04/05/2022  Shatin  Race 1

ANGELS HUNTER began only fairly. FANTASY SPRING shifted out at the start and brushed FLYING HIGH which began awkwardly. Then after travelling a short distance, FANTASY SPRING shifted in and bumped JAZZ STEED. SPONTANEOUS shifted out on jumping and brushed YEE CHEONG BRAVE. From wide barriers, CHIRON and HAPPY MATADOR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 800 Metres, THE BEST HERO and AHEAD A HEAD bumped. FLYING HIGH got its head on the side and lay out making the turn after the 700 Metres. Passing the 250 Metres, FLYING HIGH and SPONTANEOUS brushed. FLYING HIGH was then awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPONTANEOUS approaching the 200 Metres. YEE CHEONG BRAVE was badly held up for clear running passing the 200 Metres and then near the 150 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of FANTASY SPRING after being very awkwardly placed behind that horse. When YEE CHEONG BRAVE shifted out, ARES, which was giving ground, was inconvenienced. AHEAD A HEAD had some difficulty obtaining clear running after the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, ALL IS GOOD travelled wide and without cover and then making the Home Turn lay out. After the race, H W Lai (THE BEST HERO) stated that after obtaining a position behind the speed, he was able to obtain clear running at the entrance to the Straight. He said THE BEST HERO then weakened noticeably over the concluding stages which he attributed to the horse having its first start since 26 September 2021. He added that THE BEST HERO appeared to pull up well after the race and he was of the opinion that the horse would improve for tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of THE BEST HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY MATADOR immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY MATADOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ARES and FANTASY SPRING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE BEST HERO, SPONTANEOUS and CHIRON were sent for sampling.