23/10/2016  Shatin  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie fitted to HAPPY AGILITY was adjusted. HAPPY AGILITY began awkwardly. When being steadied to obtain a position with cover passing the 1100 Metres, ARM RUNDA got its head up and travelled keenly. Then passing the 1000 Metres, ARM RUNDA was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CLEVER SPIRIT. After the 600 Metres, GENTILIS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FOREVER ACCURATE. Passing the 350 Metres, MAGIC STAR was bumped by ARM RUNDA which was taken out by HAPPY WAY WINNER. Approaching the 300 Metres, HAPPY WAY WINNER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of RADIANT STEED. Approaching the 200 Metres, GENTILIS got its head up when being corrected after being shifted out towards the heels of GAINFULJET. Throughout the race, HAPPY AGILITY travelled wide and without cover. The performance of KINGSTON JUMBO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KINGSTON JUMBO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, C Schofield stated that he was advised to ride DOUBLE DOWN, which was having its first race start today, in about a midfield position if possible. He said DOUBLE DOWN began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in the horse making contact with the hindquarters of NOBLE DE LOVE. He said a short distance after the start DOUBLE DOWN had to be eased when crowded for room between MAGIC STAR and NOBLE DE LOVE which shifted in and this resulted in DOUBLE DOWN racing back in the field. He said he pushed his mount along after this to take up a position closer to the main body of the field, however, when racing tight inside ARM RUNDA after the 900 Metres, DOUBLE DOWN was reluctant to maintain its position and lost ground passing the 800 Metres. He said he again rode DOUBLE DOWN along hands and heels to have the horse balanced up, however, DOUBLE DOWN raced very greenly and was inclined to get its head up and shift ground approaching the Home Turn. He added when ARM RUNDA shifted out rounding the Home Turn, he pushed his mount along to improve inside ARM RUNDA and DOUBLE DOWN again got its head up and shifted ground. He said because DOUBLE DOWN was racing greenly, he was reluctant to immediately start riding his mount along as he felt it would be in the horse's best interests for it to be properly balanced. He said he then commenced to ride DOUBLE DOWN along passing the 400 Metres and commenced to use the whip in the right hand on the horse approaching the 300 Metres. He said after this DOUBLE DOWN continued to race greenly, however, closed off the race strongly. C Schofield was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that DOUBLE DOWN raced quite greenly, nonetheless rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight he should have ridden the horse with more endeavour. He was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they are not left with too much to do. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE DOWN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ARM RUNDA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY AGILITY and CLEVER SPIRIT were sent for sampling.