24/01/2023  Shatin  Race 10

TEXAS MOON was withdrawn on 23.1.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter DECRYPT (L Hewitson). Before being allowed to race again, TEXAS MOON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TURIN MASCOT began only fairly. DECRYPT and GLOBAL HARMONY were steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also from wide barriers, FAULDS and SOLAR WINDS were steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. GOLDEN ARTIE was left racing wide and without cover passing the 800 Metres and passing the 500 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of SINGAPORE SUNSHINE. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, MASTER HERO got its head on the side and lay out and after the 600 Metres raced tight outside MARADO which improved into tight running between MASTER HERO and RED LION. At the 400 Metres, MARADO was awkwardly placed outside the heels of RED LION which got its head on the side and lay out. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of MARADO. He said after enjoying a good run behind the leader RED LION in the middle stages, he was able to shift to the outside of that horse rounding the Home Turn, however, MARADO did not finish the race off as strongly as it had in recent starts. A veterinary inspection of MARADO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GLOBAL HARMONY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, GLOBAL HARMONY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MARADO, MAJESTIC COLOUR and RED LION were sent for sampling.