24/03/2024  Shatin  Race 4

MARADO (E245): Approaching the 100 Metres C L Chau dropped his whip. As this was the third occasion this season that Jockey Chau had dropped his whip, he was issued with a warning and advised that he must make a greater effort to maintain control of his whip. Sent for sampling post-race. MISTER DAPPER (H376): Lay in in the early part of the Home Straight when placed under pressure. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. ABSOLUTE SUNSHINE (H342): Approaching the 200 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of ROYAL PRIDE when that runner shifted out. BEER PALACE (H361): After the race, L Ferraris reported that he was given the option to hold a more forward position on BEER PALACE and after holding the lead BEER PALACE failed to respond to his riding and it was noted after the event to have its tongue over the bit. Trainer M Newnham confirmed the instructions issued, however, had not necessarily thought BEER PALACE would be able to lead the event. Mr Newnham also confirmed that the horse had its tongue over the bit after the race. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BEER PALACE was considered to be disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, BEER PALACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VOLCANIC SPARK (H388): Approaching the 1300 Metres was steadied away from CELTIC TIMES. Near the 150 Metres was steadied when crowded between MISTER DAPPER and CELTIC TIMES (M Chadwick) which shifted out before being corrected by its rider. M Chadwick was advised to exercise more care and in similar circumstances he would be expected to react sooner than what he did on this occasion. When questioned, H Bowman stated that he was instructed to take up a midfield position and as a result he made some use of his mount in the early stages in an endeavour to hold a more forward position. He said after being steadied approaching the 1300 Metres VOLCANIC SPARK obtained a position three wide with cover. He added in the Home Straight VOLCANIC SPARK raced tight to the inside of MISTER DAPPER which restricted his ability in fully testing VOLCANIC SPARK and after being steadied when crowded near the 150 Metres VOLCANIC SPARK did not finish the race off thereafter. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. C P ONE (J013): Jumped only fairly. Approaching the 1300 Metres was checked when crowded by VOLCANIC SPARK (H Bowman) which, after improving to the inside of CELTIC TIMES (M Chadwick), then was steadied away from that runner and shifted in further as CELTIC TIMES was also shifting in. Both H Bowman and M Chadwick were advised to exercise more care. CELTIC TIMES (G230): Whilst in the saddling stalls, CELTIC TIMES had its left front plate adjusted. CELTIC TIMES was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CHATEAU LE PECHE (H471): Jumped awkwardly and then was crowded shortly after the start. LOOKING COOL (G151): No report. JOYFUL PROSPERITY (H213): Jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. For a short distance near the 450 Metres was held up behind VOLCANIC SPARK. STARSHIP EIGHTY (H022): No report. CALIFORNIATOTALITY (H418): Sent for sampling post-race. ROYAL PRIDE (E351): Approaching the 200 Metres was directed to the outside of CALIFORNIATOTALITY to obtain clear running. ROBOT FIGHTER (H309): After the race, K De Melo confirmed that from a wide barrier he was instructed to take up a forward position on his mount. ROUND THE EARTH (G358): Withdrawn on 23.3.24 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (heart irregularity) and replaced by Standby Declared Starter C P ONE.