13/03/2021  Shatin  Race 3

LEGION OF MERIT began only fairly. WEALTHY EMPLOYEE was crowded for room on jumping between UNITE SPIRIT and YES WE CAN (A Badel) which shifted in. A Badel was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. A short distance after the start, DOUBLE TAKE raced tight outside the heels of CROWN AVENUE when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. Near the 1000 Metres, YES WE CAN was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 300 Metres, EXALTATION and CROWN AVENUE bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. When questioned, R Maia stated that he was instructed, from the outside barrier, to have EXALTATION begin well, however, it was not felt that the horse would have sufficient early speed to take up a forward position and therefore he was asked to shift it across in the early stages and obtain cover and it was believed that this would be in about a midfield position or worse. He said EXALTATION began very well and in the early stages he shifted his mount across behind LIGHT MY DAY in an endeavour to carry out his instructions. He said however that due to the circumstances of the race EXALTATION was left racing wide and without cover after the 1400 Metres and therefore he allowed his mount to gradually improve after this to obtain a position one horse off the rail near the 1000 Metres. He said this resulted in EXALTATION being ridden in a more forward position than had been intended. He added on two occasions passing the 800 Metres he attempted to get EXALTATION to change lead legs which resulted in the horse becoming unbalanced, particularly approaching the 700 Metres. A veterinary inspection of EXALTATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of CROWN AVENUE. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily throughout the race, however, did not finish off the race after being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of CROWN AVENUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LIGHT MY DAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DOUBLE TAKE and YES WE CAN were sent for sampling.