10/06/2018  Shatin  Race 8

MARQULA began awkwardly and lost ground. When being steadied to obtain cover from the wide barrier, HAPPY HOUR was momentarily crowded for room shortly after the start between LUCKY HERO and C P POWER (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in. In this incident, LUCKY HERO became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by HAPPY HOUR. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. After the 800 Metres, DIAMOND DRAGON commenced to travel very keenly, got its head on the side and lay out. DIAMOND DRAGON then continued to travel keenly and, despite the efforts of its rider, hung out, resulting in the hose shifting to the outside of C P POWER near the 650 Metres and then making the Home Turn wide. As this was the second consecutive occasion that DIAMOND DRAGON had exhibited unacceptable racing manners, the Stewards ruled that the horse must undergo a series of barrier trials around a bend before being permitted to race again. Over the concluding stages, LUCKY HERO, which was finishing off the race fairly, was checked away from the heels of ROCKIT. In this incident, C P POWER became unbalanced when bumped by LUCKY HERO. Throughout the race, C P POWER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he was asked to ride POSITIVELY HIGH patiently in the early stages as the horse had not been finding the line as well as had been hoped. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted his mount across behind runners in the early stages and then was able to follow LUCKY HERO after the 900 Metres. He said it was explained to him that POSITIVELY HIGH is still lightly raced and therefore he was asked not to use too much whip on the horse rather to shift to the outside of runners in the Straight and ride the horse out vigorously hands and heels to ensure that it was able to finish off the race as best as it was able. He said accordingly he shifted POSITIVELY HIGH to the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight after which the horse commenced to close off the race well. He added he used the whip on a number of occasions on POSITIVELY HIGH, but having regard to the fact that he was instructed not to use too much whip on the horse, as it was finishing off the race as best as it was able, he did not believe it was necessary for the whip to be used any more than it was. Mr C Fownes, the trainer of POSITIVELY HIGH, said that he had mixed the horse’s distances as he had been generally disappointed with the manner in which POSITIVELY HIGH had failed to finish off its races. He confirmed that in today’s race the intention had been for the horse to be ridden in a position in about midfield or slightly worse and then for it to be shifted to the outside of runners to see whether these tactics may be more conducive to the horse finishing off the race. He also confirmed that he did not want too much whip to be used on POSITIVELY HIGH given that the horse is relatively inexperienced and he felt that it would be better suited by being tested with the whip but also being ridden predominantly in a hands and heels manner. He said having regard to the manner in which POSITIVELY HIGH closed off its race, he would ensure that the horse will be ridden in a similar manner in its future starts. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ALCARI and CRUISING were sent for sampling.