18/12/2022  Shatin  Race 9

GOLDEN WARSTEED began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped RED DESERT which after bumping FIERY DIAMOND then stumbled. After the race, RED DESERT was noted to have sustained an overreach injury to the right front heel and to have lost its right front plate. EIGHT TRIGRAMS began only fairly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages was slow to muster speed. From the outside barrier, MIDORI BEAUTY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, GOLDEN WARSTEED was crowded for room between RED DESERT and EIGHT TRIGRAMS, both of which shifted ground. After this, EIGHT TRIGRAMS travelled keenly. After the 800 Metres, GOLDEN WARSTEED was inconvenienced by EIGHT TRIGRAMS which shifted out. Near the 600 Metres, EIGHT TRIGRAMS shifted out towards the heels of LIGHTNING BOLT. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, GOLDEN WARSTEED got its head on the side and lay out. Passing the 450 Metres, MIDORI BEAUTY was very awkwardly placed inside the heels of JOLLY RULER and was held up for clear running from on straightening until after the 100 Metres. Because of this, MIDORI BEAUTY was not able to be properly tested. MARK THE MOMENT was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Throughout the race, MAN STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K Teetan stated that MAXIMUS was fractious in the barriers and as the start was effected got its head up and then lost ground after being checked away from the heels of YOUTHFUL DEAL which shifted out after being bumped by MARK THE MOMENT. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages MAXIMUS became detached from the field. He said he continued to ride MAXIMUS along down the Back Straight including slapping the horse down the shoulder with the whip in an endeavour to try and have it improve its position. He said despite being ridden along MAXIMUS continued to be detached from the field and would not improve its position. He added that he placed the horse under pressure rounding the Home Turn in the hope that MAXIMUS would finish the race off, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and it was only until over the concluding stages that MAXIMUS made up some ground. A veterinary inspection of MAXIMUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Having regard to the manner in which MAXIMUS began and the fact that the horse was detached from the field for the majority of the race, the performance of MAXIMUS was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAXIMUS 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, K C Leung reported that FIERY DIAMOND, which has risen markedly in the ratings, was not suited by MAN STAR being ridden along for some distance in the early and middle stages to improve to the outside of his mount. He said this resulted in FIERY DIAMOND travelling more keenly than he had hoped in the middle stages and then in the Straight not being able to close the race off. A veterinary inspection of FIERY DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the performance of JOLLY RULER, S De Sousa stated that he had barrier trialed the horse in the lead up to today’s race and the horse trialed very well when positioned outside the lead. He said he was asked to begin positively on JOLLY RULER and obtain a position behind the leaders if possible. He said JOLLY RULER began well in today’s race and he was able to immediately obtain a forward position. He said JOLLY RULER travelled strongly in the early stages and when runners improved around JOLLY RULER after the 800 Metres, he was comfortable to obtain a trailing position behind FIERY DIAMOND. He added that as soon as JOLLY RULER was crossed by FIERY DIAMOND after the 700 Metres, JOLLY RULER came off the bridle and he had to commence riding his mount along in an attempt to maintain its position behind that horse. He said despite being ridden along JOLLY RULER would not respond to his riding and came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn. He said he rode JOLLY RULER along in the early part of the Straight and the horse stayed on only fairly, however, near the 200 Metres became unbalanced in its action and then gave ground over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY RULER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of JOLLY RULER, a favoured runner for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY RULER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. YOUTHFUL DEAL, LIGHTNING BOLT and MARK THE MOMENT were sent for sampling.