20/10/2024  Shatin  Race 1

NOT A FEW (J109): Slow to begin. NOBLE WIN (H195): Jumped only fairly and then was crowded shortly after the start by YOUTH POWER which shifted out. Near the 1200 Metres, after improving to the inside of BEAU GOSSE, then had to be steadied when crowded by BEAU GOSSE which was racing tight to the inside of RED MAVERICK (Y L Chung). Y L Chung was advised to exercise more care. After the event, A Atzeni stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in a midfield position, but after being briefly held up in the early part of the Home Straight and again near the 200 Metres NOBLE WIN finished the race off only fairly. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. CASA LEGEND (G126): When questioned, M F Poon stated that his instructions were to ride his mount where comfortable but ensured that he obtained cover. He said CASA LEGEND began only fairly and when caught to the outside of E TALENT he was of the opinion had he elected to go forward this would have resulted in CASA LEGEND racing wide and without cover. He said as a consequence he elected to allow CASA LEGEND to race towards the rear of the field where it was able to obtain cover. He added his decision to do so was also influenced by the fact that CASA LEGEND had won on 15 June 2024 when ridden in a similar position towards the rear of the field. Trainer C W Chang confirmed the instructions issued. Sent for sampling post-race. MISTER FOX (J059): No report. PAKISTAN FRIEND (B370): No report. MERCHANT PRINCE (H268): After the event, B Thompson reported that from the outside barrier the intention was to take up a position forward of midfield. He said when caught wide in the early stages he was obliged to allow MERCHANT PRINCE to stride forward and race outside the lead to avoid racing wide. HARRY'S HERO (H332): When giving ground near the 350 Metres was steadied when crowded between PAKISTAN FRIEND and MISTER FOX (A Badel) which shifted out. A Badel was advised to exercise more care. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. YOUTH POWER (H358): Sent for sampling post-race. PRECISION GOAL (H016): Bumped on the hindquarters on jumping. BEAU GOSSE (G389): Jumped only fairly, shifted out and bumped with PRECISION GOAL. After the event, C L Chau could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LADY BILLIE (H365): No report. E TALENT (H310): Shifted in at the start and was bumped. Apprentice P N Wong was warned in relation to using the whip on her mount when it was out of contention. RED MAVERICK (J067): No report.