01/10/2020  Shatin  Race 3

CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE, which kicked a rail at the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, SALTO OLIMPICO failed to muster speed. STARSHIP was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages. Approaching the 1400 Metres, FAST PACE momentarily raced tight inside LIGHT MY DAY which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. Rounding the Home Turn, NATURAL STORM was awkwardly placed behind CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE when racing tight inside FAST PACE. Passing the 350 Metres, GOOD DAYS was steadied when crowded for room between INDIGENOUS STAR and NATURAL STORM (C Schofield) which shifted in. C Schofield was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. JIMMU lay in under pressure in the Straight. When questioned regarding his riding of FAST PACE in the early stages, A Hamelin stated that he was instructed to ride FAST PACE in a position behind the leaders if possible. He said in the early stages INDIGENOUS STAR and NATURAL STORM maintained their position inside FAST PACE and although FAST PACE had a slight margin over NATURAL STORM after the 1500 Metres, he believed that he would have had to make use of FAST PACE in order to clear NATURAL STORM and that had he have done this, FAST PACE would likely have been in a leading position inside LIGHT MY DAY. He said for this reason he elected not to continue forward of NATURAL STORM which resulted in FAST PACE being left racing three wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres. A Hamelin was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had erred in failing to attempt to clear NATURAL STORM given that FAST PACE was in the order of half to three quarters of a length in advance of NATURAL STORM after the 1500 Metres. He was further advised that had he cleared NATURAL STORM, this would likely have provided him with the opportunity to obtain a trailing position behind either LIGHT MY DAY or CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE which were being ridden to obtain a forward position from wider barriers. A Hamelin was told to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner that they do not cover unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of STARSHIP and GOOD DAYS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NATURAL STORM, LIGHT MY DAY and JIMMU were sent for sampling.