11/03/2023  Shatin  Race 2

FLYING GALLOP jumped awkwardly. WATCH BUDDY jumped only fairly. EASY SNIP also jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barriers, MOON CATCHER and GLENEALY GENERALS were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 400 Metres, LASER VICTORY improved into running between MODULECONSTRUCTION and RED HARE KING and approaching the 350 Metres was checked when crowded between MODULECONSTRUCTION which shifted out, when inclined to lay out, and RED HARE KING (Apprentice Y L Chung) which shifted in. Apprentice Chung was advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to exercise more care than he did on this occasion. After this incident, Apprentice Chung dropped his left rein for a short distance passing the 300 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS was disappointed for running to the inside of FLYING GALLOP which shifted in slightly. Then when placed under pressure over the final 200 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS lay out. Near the 250 Metres, EASY SNIP was shifted to the inside of LASER VICTORY to continue into clear running. Near the 200 Metres, STARRY NIGHT was inconvenienced when taken out by RED HARE KING. Near the 50 Metres, SPEED FAY FAY was shifted to the inside of RED HARE KING to obtain clear running and then raced tight to the inside of RED HARE KING for some distance thereafter. When questioned, Apprentice Y L Chung reported that RED HARE KING hung out throughout the majority of the event and as a result ran wide making the Home Turn. The racing manners of RED HARE KING were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RED HARE KING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend. When questioned regarding the performance of LASER VICTORY, Z Purton stated that he was not instructed specifically to lead and was able to take up a comfortable position behind the leaders with cover where his mount travelled satisfactorily. He said after LASER VICTORY received interference near the 350 Metres, it failed to respond to his riding and he had some concerns with its action in the Straight as LASER VICTORY was inclined to shift ground when placed under pressure. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued. He added that after its first start win LASER VICTORY had pleased the stable when it barrier trialed on 28 February 2023 and he had expected the horse to perform well today. He added that in light of the comments made by Jockey Purton, he would now subject LASER VICTORY to a veterinary assessment. A veterinary inspection of LASER VICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LASER VICTORY, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LASER VICTORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LASER VICTORY, HAPPY GOLF and EASY SNIP were sent for sampling.