30/01/2022  Shatin  Race 7

ZEBROWSKI stumbled at the start. COLUMBUS COUNTY and PANFIELD bumped on jumping. TOURBILLON DIAMOND shifted in at the start and bumped BUTTERFIELD. Shortly after the start, COLUMBUS COUNTY was crowded for room between PANFIELD and SAVVY NINE (M Chadwick) which shifted in. M Chadwick was advised to make every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 400 Metres, CHAMPION’S WAY and COLUMBUS COUNTY raced right. COLUMBUS COUNTY then raced tight outside CHAMPION’S WAY passing the 150 Metres. COLUMBUS COUNTY was awkwardly placed behind TOURBILLON DIAMOND passing the 50 Metres. After the race, J Moreira was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of EXCELLENT PROPOSAL. He said when positioned towards the rear of the field from barrier 9 in the early stages, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was suited by the race being run at a steady tempo. He said he commenced to ride his mount along near the 800 Metres and after being shifted to the outside of PANFIELD near the 500 Metres, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL then made the Home Turn awkwardly. He said despite being vigorously ridden in the early part of the Straight, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL did not respond to his riding and then over the concluding stages did not finish the race off. He added that EXCELLENT PROPOSAL kicked out of the back gates after being loaded into the barriers, however, during and after the race EXCELLENT PROPOSAL felt comfortable in its action and he was therefore not able to identify this as a reason for the horse’s failure to perform well in today’s race. A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT PROPOSAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of EXCELLENT PROPOSAL, favourite for today’s race and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EXCELLENT PROPOSAL, ZEBROWSKI and BUTTERFIELD were sent for sampling.