS ROCK after the 800 Metres when laying in and not travelling well. He added PEARL CHAMPION continued to hang in and then in the Straight did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of PEARL CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PEARL CHAMPION, favourite for today’s race and which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PEARL CHAMPION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HANDSOME REBEL, K Teetan stated that he was able to obtain a good position on HANDSOME REBEL in the early stages behind the lead as was the case when the horse was successful at its last start. He said after following FORTUNE HAPPINESS from the 800 Metres, HANDSOME REBEL initially travelled satisfactorily, however, came off the bridle after the 600 Metres and struggled to maintain its position behind FORTUNE HAPPINESS. He said he rode his mount aggressively rounding the Home Turn, however, HANDSOME REEL came under pressure and gave ground. He added, despite being ridden out in the Straight, HANDSOME REBEL did not respond and was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race, particularly in comparison to its last start when successful. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME REBEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HANDSOME REBEL, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HANDSOME REBEL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PEARL CHAMPION, BLOTTING PAPER and FORTUNE HAPPINESS were sent for sampling.