23/01/2022  Shatin  Race 3

WELLINGTON shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER WEALTHY. STRONGER shifted out on jumping and bumped COURIER WONDER which in turn shifted out and brushed MASTER EIGHT. SUPER WEALTHY travelled keenly for some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres when being steadied to obtain cover. When being steadied, SUPER WEALTHY shifted in and bumped WELLINGTON near the 1000 Metres. Approaching the 600 Metres, MASTER EIGHT was bumped on the hindquarters by HOT KING PRAWN which shifted out when travelling close to the heels of COURIER WONDER. SUPER WEALTHY, which was racing behind HOT KING PRAWN and continuing to travel keenly, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Passing the 400 Metres, HOT KING PRAWN, which was endeavouring to improve into tight running between COURIER WONDER and MASTER EIGHT, raced tight inside MASTER EIGHT which shifted in. This resulted in HOT KING PRAWN bumping the hindquarters of MASTER EIGHT which became unbalanced. WELLINGTON was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of COURIER WONDER, resulting in HOT KING PRAWN being inconvenienced and taken wider. Near the 75 Metres, STRONGER and SKY FIELD (B Shinn) brushed as SKY FIELD shifted in under pressure. SKY FIELD and STRONGER then raced tight over the concluding stages, resulting in B Shinn being restricted in his use of the whip. A Badel (WELLINGTON) was reminded of his obligations in respect of not raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder. After the race, M Chadwick stated that when required to travel three wide and without cover throughout the race, MASTER EIGHT lay out after the 700 Metres and again rounding the Home Turn. He said after coming under pressure on straightening, MASTER EIGHT did not respond to his riding and weakened over the concluding stages. He added that, in his opinion, the considerable step-up in grade today together with the horse being required to travel wide and without cover were the reasons for it not being able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of MASTER EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COURIER WONDER immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, COURIER WONDER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COURIER WONDER, STRONGER and SKY FIELD were sent for sampling.