08/01/2023  Shatin  Race 7

SAMARKAND shifted in at the start and bumped S J TOURBILLON. TOURBILLON PRINCE shifted in on jumping and bumped SWORD POINT which was taken in onto DEAR SIBLING which was crowded for room outside INTREPID WINNER. SNAFFLES, which was leaning against the inside of its stall as the start was effected, was bumped on jumping by NIMBLE NIMBUS. From wide barriers, PRIME MINISTER, FLYING QUEST and COPARTNER ELITES were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. A short distance after the start, S J TOURBILLON raced tight inside SAMARKAND which in turn was racing tight inside INTREPID WINNER. SAMARKAND, which was travelling keenly, was then steadied away from the heels of INTREPID WINNER after the 1700 Metres. Then after the 1600 Metres, SAMARKAND got its head up and proved very difficult to settle when steadied away from the heels of SWORD POINT which was awkwardly placed inside NIMBLE NIMBUS (S De Sousa) which shifted in. Whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that the racing manners of SAMARKAND at this time had played a significant role in this incident, nonetheless S De Sousa was told to ensure that he is fully clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. HIT THE SHOT was left racing wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres. Passing the 700 Metres, S J TOURBILLON raced tight inside SAMARKAND which again got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of RUNNING AHEAD. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, HIT THE SHOT raced tight outside SWORD POINT which shifted out to commence improving. Passing the 500 Metres, CHAMPION DRAGON momentarily raced tight between TOURBILLON PRINCE and NIMBLE NIMBUS which shifted in. At the entrance to the Straight, INTREPID WINNER got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly towards the heels of HIT THE SHOT. RUNNING AHEAD, which was following INTREPID WINNER, was hampered in consequence. Then passing the 400 Metres, INTREPID WINNER became unbalanced when bumped by S J TOURBILLON (H Bentley) which shifted out. H Bentley was reprimanded and told to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. PRIME MINISTER was held up for clear running from passing the 400 Metres until near the 250 Metres. M L Yeung (DEAR SIBLING) dropped his whip approaching the 250 Metres. After the race, it was noted that TOURBILLON PRINCE was making an abnormal breathing noise and was subsequently found to be a "roarer”. A veterinary inspection of RUNNING AHEAD immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, RUNNING AHEAD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHAMPION DRAGON, SWORD POINT and NIMBLE NIMBUS were sent for sampling.