28/03/2021  Shatin  Race 8

SERIOUS LIAISON began awkwardly. SACRED IBIS began only fairly. MR ALDAN shifted out at the start and bumped heavily with AUTHENTIC CHAMP. After this, AUTHENTIC CHAMP was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the 1400 Metres, SERIOUS LIAISON was awkwardly placed behind SPARKY TRAIL when that horse was taken out by CHARGE ON which was in turn taken out by BEAUTY DAY. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SPARKY TRAIL had sustained a major laceration to the right hind tendon. Before being allowed to race again, SPARKY TRAIL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the 900 Metres, KYRUS UNICORN was left racing wide and without cover. CHARGE ON was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, J Moreira (LOOKING GREAT) dropped his whip. Passing the 200 Metres, SACRED IBIS was held up for clear running and after the 200 Metres was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running. After the race, K C Leung (SO WE JOY) reported that he was instructed to obtain a position in about midfield with cover if possible from the outside barrier. He said SO WE JOY began very well and after shifting his mount across closer to the rail in the early stages, SO WE JOY was left racing very wide. He said as it was not possible for him to obtain a midfield position as instructed, he therefore elected to allow his mount to improve forward of LOOKING GREAT rather than continue to race wide and without cover. Also after the race, Z Purton stated that ANGEL OF MY EYES did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and after coming under pressure passing the 600 Metres then gave ground noticeably in the Straight. He said the manner in which ANGEL OF MY EYES gave ground indicated to him that it may be experiencing some internal issues. A veterinary inspection of ANGEL OF MY EYES immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. As this was the second consecutive occasion that ANGEL OF MY EYES had finished tailed out and performed to an unacceptable level, the Stewards ruled that that horse must undergo a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination which must include additional diagnostic assessments before being permitted to race again. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AUTHENTIC CHAMP and LOOKING GREAT were sent for sampling.