30/05/2021  Shatin  Race 2

SMART FOLKS shifted in at the start and bumped PICHU. LIGHT OF WANSHI was crowded for room on jumping between SPRINT FORWARD which began awkwardly and SPEED FAY FAY which shifted in. PRIME STAR shifted out at the start and bumped SAM’S LOVE. After this, PRIME STAR was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, IMMENSE HEDGE was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, PICHU travelled very keenly and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WISDOM PATCH. Passing the 900 Metres, MY ECSTATIC (H Bentley), which was travelling keenly, shifted in abruptly, resulting in PEACH BLOSSOMS being steadied away from the heels of MY ECSTATIC and then being awkwardly placed behind that horse for a short distance. H Bentley was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that MY ECSTATIC was travelling keenly at that stage which had resulted in the horse shifting ground, he was told to ensure that he takes whatever actions that are available to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Also passing the 900 Metres, PLIKCLONE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PURE LEGEND which was being steadied to allow SEIZE THE SPIRIT to cross. PLIKCLONE continued to race close to the heels of PURE LEGEND and then making the turn after the 900 Metres got its head up on a number of occasions and shifted out towards the heels of SMART FOLKS, resulting in WISDOM PATCH being crowded for room inside SPRINT FORWARD. PICHU, which was following and proving very difficult to settle, got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of PLIKCLONE in consequence. PICHU then continued to race keenly and was steadied away from the heels of PLIKCLONE for a considerable distance after the 800 Metres. After the 900 Metres, SPEED FAY FAY was left racing wide and without cover. SEIZE THE SPIRIT lost its left hind plate near the 650 Metres. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, PICHU, which continued to prove very difficult to settle, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of PLIKCLONE. At the entrance to the Straight, PEACH BLOSSOMS raced tight inside the heels of SPEED FAY FAY. Approaching the 250 Metres, MY ECSTATIC shifted out towards the heels of SPEED FAY FAY (Apprentice C L Chau) which then shifted in under pressure. Apprentice Chau was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. After the race, M Chadwick stated that he was asked to ride SEIZE THE SPIRIT positively in the early stages to overcome the horse’s wide barrier. He said it was not intended for SEIZE THE SPIRIT to lead, but when a number of runners were also ridden in the early stages to obtain a forward position, he was required to continue to ride his mount along to clear runners to his inside to avoid being caught unnecessarily wide and this resulted in SEIZE THE SPIRIT leading today’s race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PEACH BLOSSOMS, K Teetan stated that unlike at its last start when successful, PEACH BLOSSOMS did not travel at any stage of the race. He said although the horse was required to race wide and without cover passing the 800 Metres, PEACH BLOSSOMS was able to finish off its race last start when similarly caught wide and without cover. He said he had to ride his mount along for some distance in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain a position closer to the rail, however, PEACH BLOSSOMS did not travel on the bridle and it was only after the 800 Metres that the horse commenced to travel better. He added he placed PEACH BLOSSOMS under pressure passing the 500 Metres, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of PEACH BLOSSOMS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PEACH BLOSSOMS, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PEACH BLOSSOMS 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 SMART FOLKS and PURE LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PICHU immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. PURE LEGEND, LIGHT OF WANSHI and PLIKCLONE were sent for sampling. <31/5/2021 Additional Veterinary Reports>PEACH BLOSSOMS, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. PEACH BLOSSOMS was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, PEACH BLOSSOMS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.