20/12/2020  Shatin  Race 9

UNCLE STEVE began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. ROMANTIC COMBO and PRECISE EXPRESS made contact on jumping. For some distance approaching the 1200 Metres, CELESTIAL POWER got its head up when being steadied. Approaching the 600 Metres, UNCLE STEVE proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of CELESTIAL POWER. In this incident, UNCLE STEVE shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of PERFECT TO GREAT which became unbalanced. Then at the entrance to the Straight, UNCLE STEVE was steadied away from the heels of KYRUS UNICORN which shifted out when awkwardly placed behind LUCKY MARYKNOLL. UNCLE STEVE was then unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 300 Metres. KYRUS UNICORN was held up for clear running from on straightening until the 250 Metres. SACRED IBIS had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. At the 250 Metres, TEMPEST EXPRESS was steadied away from the heels of ROMANTIC COMBO due to both horses shifting ground. Apprentice C L Chau, the rider of the 5th placed, UNCLE STEVE, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the finishing line. Following the race, K Teetan stated that although forced to race wide and without cover throughout the event, TEMPEST EXPRESS was still disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of TEMPEST EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TO GREAT and BEAUTY DAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ROMANTIC COMBO, CELESTIAL POWER and KYRUS UNICORN were sent for sampling.