17/09/2023  Shatin  Race 8

SUNLIGHT POWER jumped awkwardly and then was badly crowded between MARVEL DRAGON and DIAMOND FOREVER which was bumped and taken out by CURLING SPEED. Near the 1100 Metres, PODIUM and DREAM PURSUER raced tight between PERFECT PEACH and WIDE BLUE YONDER, resulting in PODIUM and DREAM PURSUER making contact for some distance. Shortly after, PERFECT PEACH blundered badly when crowded between PODIUM which then shifted out slightly and GO GO GO (A Atzeni) which shifted in before being crowded by I GIVE (Apprentice Y L Chung). Both A Atzeni and Apprentice Chung were reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances they would be expected to ensure that they are sufficiently clear when shifting ground. Near the 1000 Metres, GO GO GO was steadied when being crossed by PINS PRINCE. Near the 350 Metres, CURLING SPEED was eased when momentarily crowded between PERFECT PEACH and SUNLIGHT POWER which shifted in when hanging in. SUNLIGHT POWER continued to hang in when placed under pressure in the Home Straight and proved reluctant to shift to the outside. Passing the 200 Metres, PERFECT PEACH was steadied away from SEE U AGAIN. Approaching the 150 Metres, SEE U AGAIN was inconvenienced when PODIUM shifted out slightly. Near the 25 Metres, I GIVE and KA YING WARRIOR brushed due to both runners shifting ground slightly. HAPPY TRIO raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding his riding out of KA YING WARRIOR over the final 200 Metres, Z Purton stated that prior to the race his mount was stirred up behind the barriers. He said after commencing well, KA YING WARRIOR raced keenly throughout the early and middle stages. He said on entering the Home Straight his mount continued to travel strongly and near the 200 Metres he then commenced to ride KA YING WARRIOR along to ask for a finishing effort. He added as he placed KA YING WARRIOR under full pressure, his mount did not respond well as he had expected due to its inexperience and proved difficult to ride out. He said over the final 200 Metres he endeavoured to encourage KA YING WARRIOR to change stride to allow it to fully stretch out to the finish, however, the horse did not respond to his urgings to do so. He said that he was reluctant to use the whip on KA YING WARRIOR as he was concerned, having regard to the manner it was racing, it would respond adversely and therefore he elected to continue to ride his mount out vigorously hands and heels to the finish. He further stated that the horse’s pre-race behaviour and the fact that it raced keenly in the early and middle stages were also contributing factors as to why his mount did not finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of MARVEL DRAGON and DIAMOND FOREVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. I GIVE and KA YING WARRIOR were sent for sampling.