04/12/2022  Shatin  Race 1

THE MULTIPLIER began only fairly, shifted in and brushed the hindquarters of COLOURFUL PRINCE. NOBODY KNOWS began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped TSUEN WAN GLORY. EMBARKED began awkwardly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SUPER CLASS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped GOLDEN MISSION. TELECOM MISSILE was held up for clear running passing the 200 Metres at which time the horse was directed to the outside of SUPER CLASS. Approaching the 50 Metres, COLOURFUL PRINCE was steadied when crowded for room outside GOLD COMET which, when improving into tight running between COLOURFUL PRINCE and GOLDEN MISSION, was directed out away from the heels of GOLDEN MISSION which shifted out under pressure. GOLDEN MISSION travelled wide and without cover throughout. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DIAMOND SOARS, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that the early section of the race was run at a faster tempo than he had hoped. He said DIAMOND SOARS did not appear to be suited by having SUPER CLASS racing to its outside in the early and middle stages and came under pressure at the 400 Metres. He said after this DIAMOND SOARS was very disappointing in its failure to finish the race off in the Straight. He added DIAMOND SOARS had trialed well in the lead up to today’s race and based on that piece of work it was anticipated that DIAMOND SOARS would again race well today. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND SOARS immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. The performance of DIAMOND SOARS, a last start winner and favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DIAMOND SOARS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any reason for COLOURFUL PRINCE’s disappointing performance. He said whilst COLOURFUL PRINCE ultimately got beaten by further than otherwise it may have due to being crowded approaching the 50 Metres, nonetheless the horse was well beaten at that time. A veterinary inspection of COLOURFUL PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DIAMOND SOARS, THE MULTIPLIER and GOLD COMET were sent for sampling.