07/05/2023  Shatin  Race 1

CHANCHENG GLORY, which was noted to have a short action in its right hind leg in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and passed suitable to race. KAHOLO ANGEL jumped only fairly. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by C L Chau, the rider of 5th placed, SUPER BONUS, against KAHOLO ANGEL, which finished 4th, alleging interference near the 75 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that near the 75 Metres KAHOLO ANGEL, which had been inclined to race greenly and lay in, shifted in, hampering SUPER BONUS. As the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that had such incident not have occurred that SUPER BONUS would have finished in advance of KAHOLO ANGEL, the protest/objection was overruled and correct weight was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. When questioned regarding his riding out of KAHOLO ANGEL, Apprentice E C W Wong stated that inside the 150 Metres KAHOLO ANGEL came under pressure, raced greenly and lay in. He said as a result KAHOLO ANGEL was difficult to ride out to the finish of the event, however, he did acknowledge that close to the finishing line he had stopped riding his mount over the final two strides. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of Apprentice Wong over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. A veterinary inspection of KAHOLO ANGEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, S De Sousa (JOYFUL PROSPERITY) reported that his mount was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin and consequently settled back in the field. He added that JOYFUL PROSPERITY never travelled well at any stage of the event, was inclined to lay out under pressure in the Straight and was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of JOYFUL PROSPERITY immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. KAHOLO ANGEL, CHANCHENG GLORY and GALLANT VALOUR were sent for sampling.