05/03/2023  Shatin  Race 8

VIVA CHALEUR and BUTTERFIELD jumped awkwardly. On jumping, THE IRISHMAN and CHAMPION DRAGON bumped. From the outside barriers, SPIRITED EXPRESS and CELESTIAL POWER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 250 Metres, LOOKING GREAT raced in restricted room between PERFECT TEAM and TURIN REDSUN which shifted in slightly before being corrected by its rider L Hewitson. From the 400 Metres until near the 200 Metres, SPIRITED EXPRESS had difficulty obtaining clear running when being shifted to the outside of RUNNING GLORY. Passing the 300 Metres, VIVA CHALEUR was hampered when taken out by RUNNING GLORY. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of R Maia (SAVVY NINE), 4th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. When questioned regarding his riding of THE IRISHMAN throughout the early and middle stages of the event and in particular the reason why the horse settled back in the field, S De Sousa stated that his instructions were to endeavour to find a midfield position but ensure he obtained cover. He said after THE IRISHMAN commenced well, when positioned to the outside of RUNNING GLORY, he initially endeavoured to find cover behind that runner by shifting in advance of VIVA CHALEUR. He said when VIVA CHALEUR held its position to his inside, he was obliged to steady his mount to race behind VIVA CHALEUR in order to comply with his instructions. When questioned as to whether there was an opportunity to hold a more forward position having regard to the slow pace throughout the early and middle stages, S De Sousa stated that he focused on his instructions to obtain cover and whilst it was not ideal to restrain his mount towards the rear of the field, he felt that in the circumstances this was the best option. Trainer K W Lui confirmed the instructions were for S De Sousa to obtain cover and expressed satisfaction with the decision of Jockey De Sousa to settle towards the rear of the field. Having considered his explanation and having regard to the slow pace set throughout the early and middle stages, the Stewards advised S De Sousa that he had made an error of judgement in the early and middle stages by continuing to restrain THE IRISHMAN having regard to the slow pace. A veterinary inspection of THE IRISHMAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of VIVA CHALEUR immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a small laceration to the right front cannon. CHAMPION DRAGON and RUNNING GLORY were sent for sampling.