01/11/2020  Shatin  Race 2

TIGERLAD was withdrawn on 29.10.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (multiple lacerations to all limbs) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter EURO LAGO. Before being allowed to race again, TIGERLAD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BELLA BABY began only fairly and then became unbalanced after being hampered by FOX CHEUNGER which shifted out after being bumped by WINNING WARRIOR. In this incident, WINNING WARRIOR and FOX CHEUNGER also became unbalanced. STRONG PROMISE shifted out at the start and bumped ONE STEP AHEAD. On jumping, ROCKET HAMMER was steadied away from the heels of ROCHFORD which shifted in. From wide barriers, GREEN ENVY and EURO LAGO were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the 800 Metres, BELLA BABY got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind WINNING WARRIOR. Approaching the 650 Metres, PLIKCLONE raced tight outside MOON PEAKS. MOON PEAKS was then awkwardly placed behind ROCHFORD passing the 500 Metres. At the 450 Metres, FOX CHEUNGER was brushed by ONE STEP AHEAD which improved into tight running to the outside of MOON PEAKS. FOX CHEUNGER then continued to race tight outside ONE STEP AHEAD which shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 350 Metres, MOON PEAKS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ROCHFORD which was racing tight outside BELLA BABY. When questioned, H T Mo stated that he was asked to ride ROCHFORD positively and obtain a forward position. He said it was felt that ROCHFORD may be able to lead or obtain a trailing position behind the lead. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount vigorously for some distance in the early stages to obtain as forward a position as possible. He said, despite being ridden along, ROCHFORD did not show sufficient speed to be able to lead and after the 900 Metres was left racing three wide and without cover outside MOON PEAKS. He added passing the 750 Metres he elected to ride his mount forward in an endeavour to clear TELECOM MISSILE and possibly APOLLOS BOW which were sharing the lead. He said, despite being ridden along, ROCHFORD was not able to improve its position sufficiently to clear those horses and this resulted in the horse continuing to race three wide and without cover. H T Mo was advised that his decision to go forward and make use of ROCHFORD from the 750 Metres lacked judgement, given the unlikelihood that ROCHFORD was going to come from behind TELECOM MISSILE into the position to be able to clear that horse. He was told to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner that they are able to finish off the race as best as they can in the circumstances which are presented. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN MISSION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TELECOM MISSILE, PLIKCLONE and ONE STEP AHEAD were sent for sampling.