14/04/2019  Shatin  Race 8

ALCARI shifted out at the start and bumped LUCKY HERO. SUN SUN FA FA was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 950 Metres, GAMECHANGERS raced tight outside MIGHTY POWER. Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, CALIFORNIA TURBO failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was asked to ride HAIR TRIGGER positively in the early stages and obtain a position behind the leaders if possible as it had been getting too far out of its ground and it was felt that the outside barrier would provide the opportunity for HAIR TRIGGER to take up a more forward position. He said he was told that it would be acceptable for him, if required, to race in a three wide position so long as HAIR TRIGGER was able to obtain cover. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode HAIR TRIGGER along in the early stages in order to obtain a trailing position. He said however that as GAMECHANGERS had established its position to the inside of HAIR TRIGGER and CHARIZARD was following that horse, he did not believe it was available for him to steady HAIR TRIGGER in an attempt to obtain a trailing position behind GAMECHANGERS and also felt that continuing to steady his mount to obtain a trailing position behind CHARIZARD would result in HAIR TRIGGER again getting too far out of its ground. He said he therefore rode his mount along to clear runners to his inside which resulted in the horse having to race three wide and without cover in a more forward position than had been intended. When questioned, Z Purton stated that after being able to shift across to race outside the lead in the early stages, HARD PROMISE became unbalanced in its action and dipped near the 500 Metres. He said he was able to balance HARD PROMISE back up and the horse initially appeared as though it would finish off the race satisfactorily. He said however that approaching the 200 Metres HARD PROMISE came under pressure and then gave ground noticeably over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HARD PROMISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GAMECHANGERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHARIZARD, LUCKY HERO and TEAM SPIRIT were sent for sampling.