26/06/2021  Shatin  Race 9

STORM WARNINGS shifted in at the start and bumped FEARLESS FIRE. ROCK YA HEART began awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, ROYAL BOMB was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After travelling a short distance, DROPS OF GOD was badly crowded for room between WAR OF COURAGE and IMA SINGLE MAN which became unbalanced and stepped in before being corrected. The crowding to DROPS OF GOD was then extenuated by WAR OF COURAGE being turned out across DROPS OF GOD as a result of being bumped on the hindquarters. Whilst the crowding to DROPS OF GOD was significant and resulted in the horse stumbling, the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider carelessness associated with this incident, therefore no further action was taken. After the 900 Metres, TRUST ME was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 800 Metres, FEARLESS FIRE was shifted in away from the heels of COPARTNER AMBITION after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. Passing the 400 Metres, ROYAL BOMB got its head on the side and lay in across the heels of COPARTNER AMBITION, resulting in ROYAL BOMB becoming unbalanced and losing ground. Passing the 200 Metres, FANTASY shifted out and bumped COPARTNER AMBITION. ROCK YA HEART, which was following COPARTNER AMBITION, was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Over the concluding stages, FANTASY was awkwardly placed inside the heels of COPARTNER AMBITION. Throughout the race, FANTASY travelled wide and without cover. After the race, M F Poon (MIGHTY VALOR) stated that after being ridden along to obtain a forward position in the early stages, his mount came under pressure shortly after entering the Straight and then after giving him a limited response gave ground abruptly after the 300 Metres. He said MIGHTY VALOR’s action deteriorated in the latter stages and given the manner in which it was weakening out of the race, he eased it down over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY VALOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY VALOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL BOMB immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL BOMB will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of STORM WARNINGS and WAR OF COURAGE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DROPS OF GOD, IMA SINGLE MAN and WHEN YOU BELIEVE were sent for sampling.