05/04/2020  Shatin  Race 6

VICTORY VISION began only fairly and then lost ground when steadied away from the heels of EVEN KEEL which was bumped by VIGOR CHAMP. STARSHIP began only fairly. MY WINNER began very awkwardly and made contact with the outside of its gate. Then from the outside barrier, MY WINNER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HAPPY ICHIBAN lost its right front plate at the start. From wide barriers, PLIKCLONE and PARTY EVERYDAY were steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, KING DRAGON got its head up and travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover. After the 900 Metres, HAPPY ICHIBAN was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 550 Metres, MY WINNER attempted to improve into tight running between PLIKCLONE and PARTY EVERYDAY. Then after racing tight between PLIKCLONE and PARTY EVERYDAY, MY WINNER was shifted to the inside of PLIKCLONE passing the 500 Metres when unable to proceed between PARTY EVERYDAY and PLIKCLONE which was taken out by DEFINING MOMENT. After the 400 Metres, PLIKCLONE raced in restricted room between PARTY EVERYDAY and DEFINING MOMENT. Passing the 100 Metres, GO BALLISTIC shifted in under pressure, requiring its rider to correct his mount. In the Straight, ENJOY LIFE shifted out under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten his mount on a number of occasions. The performance of EVEN KEEL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EVEN KEEL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of CROWN AVENUE in the early and middle stages, Apprentice C Wong stated that it was felt that the race would not be run at a good tempo and therefore, from a wide barrier, it would be available to him to obtain a forward position. He said he was instructed to try and lead, however, if another horse showed more speed than CROWN AVENUE, he could sit outside that horse. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount hard in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain a forward position, however, HAPPY ICHIBAN, which was drawn immediately to the inside of CROWN AVENUE, showed superior speed in the early stages and was able to take up a forward position. He said in order to comply with his instructions, he continued to ride his mount along throughout the early stages to have it improve its position around HAPPY ICHIBAN which was racing in a three wide position outside EVEN KEEL. He said after the 1200 Metres HAPPY ICHIBAN was steadied in an attempt to obtain cover and he felt that it would be in CROWN AVENUE’s best interests to continue forward of that horse which would also result in him fulfilling his instructions. He added he had to continue to ride CROWN AVENUE along until the 900 Metres at which stage the horse was then able to clear both HAPPY ICHIBAN and EVEN KEEL and raced outside the lead. Apprentice Wong was advised that his riding of CROWN AVENUE in the early and middle stages of the race did not meet the standard expected of a rider in Hong Kong. He was told that whilst he has an obligation to attempt to ride to his instructions, he must show judgement when not able to comply with those instructions to ensure that his mounts are able to finish off their races as best as they can in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection of CROWN AVENUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of CROWN AVENUE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CROWN AVENUE 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 STARSHIP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of KING DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DEFINING MOMENT and ENJOY LIFE were sent for sampling.