29/05/2022  Shatin  Race 2

Whilst in the saddling stalls, KYRUS UNICORN had its left hind plate re-adjusted. KYRUS UNICORN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DRAGON COMMANDER shifted out on jumping and bumped CHEVALIER PRINCE. VINCY and WONDER YEARS began only fairly. From a wide barrier, STIMULATION was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, RIGHT AS RAIN was crowded for room between KYRUS UNICORN and DRAGON COMMANDER which was racing tight inside HAPPY ANGEL which in turn was racing close to the heels of DAILY CHARM which got its head on the side and lay in away from VUKAN. After the 1800 Metres, HAPPY ANGEL was left racing wide and without cover and approaching the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead. When HAPPY ANGEL shifted in, BORN THE SAME DAY was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching and passing the 1600 Metres, KYRUS UNICORN proved very difficult to settle and passing the 1500 Metres got its head on the side and lay in badly. Then after the 1400 Metres, KYRUS UNICORN shifted in and was checked away from the heels of RIGHT AS RAIN, resulting in KYRUS UNICORN losing ground. In this incident, STIMULATION was inconvenienced. After this, KYRUS UNICORN continued to travel keenly and again got its head on the side and lay in approaching the 1100 Metres. After the 700 Metres, VINCY raced tight inside KYRUS UNICORN which shifted in away from DRAGON COMMANDER. The performance of DRAGON COMMANDER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. As this was the 4th occasion within the horse’s previous 6 starts that it has been deemed to have performed unacceptably, the Stewards ruled that DRAGON COMMANDER must perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial on no less than three consecutive occasions and be subjected to an official veterinary examination prior to being permitted to race again. ROBOT WARRIOR was held up for clear running after the 400 Metres. RED ELYSEES had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 250 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of HAPPY ANGEL. Then approaching the 100 Metres, RED ELYSEES was directed out away from the heels of VUKAN. Near the 350 Metres, GO BALLISTIC was bumped by RIGHT AS RAIN which shifted out. GO BALLISTIC was then eased away from the heels of RIGHT AS RAIN near the 250 Metres as that horse shifted out away from ROBOT WARRIOR. BORN THE SAME DAY, which was racing outside GO BALLISTIC, was inconvenienced in consequence. A veterinary inspection of BORN THE SAME DAY, KYRUS UNICORN, WONDER YEARS and DAILY CHARM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ROBOT WARRIOR and RIGHT AS RAIN were sent for sampling.