15/09/2013  Shatin  Race 3

SUNNY FAY began awkwardly. From wide barriers, SUDDEN THUNDER, D’OR WONGCHOY and GERONIMO MEADOW were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When being steadied near the 1000 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. Then at the 800 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD again got its head up when being steadied to allow PRETTY ONE to cross. At the 400 Metres, MASTER SOMMELIER was hampered when crowded for room between MERIDIAN TREASURE and REGENCY CHAMPION (M Chadwick) which, after being bumped and taken wider by MERIDIAN TREASURE rounding the Home Turn, then shifted back in. M Chadwick was severely reprimanded and advised in future he must be alert to the circumstances of the race and that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. SUNNY FAY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of REGENCY CHAMPION to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, JOYFUL THE GREAT got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. Close to the finishing line, GERONIMO MEADOW and THE UNTOUCHABLELAD bumped. When questioned, T H So stated that he had been instructed to attempt to obtain the lead on MERIDIAN TREASURE, however, if the horse failed to show early speed, then he should attempt to obtain as forward a position as possible. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, MERIDIAN TREASURE did not show sufficient speed to cross COSTA DEL SOL which was travelling comfortably to its inside. He added approaching the 1100 Metres MERIDIAN TREASURE got its head on the side and lay in and as PRETTY ONE and JOYFUL THE GREAT were being ridden to obtain forward positions from wider draws, he elected to steady his mount and allow those horses to cross MERIDIAN TREASURE. He said MERIDIAN TREASURE continued to lay in and he gave consideration to allowing the horse to stride forward to cross COSTA DEL SOL after the 800 Metres, but was concerned by the manner in which his horse was laying in and he was also concerned if he rode MERIDIAN TREASURE along that it would shift in and cause interference to his inside. He said because of this MERIDIAN TREASURE was left racing three wide and without cover for the majority of the race. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that, from barrier 12, he had been instructed to allow REGENCY CHAMPION to obtain a forward position and lead if possible. He said that he was instructed not to ride the horse aggressively to do so, however, it was felt that the horse’s natural speed would allow it to take up a forward position. He said after being loaded, REGENCY CHAMPION was fractious and as the start was effected lifted its front feet off the ground, resulting in it being tardy to begin. He said he allowed the horse to show speed in the early stages, however, REGENCY CHAMPION was not able to obtain a forward position. He said he would have had to ride his mount aggressively to clear runners to his inside, but this would have been contrary to his instructions, therefore he attempted to find a position with cover on REGENCY CHAMPION. He added passing the 900 Metres he felt that there was an opportunity to shift in behind MERIDIAN TREASURE into a position three wide with cover, however, at this time MASTER SOMMELIER was positioned just to the inside of his heels, therefore he was not able to shift in and consequently was obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the race. M Chadwick stated that when he had previously ridden the horse to success, it had been able to lead without having to be ridden along. Trainer A S Cruz confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Chadwick to lead if possible on REGENCY CHAMPION, but not to ride the horse along to do so. He said he was concerned that if the horse did not show early speed to clear runners to its inside that it would be left very wide. He said therefore he instructed Jockey Chadwick that if the horse was not able to lead of its own accord in the early stages that it would be in its best interests to obtain cover on the horse if possible. He added he was concerned that REGENCY CHAMPION would not be able to close off the race if too much use of the horse were to be made in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER SOMMELIER, JOYFUL THE GREAT and PRETTY ONE were sent for sampling.