24/01/2023  Shatin  Race 11

When proceeding to the barriers, ALL RICHES became fractious, resulting in K C Leung being dislodged without incident. On arrival at the barriers, R Maia expressed concern regarding the action of SKY FOREVER. SKY FOREVER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was lame in its right front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, SKY FOREVER was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, SKY FOREVER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CIRCUIT NINE was slow to begin. CAPITAL LEGEND shifted in at the start and bumped PRINCE ALEX which stumbled. After this, PRINCE ALEX and CAPITAL LEGEND were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also from the outside barrier, KING’S CAPITAL was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners and then travelled keenly for some distance after the 1300 Metres. From a wide barrier, GALLANT WAKING was initially steadied to obtain cover towards the rear of the field, however, was left racing wide and without cover passing the 1300 Metres and when proving very difficult to settle was allowed to improve its position near the 800 Metres. After the 700 Metres, PEGASUS GENERAL raced tight inside CAPITAL LEGEND as PEGASUS GENERAL attempted to improve to the outside of SINBA. At the entrance to the Straight, SUPER SUNNY SING raced tight outside LOOKING COOL which was shifting to the outside of GALLANT WAKING to obtain clear running. As LOOKING COOL was shifted out, SINBA was directed out to the inside of that horse into running which was available between LOOKING COOL and MAXIMUS. LOOKING COOL was then taken in marginally by SUPER SUNNY SING passing the 400 Metres, resulting in LOOKING COOL shifting in and bumping the hindquarters of SINBA. LOOKING COOL was then steadied after the 400 Metres when crowded for room between SINBA which shifted out when unbalanced and SUPER SUNNY SING which continued to shift in slightly. PEGASUS GENERAL, which was following LOOKING COOL, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence when held up for clear running. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no carelessness associated with this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 200 Metres, SINBA was shifted out away from the heels of GALLANT WAKING. Then near the 100 Metres, SINBA was inconvenienced by GALLANT WAKING which shifted out. QUANTUM PATCH was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres and near the 100 Metres was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ALL RICHES when improving into restricted room inside that horse. SUPER SUNNY SING and CAPITAL LEGEND were sent for sampling.