18/01/2017  Shatin  Race 6

ELECTRONIC PHOENIX and LE PANACHE began only fairly. From the outside barriers, NOBLE ALPHA and PREMIUM CHAMPION were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SUPER MAN shifted in and bumped TURIN PEARL, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Approaching the 400 Metres, BEAUTY PRINCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER MAN. Passing the 400 Metres, ELECTRONIC PHOENIX was shifted in away from the heels of HAPPY CONTENDER to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, CARE FREE PRINCE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of CARE FREE PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CARE FREE PRINCE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CARE FREE PRINCE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The performances of LE PANACHE and PREMIUM CHAMPION, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LE PANACHE and PREMIUM CHAMPION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, S Clipperton stated that he had been asked to take up a forward position on SUPER MAN. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he was left racing in a three wide position with TURIN PEARL and BEAUTY PRINCE to his inside and he had to ride SUPER MAN along for some distance approaching and passing the 1400 Metres to clear TURIN PEARL. He said as BEAUTY PRINCE was being steadied, he continued on into the lead approaching the 1200 Metres. He said when being ridden along to cross runners to his inside, SUPER MAN had felt as though it was showing a tendency to run off the track and after reaching the lead continued to “float” and shift ground. He said he was concerned that if he eased SUPER MAN passing the 1200 Metres, the horse would either drop the bit and lose interest in the race or would shift ground, therefore he continued to niggle at the horse in an endeavour to keep its mind on the race. He added he had noted in a number of its races when ridden by other riders, SUPER MAN had been ridden along from the 700 Metres which indicated to him that the horse is one-paced and therefore making the turn after the 700 Metres he commenced to ride his mount more vigorously to ensure that it was not left flat-footed when RED MARVEL commenced to improve its position. He said whilst he was aware that the pace of the race had been strong, he felt that riding the horse in this manner would keep SUPER MAN focussed and not allow it to do anything untoward. S Clipperton was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they are given the opportunity to close off the race as best as they are able. The Stewards will question O Doleuze regarding him not using the whip on HAPPY CONTENDER in this race prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 22 January 2017. A veterinary inspection of RED MARVEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RED MARVEL, SKY KING and BEAUTY PRINCE were sent for sampling.