13/05/2023  Shatin  Race 2

RACING FIGHTER was withdrawn on 12.5.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BRAVE AND GOLD (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, RACING FIGHTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. E BROTHER jumped awkwardly. SUPER HIGHWAY shifted out at the start and bumped with LEATHER VANGUARD. Shortly afterwards, LEATHER VANGUARD then raced tight to the inside of CALIFORNIA CONCORD for a short distance. Approaching the 800 Metres, TIMESTORM commenced to race keenly and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of CALIFORNIA CONCORD. On the Home Turn, CALIFORNIA CONCORD lay out. Over the final 200 Metres, AWESOME TREASURE shifted out when being ridden along, resulting in SUPER HIGHWAY being carried out over that section of the race. When questioned, C Y Ho (CHILLI BABA) reported that his mount was standing awkwardly in the gates and as the start was effected made contact with the left side of its barrier, became unbalanced and lost ground. He added that throughout the early stages whilst he encouraged CHILLI BABA to improve its position, he was reluctant to place full pressure on his mount as at its previous race starts it had an inclination to hang out and proved difficult to ride. He said from the 900 Metres he was obliged to ride CHILLI BABA along to endeavour to make ground on the field, however, CHILLI BABA continued to lay out, raced greenly and proved difficult to place under pressure making the turn between the 900 Metres and the 500 Metres. He further stated that once entering the Home Straight when balanced, CHILLI BABA gained confidence, raced truly and consequently found the line strongly. When questioned regarding his riding out of LEATHER VANGUARD in the Straight, B Avdulla stated that under pressure his mount was inclined to lay out. He added that near het 100 Metres he became awkwardly placed close to BEAT HOLLOW when that runner gave ground and shifted in slightly. He said after securing clear running inside the 100 Metres LEATHER VANGUARD continued to lay out and proved difficult to ride to the finish although, in his opinion, its run had ended inside the 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of E BROTHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BEAT HOLLOW immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BEAT HOLLOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER HIGHWAY and AWESOME TREASURE were sent for sampling.