09/07/2023  Shatin  Race 4

ENDEARED and CHAMPION INSTINCT were slow to begin. NOBLE ONE jumped awkwardly and shifted out abruptly, resulting in LAPRAS, which had also jumped awkwardly, being hampered. GLUCK RACER jumped only fairly. A Badel (HERO ICON) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of NOBLE ONE, resulting in that horse being checked to avoid the heels of HERO ICON near the 900 Metres. In the circumstances, and having regard to his careless riding record, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for A Badel to be fined the sum of $220,000 in lieu of a period of suspension from riding in races which would incorporate 4 racedays. Between the 400 Metres and the 350 Metres, ENDEARED had difficulty obtaining clear running when endeavouring to improve into a narrow run between TEAM SPIRIT and HERO ICON. From the 400 Metres to the 300 Metres, FORTUNE WARRIOR was held up for clear running behind EIGHT TRIGRAMS. Between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres, CHAMPION INSTINCT was held up for clear running. Then over the final 50 Metres, CHAMPION INSTINCT could not be fully ridden out to the finish when positioned in a tight run between HERO ICON and NOBLE ONE. When questioned regarding the improved performance of LUCKY QUALITY, Trainer C Fownes advised that LUCKY QUALITY had been racing in a disappointing manner when settling towards the rear of the field. He said today, from a wide barrier, he had instructed its rider, K H Chan, to ride the horse along in the early stages with more vigour to take up a forward position. He added that although LUCKY QUALITY was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event, he felt the tactics adopted today, having regard to the "C+3” course racing pattern, were the reason for LUCKY QUALITY’s improved performance. A veterinary inspection of TEXAS MOON and TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY QUALITY and ENDEARED were sent for sampling.