16/04/2016  Shatin  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that RAPPER DRAGON had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. RAPPER DRAGON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. PACKING LLAREGYB was crowded for room on jumping between RAPPER DRAGON and MULTIVICTORY which shifted out. Passing the 1100 Metres, BLIZZARD got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 400 Metres, Apprentice K K Chiong (PACKING LLAREGYB) dropped her whip. Passing the 200 Metres, DASHING FELLOW was inconvenienced by PACKING LLAREGYB which shifted out. When questioned, Apprentice K K Chiong stated that she had been asked to have PACKING LLAREGYB begin on terms with the field given that it had been tardy to begin in some of its races. She said Mr A Schutz, the trainer of PACKING LLAREGYB, instructed her to obtain cover on the horse in the early stages and then to make a mid-race move to allow it to be closer to the speed as it is one-paced and it was felt that the horse would not be able to be competitive if it was giving too much start to horses that have shown a superior turn of foot in their previous races. She said after receiving these instructions, she was informed by the owner, in the presence of Mr Schutz, that due to PACKING LLAREGYB being one-paced, he would prefer for the horse to be ridden in a more forward position if possible, preferably in 2nd or 3rd position. Mr Schutz confirmed the initial instructions he gave to Apprentice Chiong and also confirmed the owner's wishes for the horse to be ridden more forward which, given the make-up of the field and with its light weight having employed the services of an apprentice jockey, were in his opinion reasonable. He said it had initially been his preference for PACKING LLAREGYB to race with cover until prior to the 600 Metres at which point he had anticipated that the horse would commence its forward move. He added however that having regard to the owner's wishes and given the make-up of today's race, he was satisfied with Apprentice Chiong's riding. Having regard to the fact that this race was run at a slower than standard tempo in the early stages and the pace of the race did not increase until after the 800 Metres, the Stewards took no further action given the circumstances. After the race, it was reported by the Veterinary Surgeon that PACKING LLAREGYB had sustained a wound to the left front fetlock. RAPPER DRAGON and ROMANTIC TOUCH were sent for sampling.