26/06/2021  Shatin  Race 7

RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE began only fairly. PAKISTAN FRIEND shifted out at the start and bumped GOLD COMET. After this, despite being ridden along, PAKISTAN FRIEND failed to muster speed. SPLENDID LIVING shifted out at the start and inconvenienced SKYEY SUPREME. From wide barriers, TANGMERE, SO WE JOY and GREAT TREASURE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, STAR PERFORMANCE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ELON. After being shifted across behind runners in the early stages, CLEAR CHOICE was left racing wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres. The performance of CLEAR CHOICE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLEAR CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of GOLD COMET, J Moreira stated that, in his opinion, the horse was not comfortable on today’s "Wet Slow” racing surface. He said after being steadied with a view to obtaining cover behind the speed passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOLD COMET was then left racing wide and without cover after the 1400 Metres. He said GOLD COMET did not travel as well as it did last start when it closed off the race strongly. He added GOLD COMET came under pressure after the 600 Metres and he had to ride his mount along vigorously rounding the Home Turn in an attempt to improve its position. He said GOLD COMET did not quicken for him and over the latter stages finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of GOLD COMET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Apprentice C L Chau stated that after not showing as much early speed as anticipated, STAR OF YUEN LONG was always off the bridle and did not travel strongly at any stage of the race. A veterinary inspection of STAR OF YUEN LONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. M Chadwick stated that after being out-paced in the early stages despite being ridden along, UNITE SPIRIT was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. GOLD COMET, TRUE LEGEND and SO WE JOY were sent for sampling.