03/04/2022  Shatin  Race 9

MORE THAN THIS and HEALTHY HAPPY began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, BUTTERFIELD shifted in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CHEERFUL DAYS. CHAMPION’S WAY and EXCELLENT PROPOSAL were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching the 1100 Metres, SAVVY NINE raced tight between GOLDEN SIXTY and TOURBILLON DIAMOND. Near the 950 Metres, TOURBILLON DIAMOND was taken wider by GOLDEN SIXTY which shifted out. After this, TOURBILLON DIAMOND was steadied to obtain cover behind GOLDEN SIXTY. M Chadwick (SAVVY NINE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CHEERFUL DAYS, resulting in that horse being hampered when unnecessarily crowded for room inside TOURBILLON DIAMOND. M Chadwick was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 16 April 2022 and to expire on Thursday, 21 April 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Chadwick was fined $30,000. Approaching the 100 Metres, TOURBILLON DIAMOND was awkwardly placed inside the heels of RUSSIAN EMPEROR. Also approaching the 100 Metres, CHAMPION’S WAY was directed in away from the heels of MORE THAN THIS which shifted in before being corrected. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WAIKUKU, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the manner in which the horse weakened in the Straight. He said the horse travelled well in the early and middle stages outside the lead and added that the horse had previously been successful when ridden in a similar position. He said WAIKUKU came under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and then despite being ridden more aggressively after the 400 Metres commenced to give ground noticeably and as the horse was well beaten prior to the 200 Metres, he eased it down over the concluding stages. He said whilst WAIKUKU had performed similarly in the past, on this occasion he was not able to find any reason for the manner in which it gave ground in the early part of the Straight. Mr J Size, the trainer of WAIKUKU, said that the horse had done well in the lead up to today’s race and a forward showing was expected. He said there was nothing in the race which may explain WAIKUKU’s failure to finish the race off and after examining WAIKUKU on return to the stable he was similarly unable to detect anything of note. He added that at this stage it is his intention to continue with WAIKUKU’s programme but he would monitor the horse in the days subsequent to the race. A veterinary inspection of WAIKUKU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WAIKUKU, which finished last, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WAIKUKU will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLDEN SIXTY and RUSSIAN EMPEROR were sent for sampling.