22/10/2023  Shatin  Race 3

ENDEARED (H161): When questioned regarding his riding, K Teetan stated that from a wide barrier, with the first two races being run inside standard in the early stages, he was instructed to ride his mount conservatively in the early stages. He said as a result he was obliged to settle at the rear of the field to ensure his mount had cover. When questioned if there was an opportunity to improve to the outside of SUPER CONTENTED from the 600 Metres, K Teetan stated that he was concerned that he had done so, SUPER CONTENTED would shift out and take his mount wider. He said for this reason he elected to remain racing behind SUPER CONTENTED with a view to following WAR OF COURAGE into the race. He said near the 500 Metres when SUPER CONTENTED shifted out slightly, he was obliged to steady away from the heels of that runner and as a result his mount lost momentum. He added as a result of this incident WAR OF COURAGE was able to improve into the event where his mount was then left flat-footed. He further stated that after being held up for clear running in the early part of the Home Straight, he then attempted to improve to the outside of WAR OF COURAGE near the 300 Metres, but was disappointed for this run when SUPER CONTENTED held its position to his outside. He said as a consequence he was obliged to shift to the inside of WAR OR COURAGE where he secured clear running at the 200 Metres. Trainer J Size confirmed the instructions issued and the reasons as to why such instructions were issued. He stated that, in his opinion, K Teetan would have been better suited, having regard to the moderate early pace, by making a run to the outside sooner than what he did. K Teetan agreed with the Stewards that he had made a slight error of judgement in not improving to the outside of SUPER CONTENTED from the 550 Metres. He was advised that he should, wherever possible, ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. CHAMPION METHOD (H366): Sent for sampling post-race. WAR OF COURAGE (C483): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUBYLOT (H412): Near the 900 Metres shifted out and away from ISLAND BRIGHT and became unbalanced. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the view that an incident had occurred inside the 100 Metres where CHAMPION INSTINCT had shifted in and made contact with RUBYLOT which cast doubt as to whether RUBYLOT should be declared the outright second placegetter. Subsequently the Stewards, acting under the provisions of Rule 122, lodged a protest/objection on behalf of the connections of RUBYLOT alleging interference inside the 100 Metres. After considering the evidence, including the patrol films, the Stewards found that near the 100 Metres CHAMPION INSTINCT shifted in and made contact with RUBYLOT on two occasions, taking RUBYLOT in and restricting L Hewitson’s ability to fully ride his mount out to the finish of the event. As the Stewards were comfortably satisfied that had the interference not occurred RUBYLOT would have finished in outright second place, the protest/objection was sustained and the placings amended to read No. 2, CHAMPION METHOD, 1st; No. 4, RUBYLOT, 2nd; No. 12, CHAMPION INSTINCT, 3rd; and No. 7, MASSIVE TALENT, 4th. Sent for sampling post-race. L Hewitson was reminded of the provisions of Rule 117(5) that requires him to utilise all available measures to establish whether reasonable grounds exist to warrant the making of a protest/objection under these Rules and that he should avail himself of this opportunity in similar circumstances in future. GANGNAM STAR (H326): Withdrawn prior to the race by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (heart irregularity). Before being allowed to race again, GANGNAM STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ISLAND BRIGHT (H363): No report. MASSIVE TALENT (H282): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HO HO STAR (H291): No report. JOY FOR YOU (H270): Slow to begin. CALL ME MIGHTY (G464): H T Mo was fined the sum of $3,000 for initially failing to weigh in after the race. Near the 900 Metres was steadied to avoid RUBYLOT. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. MULAN (H145): Jumped awkwardly. CHAMPION INSTINCT (H012): Approaching the 100 Metres, A Badel’s whip was knocked from his grasp by the whip of L Hewitson. MY INTELLIGENT (G031): Was held up for clear running until passing the 350 Metres. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER CONTENTED (H251): No report.