12/02/2024  Shatin  Race 8

COURIER WONDER (D449): Crowded on jumping. When questioned regarding his riding making the Home Turn and the reason RED LION was able to secure clear running to his inside near the 450 Metres, L Ferraris stated that his instructions were to ensure COURIER WONDER was properly balanced into the Home Straight and to save it up for a run to the finish from the 300 Metres. He said after being crowded at the start, COURIER WONDER became unbalanced near the 1100 Metres when MUGEN shifted out away from RED LION. He said he was then able to obtain a position to follow SUPER WEALTHY where he had RED LION positioned to his inside. He said making the Home Turn whilst he was aware RED LION was positioned to his inside, he was reluctant to improve forward to prevent RED LION from shifting out bearing in mind the instructions he had been issued by Trainer M Newnham. He added that once COURIER WONDER was balanced into the Home Straight, he then placed his mount under pressure. Mr Newnham confirmed the instructions issued and also advised that, in his opinion, COURIER WONDER does not appreciate being contacted by other horses and he had asked Jockey Ferraris to ensure that COURIER WONDER was given an uninterrupted run in the event. DUKE WAI (C188): After the race, Trainer P C Ng confirmed that he had asked Apprentice Y L Chung to take up a position behind SUPER WEALTHY in the early stages to obtain cover. He said, in his opinion, when SUPER WEALTHY did not show its customary early pace, this resulted in DUKE WAI racing in a more forward position than what he had anticipated. Apprentice Y L Chung confirmed the instructions issued by Mr Ng and advised that when DUKE WAI raced keenly, he allowed it to stride forward and lead in an attempt to allow his mount to settle. SUPER WEALTHY (D108): Shifted out at the start and was bumped. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. RED LION (H115): Brushed near the 150 Metres. Sent for sampling post-race. RUNNING GLORY (G010): Jumped only fairly and then was crowded between DUKE WAI and COURIER WONDER. MUGEN (H338): Steadied at the 1100 Metres. Near the 150 Metres shifted in and brushed RED LION. Sent for sampling post-race.