14/02/2021  Shatin  Race 2

BLAZING PARTNERS began awkwardly, shifted in at the start and bumped NOBLE MAN. MANNA FROM HEAVEN shifted out at the start and bumped JIANGXI STAMINA. APOLAR WARRIOR began only fairly. BREAK RECORD shifted out at the start and bumped SURE WIN WIN. FOR FUN’S SAKE was slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, FOR FUN’S SAKE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From the outside barrier, UNIVERSAL RECORD was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1300 Metres, SEIZE THE SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GORGEOUS INHERITOR when being shifted in behind that horse. This resulted in SEIZE THE SPIRIT shifting out marginally, causing BREAK RECORD to race tight inside SURE WIN WIN. SEIZE THE SPIRIT then got its head up on a number of occasions when travelling keenly as that horse was being steadied to obtain cover. Passing the 1200 Metres, BREAK RECORD got its head up when racing close to the heels of GORGEOUS INHERITOR when being shifted across to obtain cover behind that horse. Approaching the 700 Metres, APOLAR WARRIOR got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind SUN OF MAKFI. Passing the 700 Metres, BREAK RECORD and SEIZE THE SPIRIT raced tight as BREAK RECORD improved into tight running inside GORGEOUS INHERITOR. BREAK RECORD was then awkwardly placed between GORGEOUS INHERITOR and SEIZE THE SPIRIT approaching the 600 Metres. UNIVERSAL RECORD was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. APOLAR WARRIOR also had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. SEIZE THE SPIRIT was unable to obtain clear running from on straightening until near the 250 Metres. Approaching the 350 Metres, GORGEOUS INHERITOR was steadied when crowded for room between FOR FUN’S SAKE and JIANGXI STAMINA (C Y Ho) which, after shifting out, was then directed back in to relieve the tightening. As JIANGXI STAMINA was corrected by its rider, UNIVERSAL RECORD shifted out to the inside of JIANGXI STAMINA, resulting in UNIVERSAL RECORD and JIANGXI STAMINA bumping. C Y Ho was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out, resulting in the initial crowding to GORGEOUS INHERITOR. He was told to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for his fellow riders in similar circumstances. T Piccone (SEIZE THE SPIRIT) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 75 Metres he directed his mount out when not clear of IMPECCABLE FELLOW, causing that horse to be hampered when having to be checked away from the heels of SEIZE THE SPIRIT. T Piccone was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 7 March 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 11 March 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Piccone’s good race riding record. Approaching the 50 Metres, when SEIZE THE SPIRIT shifted out, MANNA FROM HEAVEN was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of that horse passing the 50 Metres. Throughout the race, MANNA FROM HEAVEN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of NOBLE MAN compared to its last start, Mr J Size, the trainer of NOBLE MAN, stated that the horse has been frustrating in that it has not performed up to its potential. He said NOBLE MAN has been reluctant to give of its best when racing amongst horses and he felt that this was the case at its last start over 1200 Metres at Happy Valley. He said because of this he elected to step the horse up in distance to 1400 Metres at Sha Tin today in the hope that it would be able to take up a forward position and would not have to be required to race amongst runners. He added when NOBLE MAN was allowed to race in second position behind and outside the leader, the horse appreciated not being in a contest with other horses and, in his opinion, this was the reason for its improvement in performance today. A veterinary inspection of FOR FUN’S SAKE immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, FOR FUN’S SAKE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NOBLE MAN and SUN OF MAKFI were sent for sampling.