10/03/2024  Shatin  Race 10

UNIVERSAL HORIZON (G360): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. GOLDEN ARTIE (G434): Jumped awkwardly and then shortly after the start was steadied when crowded between SOLEIL FIGHTER and UNIVERSAL HORIZON. Near the 1100 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from ACCOLADE START. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ILLUMINOUS (J170): Jumped only fairly and despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position. In the middle stages raced keenly and near the 900 Metres was steadied away from TALENTS AMBITION. From the 550 Metres until the 400 Metres was held up for clear running. Sent for sampling post-race. GIDDY UP (J020): When questioned, J McDonald stated that his instructions were to settle his mount where comfortable but not to make use of it as it had previously over-raced when ridden forward in the early stages. He said from the inside barrier GIDDY UP jumped reasonably well but in accordance with his instructions he did not push it along in the early stages to hold a more forward position. He said as a result TALENTS AMBITION was able to shift across his mount in the early stages which resulted in GIDDY UP setting towards the rear of the field. He added approaching the first turn when TALENTS AMBITION shifted out, he was able to allow GIDDY UP to improve to the inside of that runner and follow MASTER OF FORTUNE. He further stated that from the 600 Metres when he remained positioned behind MASTER OF FORTUNE, his visibility was impaired due to the kickback from runners in front and as a result he was not able to proceed forward from the 600 Metres to the 400 Metres when there was not sufficient room to do so. He said after entering the Home Straight he shifted to the outside of MASTER OF FORTUNE to follow BEAUTY FIT, but was held up for clear running from the 350 Metres until the 200 Metres where he was able to place GIDDY UP under full pressure and the horse finished the race off well. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued and as GIDDY UP was stepping up to 1600 Metres and when ridden forward from an inside barrier at Happy Valley on 20 December 2023, GIDDY UP raced keenly and as a result did not finish the race off. He said this was the basis for issuing the instructions to Jockey McDonald. Mr Richards added that whilst he had expected GIDDY UP settling in a more forward position, he was of the view that due to GIDDY UP being held up in the early part of the Home Straight, this had impacted the horse’s chances of finishing in a more forward position. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. KARMA (G392): When questioned, H Bowman stated that from the 800 Metres his mount hung out which resulted in him having to place significant pressure on his right rein to maintain his position on the track. He added soon after entering the Home Straight when he allowed KARMA to shift wider, his mount commenced to race truly and finished the race off well. ACCOLADE START (H331): Crowded at the start between UNIVERSAL HORIZON and KARMA which shifted out. Between the 450 Metres and the 350 Metres was held up for clear running. BEAUTY FIT (E279): No report. MASTER OF FORTUNE (G474): No report. SOLEIL FIGHTER (J127): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. YOUNG BRILLIANT (H135): After the race, K De Melo reported that as he had some concern with his mount’s action on the Home Turn he eased it down in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of YOUNG BRILLIANT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG BRILLIANT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEATO (H090): Slow to begin. Near the 1400 Metres was steadied when crowded between ILLUMINOUS and KARMA (H Bowman) which, after shifting in, was corrected by its rider. H Bowman was reprimanded. FRANTANCK (H429): Sent for sampling post-race. TALENTS AMBITION (J136): Jumped only fairly. HAKKA RADIANCE (J105): No report.