08/06/2024  Shatin  Race 9

CALIFORNIATOTALITY (H418): After the race, B Avdulla stated that his instructions were to endeavour to find cover on his mount. He said in the early stages he was able to hold a forward position, but runners to his outside did not show sufficient pace to cross his mount and as a result he was left racing outside the lead. He added in the Home Straight his mount came under pressure and near the 250 Metres was bumped on the hindquarters by TRADITION, became unbalanced and gave ground from that point. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. THE ABSOLUTE (H438): When questioned regarding his riding in the early stages, H Bentley stated that from the outside barrier his instructions were to hold a forward position. He said after THE ABSOLUTE commenced well, his intention was to follow another runner across to sit outside the lead. He stated that when MISSION VOICE improved to his inside in the early stages, he had expected that runner to continue forward to race in the lead and he would position his mount to the outside of that runner. He added that when MISSION VOICE was unable to cross runners to his inside, this resulted in THE ABSOLUTE being obliged to race four wide and without cover and as a result near the 900 Metres he attempted to ride his mount forward to cross runners to his inside. He said when MISSION VOICE then held its position to his inside and he was not able to cross that runner, he then elected to desist from going forward, however, his mount was obliged to continue to race four wide and without cover before giving ground in Home Straight. Trainer K H Ting confirmed the instructions issued. Jockey Bentley agreed with the Stewards that in retrospect he would have been better suited by riding his mount in a more decisive manner in the early stages to cross to the front and take advantage of the good start that his mount obtained. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. ARIEL (G223): Sent for sampling post-race. CELTIC TIMES (G230): Jumped only fairly and was bumped shortly after the start. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TRADITION (J111): Near the 250 Metres improved into a narrow run between CALIFORNIATOTALITY and MISSION VOICE and a short distance later was then steadied when crowded by MISSION VOICE (L Ferraris) which shifted in and away from SPECIAL HEDGE. Whilst the Stewards accepted that L Ferraris had made an effort to correct his mount, he was advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to react sooner than what he did on this occasion. FLYING MOJITO (G412): After travelling a short distance was steadied when crowded between CALL ME SUPREME and LUCKY TOUCH which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. DARCI JOY (E161): Bumped at the start. LUCKY TOUCH (J203): Sent for sampling post-race. SUPER UNICORN (H481): Jumped awkwardly and was bumped. SKYEY BLUE (J212): Jumped only fairly. CALL ME SUPREME (J202): No report. MISSION VOICE (H444): Shortly after the start was bumped. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. SUPER WISE DRAGON (G475): Jumped only fairly. Held up for clear running making the Home Turn and near the 250 Metres was briefly held up behind TRADITION. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPER WISE DRAGON was a "roarer” which had previously been reported. SPECIAL HEDGE (H354): Shortly after the start was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced.