28/05/2023  Shatin  Race 2

ROMANTIC CHARM was withdrawn on 27.5.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, ROMANTIC CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SERANGOON jumped awkwardly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. S J TOURBILLON shifted out at the start and bumped TOTAL POWER. When questioned regarding his riding out of ABOVE over the concluding stages, H Bowman stated that when improving into a narrow run between HIT THE SHOT and S J TOURBILLON, ABOVE appeared reluctant to improve into that position. He added over the concluding stages when HIT THE SHOT shifted in slightly, he was obliged to stop riding for the final two strides as he was concerned that he may strike the heels of HIT THE SHOT due to that runner shifting ground. He said that whilst he acknowledged HIT THE SHOT did not fully cross his mount, nonetheless for safety reasons, he was obliged to take hold of ABOVE. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found H Bowman had acted reasonably given the position his mount was placed in. After the race, Apprentice Y L Chung (SERANGOON) reported that his mount found it difficult to make up ground from the rear of the field due to the pace gradually increased during the middle stages. A veterinary inspection of SERANGOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, M Chadwick (CELTIC TIMES) stated that he was instructed to obtain cover on his mount in the early stages. He said when caught wide early, he was obliged to come further back to comply with his instructions and in the circumstances he was satisfied with his mount’s performance. A veterinary inspection of CELTIC TIMES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING HURRICANE and HIT THE SHOT were sent for sampling.