16/05/2021  Shatin  Race 1

WINNING STRIKES began awkwardly. VALIANT ELEGANCE also began awkwardly, shifted out and inconvenienced DASHING GRACE. REGENCY GEM began only fairly. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, GOLDEN MISSION (J Moreira) was slow to muster speed and travelled wide and without cover until approaching the 600 Metres and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, J Moreira stated that GOLDEN MISSION did not travel strongly at any stage of the race and felt "flat”. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN MISSION immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of GOLDEN MISSION, favourite for today’s race and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN MISSION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When riding TIGERLAD along shortly after the start, M F Poon dropped his whip. TIGERLAD subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Passing the 1100 Metres, WINNING STRIKES became unbalanced. Passing the 600 Metres, WINNING STRIKES was eased away from the heels of GOLDEN MISSION which shifted in. Passing the 400 Metres, YEE CHEONG LUCKY raced in restricted room inside LUCKY VICTOR which got its head on the side and lay in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to YEE CHEONG LUCKY. Passing the 350 Metres, DASHING GRACE was shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN MISSION which was giving ground. After the race, A Badel was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of SUPREME PATROL which he said that after travelling well then failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME PATROL immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of MASTERWORK immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MASTERWORK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLDEN MISSION, REGENCY GEM and MASTERWORK were sent for sampling.