04/06/2023  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, CALIFORNIA VANES became fractious and as a result jumped awkwardly, resulting in its rider, K H Chan, becoming unbalanced and CALIFORNIA VANES then losing ground. Also as the start was effected, THE MULTIPLIER refused to jump with the field and lost a significant amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, THE MULTIPLIER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a series of consecutive barrier trials. MIRACULOUS HONOUR, which was fractious prior to the start being effected, jumped awkwardly. MAGIC SUPREME shifted out at the start and bumped LUCKY FUN. A short distance later, MAGIC SUPREME then raced tight to the outside of COLOURFUL PRINCE which shifted out. SUPER EAGLE jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, IMPERIAL MAGEE was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1000 Metres, LUCKY FUN lay in towards the heels of COOL BLUE and was steadied. Near the 700 Metres, SUPER EAGLE commenced to race keenly and when being steadied away from CALIFORNIA VANES improved to the inside of that runner. A short distance later, SUPER EAGLE was then steadied when CALIFORNIA VANES shifted in after being steadied away from the heels of DINKUM. After the 700 Metres, LUCKY FUN was steadied when momentarily racing tight to the inside of ELON. Inside the 100 Metres, Apprentice Y L Chung (DINKUM) lost his whip. Over the concluding stages, COOL BLUE was checked when crowded between MIRACULOUS HONOUR which shifted out and ELON (K Teetan) which shifted in. K Teetan was reprimanded. In considering penalty, the Stewards also found that COOL BLUE had shifted out and away from MIRACULOUS HONOUR and contributed to the interference. COOL BLUE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, Z Purton (MEGA BONUS) could offer no excuse for the disappointing performance of his mount. A veterinary inspection of MEGA BONUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MEGA BONUS, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MEGA BONUS 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 MAGIC SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MEGA BONUS, COLOURFUL PRINCE and ELON were sent for sampling.