04/06/2023  Shatin  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that PRESIDENT’S CHOICE had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was crowded at the start between BRILLIANT PIONEER and WIN WIN which shifted in. BRAVE AND BOLD jumped only fairly. GO GO SIXTEEN was slow to begin and despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position. FOREVER FOLKS was bumped at the start by NORTHERN BEAST which shifted in. FOREVER FOLKS then raced keenly in the middle stages. Near the 700 Metres, BRAVE AND BOLD commenced to race keenly and was shifted out when positioned close to HAPPY DAY, resulting in PRESIDENT’S CHOICE and WIN WIN being hampered and taken wider. Near the 500 Metres, BRAVE AND BOLD raced tight between PRESIDENT’S CHOICE and HAPPY DAY which was inclined to lay out. NORTHERN BEAST was briefly held up on the Home Turn and then near the 300 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running when endeavouring to improve into a narrow run between HAPPY DAY and DARCI JOY which shifted out. Again near the 200 Metres, NORTHERN BEAST had some difficulty obtaining clear running when shifting to the outside of DARCI JOY. GO GO SIXTEEN was briefly held up behind STRONGEST BOY near the 300 Metres. The performance of WIN WIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WIN WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of WIN WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding out of DARCI JOY in the Straight, Apprentice E C W Wong, in the presence of Mr F Coetzee, Chief Riding Instructor, stated that his mount was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure and as a result on various occasions he was obliged to correct his mount. He added that near the 200 Metres and again at the 100 Metres DARCI JOY shifted out when he corrected his mount and as a result became momentarily unbalanced. The Stewards advised Apprentice Wong, whenever possible, he should ensure that he exercises proper control of his mounts to avoid them shifting unnecessary ground. After the race, Z Purton (HAPPY DAY) reported that his mount did not travel strongly due to the fast early pace, but, in his opinion, failed to run out the 1600 Metres of today’s event. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY DAY immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. The performance of HAPPY DAY, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY DAY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SUPER BUDDY immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. HAPPY DAY, GO GO SIXTEEN and DARCI JOY were sent for sampling.