10/10/2021  Shatin  Race 5

THE MINT began awkwardly. UNITE SPIRIT shifted out at the start and bumped SURE WIN WIN. TOYCOON began only fairly, shifted out on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of EL VALIENTE. Shortly after the start, ROYAL AGILITY was crowded for room between UNITE SPIRIT and GLORIOUS LOVER which got its head on the side and shifted out. In this incident, UNITE SPIRIT became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ROYAL AGILITY. From an outside barrier, EL VALIENTE was steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. Approaching the 1400 Metres, AWE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLORIOUS LOVER which shifted out after being bumped by LUMEN BABA which shifted out when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of LADY FIRST. EL VALIENTE, which was following AWE, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 900 Metres, LONDON LUCKYSTAR was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn approaching the 700 Metres, GLORIOUS LOVER became badly unbalanced after shifting in and bumping the running rail of its own accord. Passing the 400 Metres, SURE WIN WIN shifted out away from the heels of ROYAL AGILITY in an attempt to improve between that horse and LONDON LUCKYSTAR where there was not sufficient room. In this incident, SURE WIN WIN bumped the hindquarters of LONDON LUCKYSTAR which became unbalanced. SURE WIN WIN also became unbalanced as a result of bumping LONDON LUCKYSTAR and being awkwardly placed behind ROYAL AGILITY. Near the 50 Metres, SURE WIN WIN was checked out away from the heels of SWIFT SPIRIT after being held up for clear running behind that horse. Because of this, SURE WIN WIN was not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages. After the race, A Hamelin (AWE) reported that, in his opinion, the horse did not handle the kickback today and because of this failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of AWE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FAIRY FLOSS, J Moreira stated that he was not able to offer any excuse for the horse in today’s race. He said after being shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier, FAIRY FLOSS travelled better than it did at its last run when it was first up for the new season. He said based on the manner in which FAIRY FLOSS travelled, he anticipated that the horse would finish off the race. He added although he had to make the Home Turn wide to commence improving, he still expected that, with clear running in the Straight, FAIRY FLOSS would close off the race strongly. He said however that in the early part of the Straight FAIRY FLOSS immediately came under heavy pressure and then was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to quicken and then finished off the race. A veterinary inspection of FAIRY FLOSS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FAIRY FLOSS, favourite for today’s race and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FAIRY FLOSS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of UNITE SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAIRY FLOSS, THE MINT and LONDON LUCKYSTAR were sent for sampling.