14/02/2021  Shatin  Race 8

CONGRATULATION was crowded for room on jumping between KINGS SHIELD and SUPER OASIS which shifted out. After this, SUPER OASIS was shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1300 Metres, FAT TURTLE and BEAUTY SMILE bumped. Passing the 400 Metres, CONGRATULATION and STAR SHINE raced tight as STAR SHINE shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 350 Metres, KINGS SHIELD was bumped on the hindquarters by CALIFORNIA RAD. FAST MOST FURIOUS was held up for clear running passing the 350 Metres. After the 300 Metres, BEAUTY SMILE got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CALIFORNIA RAD, K Teetan stated that as the horse was stepping up in distance today, he had hoped to obtain some cover by allowing FAT TURTLE to cross CALIFORNIA RAD in the early and middle stages. He said however that FAT TURTLE remained racing away from the rail which resulted in CALIFORNIA RAD not travelling as strongly as he had hoped. He said nonetheless CALIFORNIA RAD travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages and passing the 500 Metres he looked to shift out away from behind KINGS SHIELD to obtain clear running. He said when FAT TURTLE lay out rounding the Home Turn, this presented a tight run between FAT TURTLE and KINGS SHIELD and he immediately rode his mount into this tight running. He said CALIFORNIA RAD improved between KINGS SHIELD and FAT TURTLE in a manner which indicated that the horse was going to finish off the race, however, no sooner had CALIFORNIA RAD obtained clear running, the horse immediately came under pressure. He said he continued to ride his mount along, however, CALIFORNIA RAD did not feel comfortable in its action and commenced to give ground noticeably. He added as he felt that CALIFORNIA RAD may have bled, he eased it down over the concluding stages, however, the horse was well beaten at this time. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA RAD immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of CALIFORNIA RAD, a favourite for today’s race and a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA RAD 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, A Badel stated that he was under no specific instructions on how FAT TURTLE should be ridden. He said in assessing the form for today’s race, he formed the opinion that BEAUTY SMILE, which was drawn immediately to the inside of FAT TURTLE, is a horse that has taken some time in the early stages to muster speed and therefore he felt that there was an opportunity for FAT TURTLE to obtain a position in advance of BEAUTY SMILE rather than having to race behind that horse and then be left with too much work to do. He said he hoped that by being able to clear BEAUTY SMILE, this would allow FAT TURTLE the opportunity to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders which he anticipated would be KINGS SHIELD and AMAZING CHOCOLATE. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages, FAT TURTLE was able to clear BEAUTY SMILE and shift in to race in front of that horse approaching the 1100 Metres. He said he then steadied FAT TURTLE to allow KINGS SHIELD to cross and with a view to allowing AMAZING CHOCOLATE to also obtain a forward position and to obtain a position with cover. He said whilst it was available for him to race on the rail, he was reluctant to obtain this position as he did not think that KINGS SHIELD would be able to take him into the race. He added when AMAZING CHOCOLATE obtained a trailing position behind FAT TURTLE, this resulted in FAT TURTLE being left racing without cover outside the lead. A veterinary inspection of FAT TURTLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA RAD, BEAUTY SMILE and STAR SHINE were sent for sampling.