04/02/2024  Shatin  Race 9

YOU'REMYEVERYTHING (E413): Jumped only fairly and then was crowded shortly after the start. ONLY U (J037): Shortly after the start was crowded between HAPPY FOR ALL which was taken out by MASTER TORNADO and TOP SCORER which shifted in before being corrected by its rider Z Purton. Near the 100 Metres was bumped and became unbalanced. C L Chau was warned in relation to raising his whip arm above shoulder height. ARIEL (G223): Sent for sampling post-race. TOP SCORER (J120): When questioned, Z Purton stated that from a wide barrier he was instructed by Trainer J Size to ride the horse preferably midfield with cover but given the option of racing further back if required to obtain cover. He said although TOP SCORER commenced well today and it would have been open to him to go forward, given the specific instructions issued, he elected to come back in order to find cover and ride in accordance with his instructions. He said in the early stages when positioned to the outside and behind HAPPY FOR ALL, he was of the view that HAPPY FOR ALL would obtain a position with cover behind CORDYCEPS ONE and for this reason he elected to come back and race behind ONLY U to avoid being caught wide and without cover. He said after obtaining a trailing position behind ONLY U near the 1000 Metres, TOP SCORER travelled reasonably well. He added from the 600 Metres when the pace of the race quickened he commenced to encourage TOP SCORER to go forward, but his mount became one-paced for some distance thereafter and after shifting to the outside of ONLY U at the entrance to the Home Straight ran home strongly. Mr Size confirmed the instructions were to endeavour to hold a midfield position with cover but also said that Jockey Purton was given the option to settle further back if he was not able to obtain a midfield position with cover. He said the instructions issued to Jockey Purton today were due to TOP SCORER not beginning well at its only two previous race starts and felt that, given the wide draw today, such instructions would provide TOP SCORER with the best opportunity to finish the race off. After considering the evidence of Jockey Purton and Trainer Size, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Purton in the circumstances were reasonable. MASTER TORNADO (G410): Examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables for an abrasion to the left hind cannon before the race and passed suitable to start. Near the 100 Metres shifted out and made contact with ONLY U. JOY OF SPRING (H383): Jumped only fairly. Near the 250 Metres became held up for clear running behind HAPPY FOR ALL which was giving ground which resulted in JOY OF SPRING having to be shifted to the outside to secure clear running near the 100 Metres. After the race, H Bowman reported that, in his opinion, JOY OF SPRING would have finished the race off well but after being held up between the 250 Metres and the 100 Metres his mount lost momentum. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RAINBOW DELIGHT (J009): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY FOR ALL (H181): An inquiry into the reason for HAPPY FOR ALL being steadied after the 1200 Metres was adjourned to the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 7 February 2024. Raced wide and without cover from the 800 Metres. When giving ground near the 200 Metres raced in restricted room between MASTER TORNADO and CAN’T GO WONG. ISLAND GOLDEN (H018): Raced wide and without cover until near the 800 Metres. PATCH OF TIME (H483): Slow to begin. SUNLIGHT POWER (H244): Near the 700 Metres raced ungenerously when positioned to the inside of HAPPY FOR ALL. Lay in in the early part of the Home Straight. Sent for sampling post-race. CAN'T GO WONG (H087): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the 300 Metres until inside the 200 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running. CORDYCEPS ONE (E107): No report. SPEEDSTAR (G181): No report. GOLDEN CHAMPION (H348): GOLDEN CHAMPION (standby runner) was withdrawn on 1.2.24 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (bled from right nostril after track work). Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN CHAMPION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.