18/12/2021  Shatin  Race 9

SEASONS BLISS lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began only fairly. MIGHTY VALOR began awkwardly and then became unbalanced after bumping the hindquarters of THE HULK which shifted out. ROMANTIC WARRIOR was crowded for room on jumping between FIVE ELEMENTS and ARMOUR EAGLE which shifted in. After this, ARMOUR EAGLE was steadied to obtain cover. From wide barriers, NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE and ENNEA FORTUNE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. FIVE ELEMENTS travelled keenly after the 1000 Metres and made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly. HANDSOME TWELVE got its head on the side and lay in making the turn after the 900 Metres. Passing the 500 Metres, HANDSOME TWELVE raced tight outside WAR OF COURAGE which shifted out away from the heels of MIGHTY VALOR as that horse improved to the outside of CALIFORNIA CONCORD. After the 300 Metres, ARMOUR EAGLE was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, ENNEA FORTUNE was held up for clear running and after the 150 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FIVE ELEMENTS when being shifted to the outside of that horse. When ENNEA FORTUNE shifted out near the 100 Metres, SEASONS BLISS was inconvenienced. SEASONS BLISS and ENNEA FORTUNE then raced tight passing the 50 Metres. Throughout the race, CALIFORNIA CONCORD (L Ferraris) travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, L Ferraris stated that CALIFORNIA CONCORD did not feel comfortable in its action when giving ground noticeably over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CONCORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA CONCORD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that it was intended for SEASONS BLISS to be ridden in about a midfield position as usual. He said as the start was effected SEASONS BLISS bounded in the air which resulted in the horse beginning only fairly. He said he then rode his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to make up lost ground, however, after being crossed by ROMANTIC WARRIOR and ARMOUR EAGLE, SEASONS BLISS was required to race much further back in the field than had been intended. He said SEASONS BLISS made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly, shifted out and brushed NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE. He said SEASONS BLISS travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages and then after being ridden along in the early part of the Straight took some time to gather momentum. He added over the latter stages of the race SEASONS BLISS finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of SEASONS BLISS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ROMANTIC WARRIOR and ARMOUR EAGLE were sent for sampling.