11/04/2021  Shatin  Race 4

Whilst in the saddling stalls, SUGAMO had its right front plate refitted. On arrival at the Start, SUGAMO was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CORDYCEPS FIVE shifted in at the start and bumped ISLAND SUNSHINE. HAPPY GOOD GUYS began only fairly and then was crowded for room between TAKE WHAT YOU NEED which shifted out and DRAGON BABY which became unbalanced and shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by CHIU CHOW BROTHER which began awkwardly and shifted in. GOKO shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in SUGAMO being taken out onto HUGE TIGER. Near the 250 Metres, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, which was commencing to close off the race, improved quickly into very tight running between DRAGON BABY and FARIBAULT which had come under pressure. TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was then checked approaching the 200 Metres when unable to continue to improve between DRAGON BABY and FARIBAULT which shifted out marginally. When TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was checked, it bumped the hindquarters of FARIBAULT and DRAGON BABY, causing both horses to become unbalanced and shift further ground. As the Stewards were of the opinion that TAKE WHAT YOU NEED had not been able to properly establish running between FARIBAULT and DRAGON BABY and that there was no rider error associated with this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 50 Metres, CHIU CHOW BROTHER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUGAMO when being shifted to the outside of that horse as a result of being disappointed for running between SUGAMO and POISED TO STRIKE. After this, CHIU CHOW BROTHER was unable to obtain clear running behind SUGAMO and consequently was not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HUGE TIGER, which was having its first race start today, Z Purton stated that when racing amongst runners in the early and middle stages, HUGE TIGER would not relax and travelled too keenly. He said HUGE TIGER came under pressure at the 600 Metres and then gave ground and failed to finish off the race which he attributed to the horse not relaxing in the early part of the race. A veterinary inspection of HUGE TIGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HUGE TIGER, which finished at the rear of the field as favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HUGE TIGER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GOKO immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of CORDYCEPS FIVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HUGE TIGER, DRAGON BABY and HAPPY GOOD GUYS were sent for sampling.