06/06/2021  Shatin  Race 6

CHATER PINS lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently lost ground. BLOTTING PAPER began awkwardly and then was crowded for room on jumping between SMART FOLKS and LADY FIRST which shifted out after being bumped by SUPER FAST. From the outside barriers, V CHEVALIERS, DOUBLE TAKE, PIANO SOLO and FAIRY FLOSS were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. LONDON LUCKYSTAR was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover and after the 1200 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, LONDON LUCKYSTAR was bumped by FAIRY FLOSS (J Moreira) which shifted out to obtain clear running. When LONDON LUCKYSTAR was bumped, K C Leung, the rider of that horse, became unbalanced. J Moreira was severely reprimanded and told to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the race, K Teetan (JADE THEATRE) reported that, in his opinion, the horse had failed to see out the distance of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of JADE THEATRE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, Apprentice K H Chan was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of DOUBLE TAKE. He said, as is usual, DOUBLE TAKE travelled in the rear half of the field, however, after being placed under pressure approaching the 600 Metres, the horse did not respond to his riding and failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE TAKE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards opened an inquiry into A Badel’s riding of V CHEVALIERS, particularly in the Home Straight. After taking evidence from Jockey Badel, Mr K L Man, the trainer of V CHEVALIERS, and Mr W H Ip, assistant trainer allocated to Mr Man’s stable for the current racing season, the Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a date to be fixed. A veterinary inspection of V CHEVALIERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DEAL MAKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAIRY FLOSS and SUPER FAST were sent for sampling.