22/09/2018  Shatin  Race 8

DRAGON PIONEER shifted in abruptly at the start and made heavy contact with SUMSTREETSUMWHERE which was then checked when crowded for room outside GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR. LITTLE BIRD, which was leaning on the outside of its barrier as the start was effected, began awkwardly. DIAMOND DRAGON shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of JING JING WIN. LOCKHEED was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 500 Metres, GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR became unbalanced when crowded for room between MIDNIGHT RATTLER and TRIUMPHANT JEWEL, both of which shifted ground. Passing the 200 Metres, DIAMOND DRAGON was shifted out away from the heels of DRAGON PIONEER which shifted out marginally. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of Apprentice M F Poon (NICE FANDANGO), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOKO, W M Lai stated that, from barrier 12, he was asked to take advantage of the outside barrier and position GOKO behind the speed if possible. He said he had to ride GOKO along for a short distance in the early stages to obtain a trailing position behind NICE FANDANGO. He said GOKO did not travel strongly at any stage of the race and was already under pressure after the 600 Metres. He said after this, despite being fully tested, GOKO was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added although GOKO had been successful when ridden in a forward position previously, based on the way the horse travelled today as compared to its last start, he believed that GOKO may be better suited by being ridden more quietly in the early stages to allow the horse the opportunity to finish off the race as it did at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of GOKO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LITTLE BIRD, A Sanna stated that after beginning awkwardly he rode his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said LITTLE BIRD never travelled comfortably throughout the race and came under pressure near the 500 Metres. He said LITTLE BIRD was not able to quicken and, despite being ridden out, finished off the race one-paced over the concluding stages. He added he believed that LITTLE BIRD would be best suited over a distance of longer than that of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE BIRD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. TRIUMPHANT JEWEL and JING JING WIN were sent for sampling.