21/10/2018  Shatin  Race 10

SHAMAL was slow to begin and after being crossed by SIMPLY BRILLIANT a short distance after the start was obliged to race back in the field despite being ridden along. WISHFUL THINKER began only fairly and then shortly after the start was checked when crowded for room between JOYFUL TRINITY and REGENCY BO BO which, after being bumped by PRETTY BAUHINIA, then shifted out further away from that horse. From wide barriers, STAR MAJESTIC and FAST MOST FURIOUS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 900 Metres, GOOD STANDING was left racing wide and without cover. WISHFUL THINKER was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. SIMPLY BRILLIANT was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 400 Metres was checked away from the heels of REGENCY BO BO when unable to improve to that horse’s outside when racing tight inside CALIFORNIA JOY. SIMPLY BRILLIANT was again checked passing the 300 Metres when momentarily disappointed for running between REGENCY BO BO and CALIFORNIA JOY. As the Stewards were satisfied that SIMPLY BRILLIANT had not established running between those horses prior to the 300 Metres, no further action was taken. SIMPLY BRILLIANT was then shifted to the outside of CALIFORNIA JOY and GOOD STANDING approaching and passing the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. At the 400 Metres, JOYFUL TRINITY improved into tight running between RAGING STORM and STAR MAJESTIC. Passing the 400 Metres, FAST MOST FURIOUS was bumped and taken wider by STAR MAJESTIC which got its head on the side and shifted out after being bumped by JOYFUL TRINITY. The Stewards will question Apprentice C Wong, the rider of JOYFUL TRINITY, regarding his riding of that horse after the 700 Metres prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted on Wednesday, 24 October 2018. A veterinary inspection of TIME TO CELEBRATE, WISHFUL THINKER and RAGING STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SIMPLY BRILLIANT, CITRON SPIRIT and GOOD STANDING were sent for sampling. <24/10/2018 21 October 2018 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 10 (118)> The Stewards questioned Apprentice C Wong regarding his riding of JOYFUL TRINITY after the 700 Metres. Apprentice Wong stated that he was instructed to obtain a midfield position if possible and then to shift his mount out into clear running at the top of the Straight to make his final run. He said after obtaining the position behind RAGING STORM in about midfield, JOYFUL TRINITY travelled well in the early stages. He said although he had the opportunity to shift out from behind RAGING STORM after the 700 Metres, he elected to remain racing behind that horse as he did not want to cover what he considered to be unnecessary ground making the turn after the 600 Metres. He said for this reason he remained racing behind RAGING STORM rather than shifting out into a three wide position to follow GOOD STANDING. He added this allowed STAR MAJESTIC to improve its position around JOYFUL TRINITY after the 600 Metres. He said he was not overly concerned regarding STAR MAJESTIC improving at this time as he was of the opinion that STAR MAJESTIC, which he considered to be an outsider in this race, would not be able to maintain its position in the early part of the Straight and this would allow him the opportunity to shift out from behind RAGING STORM without JOYFUL TRINITY being overly held up. He said whilst JOYFUL TRINITY was momentarily awkwardly placed inside STAR MAJESTIC and behind RAGING STORM as that horse shifted out to obtain a run, JOYFUL TRINITY was then able to obtain clear running after the 400 Metres. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and informed that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had erred in not shifting to the outside of RAGING STORM and following GOOD STANDING after the 700 Metres as being shifted out at this time would not have resulted in JOYFUL TRINITY having to cover any tangible extra ground whilst also providing JOYFUL TRINITY with the opportunity of shifting to the outside of GOOD STANDING immediately on straightening rather than being in an awkward position and having to shift to the outside of RAGING STORM. He was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so that they are able to improve their position wherever reasonable and to obtain clear running at the earliest available opportunity.