28/11/2021  Shatin  Race 4

LUCKY MISSILE shifted in abruptly at the start and bumped LITTLE PLAYER which in turn shifted in and bumped SPEEDY DRAGON. SPEEDY DRAGON then became unbalanced and shifted in, resulting in KING’S TROOPER being hampered when taken in onto GOLDEN FOUR. TELECOM ELITE began only fairly and then was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BRILLIANT CHINA which shifted in. From wide barriers, VICTORIOUS LEADER, SUPER FLAMES and EVEN KEEL were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1300 Metres, KING’S TROOPER was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY DRAGON (H W Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. H W Lai was reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance in similar circumstances. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SUPER FLAMES shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BRAVE POWER. After the 800 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER was awkwardly placed behind KING’S TROOPER. SUPER FLAMES got its head on the side and made the Home Turn awkwardly. Passing the 400 Metres, BRILLIANT CHINA was directed to the inside of SEA MONARCH in an attempt to improve inside that horse. Then for some distance after the 400 Metres, BRILLIANT CHINA raced tight inside heels of SEA MONARCH when continuing to attempt to improve where there was not quite sufficient room. This resulted in BRILLIANT CHINA being steadied away from the heels of SEA MONARCH near the 200 Metres. EVEN KEEL had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 150 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, TELECOM ELITE was shifted out away from the heels of SPEEDY DRAGON. H W Lai (SPEEDY DRAGON) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in under pressure when not clear of SEA MONARCH, resulting in that horse being taken in onto BRILLIANT CHINA and causing both SEA MONARCH and BRILLIANT CHINA to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which they were rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, H W Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 12 December 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 16 December 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Throughout the race, SUPER KIN travelled wide and without cover. After the race, J Moreira was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of KING’S TROOPER which he said failed to finish off the race after travelling satisfactorily throughout the middle stages. A veterinary inspection of KING’S TROOPER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KING’S TROOPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of AUGUST MOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KING’S TROOPER, BRAVE POWER and VICTORIOUS LEADER were sent for sampling.