01/12/2024  Shatin  Race 1

YODA'S CHOICE (J146): When questioned, A Pouchin stated that his instructions were to endeavour to hold the lead. He said in accordance with those instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to cross CALIFORNIA ICON. He said when unable to clear that runner he continued to encourage his mount forward although he agreed with the Stewards that in the circumstances he had set too fast a pace in the early stages of the event. As this was the first occasion that Jockey Pouchin had ridden in Hong Kong, he was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to show better judgement than what he did on this occasion. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued. Sent for sampling post-race. FAMILY FORTUNE (H447): No report. STERLING WONGCHOY (H273): The performance of STERLING WONGCHOY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STERLING WONGCHOY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VERBIER (J187): Jumped only fairly. PRECISION GOAL (H016): Sent for sampling post-race. CALIFORNIA ICON (H404): When questioned regarding his tactics, B Avdulla stated that his instructions were to endeavour to hold the lead. He said as a result he rode his mount along in the early stages to comply with those instructions, but was unable to obtain the lead in the early stages. He said when positioned to the inside of YODA’S CHOICE he continued to encourage his mount to hold its position to the inside of that runner, but at the 1400 Metres when he was of the opinion he would not be able to hold that position, he restrained his mount to allow that runner to cross. He added from the 1400 Metres his mount raced keenly and would not respond to his efforts to allow YODA’S CHOICE to cross which resulted in the pace of the event being quicker than what he would have liked. Trainer A S Cruz confirmed the instructions issued. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CALIFORNIA ICON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA ICON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. YEABOI (G372): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LEATHER MASTER (H034): After the event, M L Yeung reported that his mount did not appreciate the kickback from the All Weather surface. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOYFUL CHAMPION (G072): Jumped awkwardly. M F Poon was issued with a warning in relation to raising his whip arm above shoulder height on a number of occasions in the Home Straight. MAGIC TRAVELLER (H102): As the start was effected became fractious and as a result was slow to begin. Near the 1400 Metres, when racing keenly, was steadied to allow VERBIER to cross. After the event, H Bentley reported that when his mount commenced to give ground quickly and he felt there may be something amiss with it, he did not continue to fully ride it out over the concluding stages of the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAGIC TRAVELLER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAGIC TRAVELLER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.