08/02/2020  Shatin  Race 10

When proceeding to the Start, Apprentice K H Chan was dislodged from ENDEARING without incident. ENDEARING subsequently travelled a short distance before being recaptured. On arrival at the Start, ENDEARING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to HINCHINLOVE was replaced. DEFINING MOMENT began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room between FARHH ABOVE and SUPER FAST which shifted in. COBY BA began awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SO GLORIOUS shifted out at the start and brushed CHARIZARD. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, SO GLORIOUS got its head on the side, shifted out and bumped HINCHINLOVE. Near the 800 Metres, SO GLORIOUS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ENDEARING (Apprentice K H Chan) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Chan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides proper clearance when shifting ground. Passing the 300 Metres, CALIFORNIA DADDY raced tight outside CHARIZARD which improved into tight running between that horse and HINCHINLOVE. Near the 250 Metres, GUY DRAGON was crowded for room between SO GLORIOUS which, when racing greenly, got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider and FARHH ABOVE (C Y Ho) which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening to GUY DRAGON. C Y Ho was advised that although SO GLORIOUS’ racing manners played a significant part in this incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground so as to ensure that other runners are not crowded for room. When SO GLORIOUS was corrected by its rider, it shifted in abruptly, resulting in COBY BA having to shift in away from the heels of SO GLORIOUS. Approaching the 200 Metres, the whip of J Moreira (BEAUTY LOYAL) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of K C Leung (HINCHINLOVE). Over the concluding stages, FOLLOW ME raced tight outside FARHH ABOVE as that horse improved into tight running outside REGENCY BO BO. When questioned regarding his riding of FARHH ABOVE rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight, C Y Ho stated that passing the 600 Metres he was following CHARIZARD with SUPER FAST and FOLLOW ME racing directly to his outside. He said after the 500 Metres FOLLOW ME was taken wider by SUPER FAST as that horse shifted to the outside of REGENCY BO BO at which stage he commenced to shift out to follow REGENCY BO BO. He added however as he was aware that SUPER FAST was racing to the outside and behind REGENCY BO BO and with FOLLOW ME being positioned to the outside of SUPER FAST, he was not able to shift to the outside of REGENCY BO BO without causing interference to SUPER FAST. He said at this stage FARHH ABOVE quickly improved its position to be racing to the inside of REGENCY BO BO, however, he was comfortable for this to occur as this resulted in him racing behind CALIFORNIA DADDY which he expected would be able to take him into the race. He said passing the 400 Metres he had improved to be racing well inside the heels of REGENCY BO BO and he was badly held up for clear running behind CALIFORNIA DADDY which was racing between REGENCY BO BO and CHARIZARD. He added as CHARIZARD was shifting out passing the 300 Metres which resulted in CALIFORNIA DADDY racing tight to its outside, he felt that a run may present itself to the inside of CHARIZARD, therefore he directed his mount to the inside of CHARIZARD approaching the 250 Metres in an attempt to obtain clear running. He said when he was aware that GUY DRAGON was racing to his inside, he immediately straightened FARHH ABOVE to prevent causing interference to that horse which resulted in FARHH ABOVE continuing to be badly held up for clear running behind CALIFORNIA DADDY. He said passing the 150 Metres he commenced to direct FARHH ABOVE to the outside of the heels of REGENCY BO BO which resulted in FARHH ABOVE, which had a tendency to lay in, being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse until the 100 Metres at which stage FARHH ABOVE was able to improve into tight running between REGENCY BO BO and FOLLOW ME. He said after obtaining clear running FARHH ABOVE then closed off the race strongly. After considering Jockey Ho’s evidence and after viewing the videos, the Stewards were satisfied that Jockey Ho’s explanation of his riding of FARHH ABOVE rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight was supported and accordingly no further action was taken. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GUY DRAGON had sustained a minor laceration to the left hip. FARHH ABOVE, BEAUTY LOYAL and GUY DRAGON were sent for sampling.