09/11/2019  Shatin  Race 7

On jumping, TAKING AIM was bumped when crowded for room between GOOD STANDING and TIME TO CELEBRATE which was taken out by CHAMPION’S WAY which in turn was taken out by NOTHINGILIKEMORE. In this incident, NOTHINGILIKEMORE became unbalanced after receiving contact on its hindquarters by CHAMPION’S WAY. From a wide barrier, RED WARRIOR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, FLYING THUNDER was steadied in the early stages, however, after the 1100 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. After the race, N Callan (GOOD STANDING) reported that his saddle shifted back near the 500 Metres. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he was instructed to lead on WALDORF and attempt to find the rail if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position from the outside barrier. He said after shifting in to race outside the leader ENCOURAGING near the 1000 Metres, he was aware that it was not available to him to cross that horse which maintained its position and therefore he continued to race outside ENCOURAGING. Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of WALDORF, stated that as the horse was stepping up in distance to 1400 Metres for the first time today since arriving in Hong Kong and as WALDORF had raced successfully overseas prior to being imported into Hong Kong when leading in its races, he felt that the best opportunity for WALDORF in this particular race was to attempt to lead. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHAMPION’S WAY, J Moreira stated that it was intended for CHAMPION’S WAY to be ridden in a forward position behind the speed if possible. He said however that after being hampered at the start and then due to the fast tempo of the race in the early stages, CHAMPION’S WAY was required to race further back in the field than had been anticipated in order for the horse to obtain cover behind FAST MOST FURIOUS. He said, in his opinion, CHAMPION’S WAY did not appreciate the fast tempo of the race first up today after a spell. He added CHAMPION’S WAY travelled only fairly and after being placed under pressure at the 400 Metres did not quicken as it had previously and finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION’S WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TIME TO CELEBRATE and FLYING THUNDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHAMPION’S WAY, ENCOURAGING and GOOD STANDING were sent for sampling.