01/01/2021  Shatin  Race 9

DUKE WAI and CALIFORNIA RAD began only fairly. HIGHLAND FORTUNE began awkwardly and then was severely crowded for room soon after the start when tightened between HAPPY FUN and UGLY WARRIOR which was taken out by LOCKHEED which shifted out on jumping. From wide barriers, WATER DIVINER and MS ALLY, which stumbled on jumping, were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages. At the 1100 Metres, DUKE WAI, HIGHLAND FORTUNE and HAPPY FUN were momentarily crowded for room between CALIFORNIA RAD which shifted out slightly and HONG KONG BET which shifted in before being corrected. After being crossed by TEAM SPIRIT at the 900 Metres, BEAUTY APPLAUSE shifted out around the heels of that horse, resulting in CZARSON being left racing wide and without cover. When the pace slowed at the 800 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR shifted out away from the heels of CZARSON and consequently travelled very wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, CALIFORNIA RAD, which was travelling keenly, improved to be racing inside the heels of DECRYPT which shifted out when travelling keenly. CALIFORNIA RAD then raced tight between DECRYPT and GUY DRAGON for a short distance before being steadied after leaving the 600 Metres. DUKE WAI, which was following CALIFORNIA RAD and also travelling keenly, initially shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of HONG KONG BET and then was checked away from the heels of CALIFORNIA RAD. At the entrance to the Straight, DECRYPT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CZARSON which was then shifted out to provide DECRYPT with sufficient racing room. CALIFORNIA RAD was unable to obtain clear running from on straightening until passing the 200 Metres. WATER DIVINER was held up for clear running from approaching the 300 Metres until after passing the 200 Metres. GUY DRAGON was badly held up for clear running in the Straight and passing the 100 Metres attempted to improve into tight running between LOCKHEED and BEAUTY APPLAUSE which was shifting slight ground under pressure. GUY DRAGON then remained racing tight between LOCKHEED and BEAUTY APPLAUSE and was checked inside the 50 Metres due to BEAUTY APPLAUSE continuing to shift slight ground under pressure. In this incident, LOCKHEED became unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters from GUY DRAGON. GUY DRAGON was not able to be ridden out when it remained badly held up approaching the finishing line. Over the concluding stages, BEAUTY APPLAUSE raced tight between TEAM SPIRIT which shifted out under pressure and LOCKHEED which shifted in when unbalanced. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on LOCKHEED at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LOCKHEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HIGHLAND FORTUNE and CZARSON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA RAD and TEAM SPIRIT were sent for sampling.