02/02/2019  Shatin  Race 5

THE SYLPH began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room between CHAIRMAN LO which shifted out and RULETHEROOST which, after beginning awkwardly, stumbled and shifted in. FAMILY LEADER and HEALTHY TREASURE bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, FINE WITH ME shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of GOLDEN MISSION which became unbalanced. From a wide barrier, FINE WITH ME was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Also shortly after the start, ABOVE was steadied to obtain cover. Passing the 100 Metres, FOX CHEUNGER was shifted out away from the heels of CHAIRMAN LO. When questioned regarding his riding of THE SYLPH, A Badel stated that due to this race being run over 1400 Metres, it was anticipated that THE SYLPH would take up a position towards the rear. He said he was asked to obtain a run close to the rail if possible and to make inside runs to prevent having to cover unnecessary ground. He said after obtaining a position worse than midfield on the rail in the early stages, THE SYLPH got its head on the side and lay out when racing tight inside FOX CHEUNGER for some distance approaching and passing the 700 Metres. He said this resulted in THE SYLPH becoming quite unbalanced for some distance. He added in the early part of the Straight he balanced up THE SYLPH given the manner in which it had travelled from the 700 Metres and then placed the horse under hands and heels pressure passing the 350 Metres. He said THE SYLPH was finishing off the race only fairly and was inclined to lay out after this. He said passing the 200 Metres he shifted THE SYLPH to the inside of MEGATRON as that horse drifted out under pressure and then rode his mount out over the concluding stages. He said whilst he did not use the whip on THE SYLPH, he felt that the horse was finishing off the race as strongly as it could and that it would not benefit by being tested other than by strong hands and heels riding. A Badel was advised that his riding of THE SYLPH in the early part of the Straight had come under notice and whilst it was acknowledged that the horse was unbalanced for some distance after the 700 Metres, there was an opportunity to place THE SYLPH under more pressure than he did on this occasion. He was further told to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that his riding is not open to query. When questioned regarding the performance of CHAIRMAN LO, J Moreira stated that he felt the horse was disappointing. He said CHAIRMAN LO enjoyed a good run throughout the race and after being shifted to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn was then able to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race. He said however that CHAIRMAN LO did not quicken as he expected it would and did not close off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of CHAIRMAN LO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHAIRMAN LO, KA YING BRILLIANCE and HURRICANE HUNTER were sent for sampling.