12/09/2021  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that PROUD DRAGON had blood in its mouth. PROUD DRAGON was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. ABLE REIGN shifted out at the start and was steadied away from the heels of WIND SPEEDER. STOCK LEGEND began awkwardly, shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRUST ME which began awkwardly. POWER KOEPP began awkwardly and then was steadied away from the heels of CHEERFUL DAYS which shifted out. After this, POWER KOEPP and CHEERFUL DAYS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SKY FOREVER and PROUD DRAGON were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. After being ridden along in the early stages, IMA SINGLE MAN was steadied to obtain cover. After the 1000 Metres, IAN was eased away from the heels of WIND SPEEDER which got its head on the side and shifted in. Also after the 1000 Metres, TRUST ME was left racing wide and without cover. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, SKY FOREVER improved to be racing just to the inside of the heels of STOCK LEGEND (R Maia) as that horse was being steadied behind TRUST ME and racing inside LOCKHEED. A short distance later, SKY FOREVER was checked away from the heels of STOCK LEGEND which shifted in marginally when racing tight inside LOCKHEED. R Maia was advised that whilst in the opinion of the Stewards there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that when he is steadying his mounts, he is aware of other horses improving around him so as not to cause interference. When improving to the outside of ABLE REIGN passing the 500 Metres, PROUD DRAGON lay in towards the heels of that horse which at this stage shifted out marginally. PROUD DRAGON, which was having its first start in Hong Kong, then shifted out abruptly away from the heels of ABLE REIGN, resulting in POWER KOEPP being checked and losing ground. As the Stewards were of the opinion that this incident was attributable to the racing manners of PROUD DRAGON and ABLE REIGN shifting out marginally, they formed the view that there was no rider error associated with this incident and accordingly no further action was taken. Passing the 500 Metres, IAN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WIND SPEEDER and when being shifted away from the heels of that horse shifted out and bumped TRUST ME. Passing the 400 Metres, POWER KOEPP shifted in away from the heels of IAN, resulting in SKY FOREVER having to shift in away from the heels of that horse in consequence. POWER KOEPP was then badly held up for clear running and approaching the 300 Metres lay in away from the heels of WIND SPEEDER which was giving ground. Approaching the 200 Metres, SKY FOREVER was steadied when unable to continue improving between POWER KOEPP which lay in when racing tight inside WIND SPEEDER and ABLE REIGN which shifted out marginally. POWER KOEPP was then held up for clear running passing the 150 Metres when awkwardly placed behind PROUD DRAGON. A veterinary inspection of BIG FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLUCK RACER and IMA SINGLE MAN were sent for sampling.