21/09/2019  Shatin  Race 8

ASSIMILATE was slow to begin. From wide barriers, GENERAL DINO and JIMMU were steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. ARCATRAZ was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When being steadied, ARCATRAZ proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions for some distance passing the 1500 Metres. Near the 1350 Metres, ARCATRAZ again got its head up when being checked away from the heels of WINNING DELIGHT (Z Purton) which, when shifting in, became awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED ELYSEES and shifted in further. Z Purton was advised that primarily due to the racing manners of ARCATRAZ and also due to WINNING DELIGHT being awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED ELYSEES, he was given the benefit of the doubt. However, he was reprimanded and advised that he must make every endeavour to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, WINNING DELIGHT, which was laying in, was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of ASSIMILATE. For the majority of the race, RED ELYSEES travelled wide and without cover. The performance of ARCATRAZ, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ARCATRAZ will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ARCATRAZ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards will interview H T Mo, the rider of MAGNIFICENT, regarding the tempo he set on the horse in the lead in the early and middle stages. WORLD FAMOUS, MORE THAN THIS and BEAUTY DAY were sent for sampling. <25/9/2019 21 September 2019 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 8 (46)>The Stewards tonight questioned H T Mo regarding his riding of MAGNIFICENT. H T Mo stated that he was instructed to lead on MAGNIFICENT in accordance with the horse’s usual racing pattern at the distance. He said he had to ride his mount along in the early stages to cross BETHANY which he was able to do after the 1300 Metres. He said after reaching the lead, he then attempted to steady the tempo of the race, however, he was not aware that the race was being run at as fast a tempo as it was. He said he was aware that BEAUTY DAY was racing to his outside and as that horse continued to maintain its position outside and slightly behind MAGNIFICENT, he did not believe that the race was being run at a particularly quick tempo. H T Mo was reminded that the Stewards had had cause to speak to him on two occasions during the most recent racing season regarding the pace he set on horses in races. Jockey Mo was placed on notice that he must ensure that he rides his mounts such that they can finish off the race as best as they are able. He was further advised that should he come to the attention of the Stewards in the future regarding this matter, further action may be taken.