01/01/2020  Shatin  Race 8

TAILOR MADE began only fairly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY MORE. TAILOR MADE was then crowded for room between LUCKY MORE and LONDON LUCKYSTAR which shifted in. From wide barriers, LUCKY PUZZLE, EVER LAUGH and CANTSTOPTHEFEELING were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. GOOD BEAUTY was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Throughout the race, DIAMOND KING travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of LUCKY PUZZLE, G van Niekerk stated that he was asked to shift the horse across behind runners from a wide barrier and then to shift it to the outside of runners in the Straight and have it close off the race the best it was able. He said LUCKY PUZZLE raced greenly in the early and middle stages and after the 500 Metres he shifted the horse to the outside of CANTSTOPTHEFEELING. He said he then balanced up the horse in the early part of the Straight and placed it under pressure at which time LUCKY PUZZLE again raced greenly, got its head on the side and lay out. He said he rode his mount along approaching and passing the 300 Metres and as LUCKY PUZZLE was laying out, he changed the whip into his left hand near the 250 Metres. He added, despite riding his mount out, LUCKY PUZZLE did not improve its position and commenced to give ground. He said as LUCKY PUZZLE was not in contention,, he did not persist in riding it out over the concluding stages. G van Niekerk was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he places his mounts under sufficient pressure so that his riding cannot be questioned. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY PUZZLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY MORE and GOOD BEAUTY were sent for sampling.