27/10/2021  Shatin  Race 8

After being loaded into the barriers, ASTROLOGER became very fractious and reared abruptly and in doing so struck its head on the overhead bar. ASTROLOGER also got its both front legs over into the adjoining stall occupied by SUNSET WATCH. ASTROLOGER was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, ASTROLOGER was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, ASTROLOGER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUNSET WATCH was also removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. WAR OF COURAGE stumbled at the start. MEGA HEART shifted out at the start and was steadied away from the heels of BRILLIANT FORTUNE which began awkwardly. From wide barriers, SUNSET WATCH and SUPER WIN DRAGON were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1100 Metres, ELON was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOOD HEALTH which shifted out. After the 900 Metres, both GOOD HEALTH and GUNNISON were left racing wide and without cover. After the 500 Metres, MEGA HEART was held up behind WAR OF COURAGE. After the race, K Teetan reported that WAR OF COURAGE, which was having its first start on the All Weather surface tonight, made the turn near the 700 Metres awkwardly and became unbalanced. He said after this WAR OF COURAGE immediately came off the bridle and despite being vigorously ridden along rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of WAR OF COURAGE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, C Schofield stated that when racing back in the field, NORTHERN DRAGON appeared to resent the kickback as the horse did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race. He said NORTHERN DRAGON came under heavy pressure prior to the 700 Metres and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of NORTHERN DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY MOUSE immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SPEEDY MOUSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MEGA HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA CONCORD, GUNNISON and SUNSET WATCH were sent for sampling.