06/07/2024  Shatin  Race 5

TOP SCORER (J120): When questioned, H Bowman stated that after obtaining a position behind the leaders, his mount became awkward in its action near the 850 Metres. He said when he was concerned that there may be something amiss with TOP SCORER, he then eased it out of the event a short distance thereafter. Trainer J Size could offer no explanation in relation to Jockey Bowman’s assessment of the horse and advised TOP SCORER would not race for the remainder of the season subject to any further veterinary examination conducted on the horse. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, TOP SCORER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FUN N FUN TOGETHER (J232): When questioned, C Y Ho stated that his instructions were to hold an on-pace position but not specifically to lead the event. He said when joined in the lead by SEA SAPPHIRE in the early stages, his intention was to allow that runner to cross and he would race with cover behind SEA SAPPHIRE. He said as he endeavoured to allow SEA SAPPHIRE to cross his mount, FUN N FUN TOGETHER commenced to race keenly and would not respond to his urgings to settle which resulted in a faster pace being set than what he would have liked. The Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Ho were reasonable in the circumstances in that he had made sufficient effort to endeavour to restrain his mount to attempt to set a more sustainable pace throughout the early and middle stages of the event. BLAZING WIND (J157): Jumped awkwardly. Near the 700 Metres was steadied to avoid TOP SCORER. Noted to have lost its left hind plate after the race. COURIER ALADDIN (J387): After the 400 Metres shifted out and away from NEVER PETER OUT which shifted out. Sent for sampling post-race. DRAGON JOY (J278): Jumped only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Noted to have lost its right hind plate after the race. FOXHUNTER KING (J044): Shortly after the start became unbalanced when crowded between FLYING ROMANTIC which shifted out slightly and LIFE OF STONE which shifted in slightly. Near the 650 Metres was taken wider by FLYING ROMANTIC. LIFE OF STONE (J374): Shortly after the start was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. SOLAR UP (J134): Was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the race, Trainer C W Chang confirmed the instructions were to ride SOLAR UP conservatively in the early stages. He said he issued such instructions as the horse had barrier trialed well on 28 June 2024 when ridden in this manner. SEA SAPPHIRE (H343): When questioned regarding his riding and the fast pace set in the early and middle stages, K Teetan stated that his instructions were to endeavour to lead. He said after SEA SAPPHIRE commenced well, he was joined in the lead by FUN N FUN TOGETHER. He said having regard to his instructions, he then allowed SEA SAPPHIRE to stride forward with a view to crossing FUN N FUN TOGETHER in the early stages. He added when FUN N FUN TOGETHER commenced to race keenly to his inside, he was unable to cross that runner approaching the first turn near the 900 Metres and as a result he elected to make additional use of his mount to cross FUN N FUN TOGETHER so as to comply with his instructions. He said after the 700 Metres SEA SAPPHIRE was able to cross FUN N FUN TOGETHER to lead on the rail. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued but stated such instructions were not binding and that the option was available to race outside the lead if SEA SAPPHIRE was unable to lead. After considering his explanations, the Stewards advised K Teetan that he had made an error of judgement in the early stages by continuing to ride his mount forward to cross FUN N FUN TOGETHER, particularly when the early and middle stages of the event were run inside of standard time. He was further advised he would be expected to show better judgement than what he did on this occasion in future. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NEVER PETER OUT (J200): No report. FLYING ROMANTIC (J057): Near the 650 Metres was checked to avoid TOP SCORER which was giving ground when being restrained out of the event. Briefly held up making the Home Turn. Lay in in the Home Straight. KING OBERON (H407): After the 400 Metres was steadied away from COURIER ALADDIN which shifted out. Sent for sampling post-race.