12/11/2022  Shatin  Race 5

On entering the track, L Hewitson was dislodged from MR MAJESTIC without incident. PINS PRINCE shifted out at the start and bumped METRO WARRIOR. GOLDEN WARSTEED began only fairly. SPARKLING KNIGHT shifted out on jumping and bumped SPEEDY MOUSE. FLYING DRAGON stumbled at the start and then was bumped by MR MAJESTIC which shifted in. FLYING DRAGON then in turn shifted in and bumped WONDERFUL UNICORN. SPEEDY MOUSE had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres. Approaching the 150 Metres, PINS PRINCE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN WARSTEED (R Maia) which shifted in under pressure. R Maia was reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises greater care than he did on this occasion. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WONDERFUL UNICORN, Z Purton stated that although his mount was somewhat fractious in the barriers, the horse was standing well as the start was effected and he was able to obtain a good position on WONDERFUL UNICORN in the early stages. He said WONDERFUL UNICORN did not travel well at any stage of the race and he was concerned with the manner in which the horse came off the bridle in the early stages and had to be ridden along to maintain its position. He said WONDERFUL UNICORN came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and then did not respond to his riding thereafter. He added that WONDERFUL UNICORN’s action deteriorated noticeably after the 400 Metres and, in his opinion, the horse did not feel comfortable in its action. He said WONDERFUL UNICORN had performed in a similar manner in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race, however, that trial was at Happy Valley and it was felt that the horse may not have handled that circuit at the first time of asking. Mr D J Hall, the trainer of WONDERFUL UNICORN, stated that he has been pleased with the horse’s progress leading up to today’s race other than its barrier trial at Happy Valley. He said after being disappointed with the manner in which the horse performed on that occasion, WONDERFUL UNICORN had since barrier trialed well up the Straight at Sha Tin and therefore he felt that today’s race would suit the horse. He said however that he was very disappointed in the manner in which WONDERFUL UNICORN performed and the only explanation he could find at this stage, having regard to the fact that WONDERFUL UNICORN had pulled up satisfactorily after the race, was that the horse may not have handled the pressure of today’s race. He added that given the manner in which WONDERFUL UNICORN performed today, he would give consideration to, depending on the race programme, stepping the horse up in distance and perhaps riding WONDERFUL UNICORN quietly in the hope that the horse would finish the race off better than it did today. A veterinary inspection of WONDERFUL UNICORN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WONDERFUL UNICORN, favourite for today’s race and which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WONDERFUL UNICORN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MR MAJESTIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WONDERFUL UNICORN, KA YING SPIRIT and PLEASANT ENDEAVOR were sent for sampling.