31/03/2021  Shatin  Race 8

MOERAKI shifted out at the start and bumped MAN STAR. GAMEPLAYER TIMES was crowded for room on jumping between MAN STAR and GOLFMAN STAR which shifted in. SUPER POWER MAN began awkwardly and then throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. From the outside barriers, SUNSET WATCH and LUCKY FUN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, MOERAKI was bumped by EIGHT TRIGRAMS which was taken out by HARRIER JET. Approaching the 800 Metres, MOERAKI and EIGHT TRIGRAMS raced tight as MOERAKI raced in restricted room inside the heels of GOLFMAN STAR. LUCKY FUN lay out making the turn after the 700 Metres. Shortly after entering the Straight, SICOMORO was steadied away from the heels of MAN STAR when held up for clear running behind that horse. This resulted in SICOMORO being directed to the inside of MAN STAR near the 350 Metres. At the entrance to the Straight, GUNNISON and LUCKY FUN bumped as a result of both horses shifting a minimal amount of ground. GUNNISON then shifted in and crowded the running of GAMEPLAYER TIMES which was attempting to improve inside GUNNISON. GUNNISON and LUCKY FUN then continued to race tight and bumped, resulting in LUCKY FUN becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by GUNNISON and shifting in further which resulted in GUNNISON being taken in across the running of GAMEPLAYER TIMES which was checked. A short distance after this, GUNNISON continued to race tight inside LUCKY FUN which, when unbalanced, was attempting to be straightened by its rider. GUNNISON was then crowded for room between LUCKY FUN which remained unbalanced and MAN STAR (K Teetan) which shifted to the outside of SUPER POWER MAN to obtain clear running. As the Stewards were of the opinion that GUNNISON was already badly unbalanced as a result of racing tight inside LUCKY FUN which itself was unbalanced due to the contact between GUNNISON and LUCKY FUN, K Teetan was advised that the shift from MAN STAR was such that the Stewards believed that a charge of careless riding should be preferred against him, rather he was reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 150 Metres, HARRIER JET raced in restricted room between EIGHT TRIGRAMS and SICOMORO. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on LUCKY FUN 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, LUCKY FUN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards will interview Trainer K W Lui regarding the improved performance of SUNSET WATCH as compared to its most recent start prior to the Sha tin racemeeting to be conducted on Monday, 5 April 2021. SUNSET WATCH and LUCKY FUN were sent for sampling.