01/01/2021  Shatin  Race 4

SKY GEM was withdrawn on 31.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (respiratory infection) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ENJOYABLE SUCCESS (A Hamelin). Before being allowed to race again, SKY GEM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DRAGON COMMANDER shifted out at the start and hampered FORTUNE PATROL. DRAGON COMMANDER was then steadied and shifted across behind runners soon after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GREAT SMART failed to muster speed. Then passing the 1600 Metres, GREAT SMART was steadied and shifted across to obtain cover. Passing the 1400 Metres, ROCKET HAMMER was steadied when racing tight inside YOUNG GLORY which was awkwardly placed inside GREAT SMART which shifted in. T Piccone (TURF BRILLIANT) was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in approaching the 1300 Metres when not sufficiently clear of JOLLY FOREVER, resulting in JOLLY FOREVER, SOCKET ELITE and SPEED FORCE all being momentarily crowded. JOLLY FOREVER travelled wide and without cover from the 1100 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn. GREAT SMART was awkwardly placed behind THE JOY OF GIVING and DRAGON COMMANDER. YES WE CAN was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of C Soumillon (SPEED FORCE), 4th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, K Teetan said that SOCKET ELITE came under heavy pressure approaching the 600 Metres and then finished off the race one-paced. He said that, in his view, the horse is better suited at Happy Valley. When questioned, V Borges stated that he was instructed to be positive on FORTUNE PATROL and endeavour to take up a forward position. He said he rode the horse from the barriers as instructed and it was able to assume the lead without being pressured to do so. When questioned, T Piccone stated that, as instructed, he rode TURF BRILLIANT positively in the early stages to take up a prominent position. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily, however, quickly came under pressure and was disappointing in the Straight. He said that, in his view, the horse is clearly better suited on the All Weather surface. A veterinary inspection of TURF BRILLIANT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE immediately following the race found that horse to be mildly lame in its left front leg. A veterinary inspection of GREAT SMART immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT SMART will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY FOREVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE, YES WE CAN and PROUD SKY were sent for sampling.