05/02/2023  Shatin  Race 8

SKY FIELD jumped awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with MASTER EIGHT. SKY FIELD was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SUPER WEALTHY raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 800 Metres was steadied away from the heels of SIGHT SUCCESS. When questioned regarding his riding of WELLINGTON in the early part of the Straight, A Badel stated that he was given no specific instructions on how to ride the horse. He said after obtaining a position behind LUCKY SWEYNESSE, his mount travelled reasonably well entering the Straight but he was mindful that, in his opinion, WELLINGTON has a short sprint and for this reason he did not want to expose WELLINGTON too early in the Straight. He said as a result he remained racing behind LUCKY SWEYNESSE until near the 250 Metres where he exposed WELLINGTON and placed his mount under full pressure where, in his opinion, the horse finished the race off reasonably well to obtain the second position. After considering his explanation, the Stewards were satisfied that Jockey Badel’s riding today had resulted in WELLINGTON obtaining the best possible place in the field, however, he was advised that, wherever possible, he should place his mounts under full pressure at the appropriate time so as to have no room for query. LUCKY SWEYNESSE and WELLINGTON were sent for sampling.