05/04/2021  Shatin  Race 7

EL JEFE and STRATHMARTINE bumped at the start. RUN DES RUN was crowded for room on jumping between COPARTNER ERA and DAILY CHARM, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, DAILY CHARM and COPARTNER ERA were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LEADING FORTUNE was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being shifted across behind runners to obtain cover, LEADING FORTUNE momentarily raced in restricted room between HOLYSHOWCASING and COPARTNER ERA, both of which shifted ground. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, HOLYSHOWCASING, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ON EXCEL STAR. After the 900 Metres, COPARTNER ERA was crowded for room inside HOLYSHOWCASING which got its head on the side and lay in away from DAILY CHARM. HOLYSHOWCASING was then eased away from the heels of DAILY CHARM passing the 800 Metres. After this, HOLYSHOWCASING got its head on the side and hung out. A veterinary inspection of HOLYSHOWCASING immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, HOLYSHOWCASING will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the 800 Metres, LEADING FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of HOLYSHOWCASING which hung out. Approaching the 700 Metres, EL JEFE and STRATHMARTINE raced tight as both horses raced in restricted room inside ON EXCEL STAR. EL JEFE then shifted out, resulting in STRATHMARTINE being steadied away from the heels of ON EXCEL STAR approaching the 650 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, PURE LEGEND (Apprentice K H Chan) got its head on the side and lay out. As Apprentice Chan was attempting to correct PURE LEGEND, TOYCOON, which was attempting to improve into tight running between VUKAN and PURE LEGEND, was hampered when disappointed for running between VUKAN and PURE LEGEND which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the crowding to TOYCOON. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there were some circumstances to this incident, no further action was taken, however, Apprentice Chan was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 300 Metres, EL JEFE momentarily raced tight outside PURE LEGEND which shifted out before being corrected. Passing the 100 Metres, MALDIVES got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. As MALDIVES had previously shifted ground in the Straight, the Stewards interviewed Trainer D J Hall regarding this matter. Mr Hall stated that he had made a number of gear changes on MALDIVES in an attempt to correct the horse. He said he had considered adding blinkers to the racing gear of MALDIVES in the hope that it may be able to race more tractably, however, he had been reluctant to this point in time to add this piece of gear as he had intended to step the horse up in distance in its future starts and he felt that the addition of blinkers may result in the horse over-racing. As MALDIVES had been successful in this race and had not interfered with other runners, the Stewards elected not to place an embargo on the horse, however, Mr Hall was notified that the Stewards have become increasingly concerned with the racing manners of MALDIVES late in its races and that they would continue to monitor the horse and take the appropriate action if required. Approaching the 50 Metres, LEADING FORTUNE raced in restricted room between ON EXCEL STAR and PURE LEGEND. Also approaching the 50 Metres, COPARTNER ERA was shifted out away from the heels of SEIZE THE SPIRIT to continue improving. Throughout the race, RUN DES RUN travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards will interview M F Poon, the rider of the 6th placed, COPARTNER ERA, regarding his riding out of that horse over the concluding stages prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted on Thursday, 8 April 2021. A veterinary inspection of VUKAN, CALIFORNIA LEGEND and DAILY CHARM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VUKAN, MALDIVES and EL JEFE were sent for sampling.