26/09/2021  Shatin  Race 9

As the start was effected, HEZA BEAUTY (K Teetan) bounded in the air, resulting in K Teetan’s helmet making contact with the overhead structure of the barriers. Then on landing, K Teetan was dislodged from HEZA BEAUTY. Having regard to HEZA BEAUTY’s previous record, the Stewards ruled that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily before being allowed to race again. A veterinary inspection of HEZA BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. K Teetan was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed to be suitable to fulfil his remaining race riding engagement. MOERAKI shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of PROUD DRAGON. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, UNCLE STEVE (Apprentice C L Chau) failed to muster speed. Apprentice Chau confirmed that it was intended for UNCLE STEVE to be ridden in a forward position behind the leaders if possible. He said however that UNCLE STEVE did not show sufficient speed in the early stages and because of this raced much further back in the field than had been intended. From the outside barrier, MALDIVES was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being shifted across behind runners in the early stages, FANTASTIC SHOW became detached from the field despite being ridden along. Passing the 1000 Metres, ABLE REIGN momentarily became unbalanced of its own accord. Approaching the 900 Metres, MOERAKI was eased away from the heels of MASTER HERO (J Moreira) which shifted in when not quite clear. J Moreira was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. PROUD DRAGON was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until after the 300 Metres. UNCLE STEVE was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until after the 200 Metres. After the 350 Metres, MALDIVES shifted in and bumped CRAIG’S STAR. Passing the 300 Metres, ABLE REIGN momentarily raced tight inside UNCLE STEVE which shifted to the inside of CHANCHENG PRINCE. CHANCHENG PRINCE travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. When questioned, A Hamelin stated that after initially travelling well in the early stages, APACHE PASS commenced to prove very difficult to settle after the 800 Metres and approaching the 700 Metres improved to be racing very close to the heels of PROUD DRAGON. He said as he commenced to check APACHE PASS away from the heels of PROUD DRAGON, APACHE PASS took charge and commenced to shift out. He said he had to severely check APACHE PASS until after entering the Home Straight which resulted in the bit pulling through the horse’s mouth to an extent. He said when easing APACHE PASS out of the race, the horse continued to want to hang to the left. When APACHE PASS shifted out passing the 700 Metres, BEAUTY LEGACY was hampered when bumped on the hindquarters by APACHE PASS with UNCLE STEVE being shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. PRECISE EXPRESS, which was following APACHE PASS, was severely checked for a considerable distance to avoid the heels of that horse. Given the racing manners of APACHE PASS, the Stewards ruled that before being allowed to race again, APACHE PASS must undertake a series of consecutive satisfactory barrier trials around a bend in which it must be ridden by a senior rider. The Stewards also advised Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of APACHE PASS, that only a senior work rider would be permitted to ride the horse in its work until further notice. A veterinary inspection of APACHE PASS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER HERO and UNCLE STEVE were sent for sampling.