15/10/2023  Shatin  Race 4

TOP TOP TEA (H048): Approaching the 900 Metres commenced to race keenly and shifted out when being steadied away from CRYSTAL POWERFUL. Then continued to race keenly in the middle stages. Was sent for sampling post-race. LESLIE (E471): Was sent for sampling post-race. WIDE BLUE YONDER (G323): No report. PINS PRINCE (G013): Raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 850 Metres shifted out slightly when being steadied away from WIDE BLUE YONDER. From the 400 Metres to the 250 Metres was held up for clear running. ALWAYS FLUKE (H252): Was sent for sampling post-race. CHILLI BABA (G339): Close to the finish could not be fully ridden out when positioned tight between LESLIE and PINS PRINCE. The Stewards opened an inquiry into B Avdulla’s riding of CHILLI BABA between the 400 Metres and the 200 Metres. Evidence was taken from Jockey Avdulla and Trainer P F Yiu. B Avdulla stated that from the inside barrier he was instructed to hold a midfield position but was issued with no specific instructions as to when to place his mount under pressure. He said after following PINS PRINCE into the race, he elected to remain racing behind that runner on straightening with a view to improving behind it. He said when PINS PRINCE became held up and did not proceed forward, this resulted in CHILLI BABA also being held up behind that runner before he then shifted to its outside near the 300 Metres to look for clear running. He added between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres he was unable to commit to a run to the outside of TOP TOP TEA as he was concerned that HERO ICON was giving ground and for this reason he did not immediately shift out. He further stated that approaching the 200 Metres he was able to direct CHILLI BABA to the outside of TOP TOP TEA and HERO ICON whereby CHILLI BABA initially responded well to his riding before its run ended near the 100 Metres. Mr Yiu confirmed the instructions issued and expressed satisfaction with the manner in which B Avdulla rode the horse. After considering the evidence, the Stewards advised B Avdulla that he had persevered for too long behind PINS PRINCE and TOP TOP TEA when there was an opportunity to shift to the outside of those runners sooner to present CHILLI BABA with clear running. In electing not to take the matter further, the Stewards were mindful that CHILLI BABA had peaked on its run at the 100 Metres and could not be satisfied that B Avdulla’s actions had impacted on the finishing position of CHILLI BABA. However, Jockey Avdulla was advised that he must ensure he shows better judgement and reacts quicker to ensure that his mounts are given first available opportunity to improve. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. G LINER (H072): Was crowded shortly after the start. Raced keenly in the middle stages and making the turn approaching the 800 Metres got its head up and shifted out. LUCKY BANNER (G354): Near the 1100 Metres, when racing keenly, was crossed by ALWAYS FLUKE (C Y Ho) which shifted in when not clear. C Y Ho was reprimanded. RIVER VIEWS (G212): No report. KING OF THE COURT (E384): No report. CRYSTAL POWERFUL (H068): Was noted to have blood in the mouth on arrival at the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. DASHING GLORY (G397): Jumped awkwardly and then was bumped at the start. Passing the 1300 Metres was briefly crowded by LUCKY BANNER which shifted in before being corrected by its rider L Currie. HERO ICON (G422): Passing the 150 Metres was steadied when crowded between CHILLI BABA and PINS PRINCE which shifted out slightly. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GO GO GO (H196): Was bumped at the start. Near the 850 Metres, when racing keenly, was steadied to avoid the heels of LESLIE. From the 350 Metres to the 250 Metres was held up for clear running. At the 250 Metres was then directed to the outside of LUCKY BANNER but then raced in restricted room until the 200 Metres between KING OF THE COURT and LUCKY BANNER which shifted out under pressure.