21/04/2018  Shatin  Race 5

WILLIE WAY began awkwardly. ENJOYABLE SUCCESS began only fairly, From the outside barriers, CROWN AVENUE and ROYAL PERFORMER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, CROWN AVENUE was checked away from the heels of DYNAMIC EAGLE. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, GRAN MASTER shifted in and brushed the running rail. Approaching the 500 Metres, DYNAMIC EAGLE and CROWN AVENUE raced tight as DYNAMIC EAGLE attempted to shift to the outside of RED MARVEL. When DYNAMIC EAGLE was unable to shift out at this time, it was then awkwardly placed behind RED MARVEL for a short distance passing the 500 Metres. In the early part of the Straight, DYNAMIC EAGLE and CHEERFUL GIGGLES raced tight. Throughout the race, RED MARVEL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that he was instructed to lead on GRAN MASTER and accordingly he rode his mount along to obtain a forward position in the early stages. He said after he established the lead approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, TRAVEL FIRST was allowed to improve its position to race outside GRAN MASTER. He said as he did not want that horse to be in a position to cross GRAN MASTER, he allowed his mount more rein approaching and passing the 1400 Metres to ensure that GRAN MASTER maintained the lead. He said after this he was unaware that GRAN MASTER had opened up a margin over the field although he was aware that the race was being run at a faster tempo than he would have hoped, however, at the time he put this down to the fact that he had to allow GRAN MASTER to consolidate the lead. He added after the 1100 Metres he became concerned that the tempo was still strong and for this reason he looked to his inside at which time he established that he had opened up a margin over the remainder of the field. He said he therefore attempted to steady GRAN MASTER to have the horse come back to the field. Apprentice Wong was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that he had taken measures to steady the tempo after the 1100 Metres, nonetheless there was an opportunity for him to have done so earlier than this. He was further advised to ensure that he rates his mounts such that they can finish off the race as best as they are able. A veterinary inspection of GRAN MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WILLIE WAY, GLORIOUS ARTIST and ROYAL PERFORMER were sent for sampling.