08/02/2020  Shatin  Race 6

DIAMOND PEGASUS lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and then was crowded for room between HAPPY TIME and JUST NOT LISTENING, both of which shifted ground. COBY OPPA shifted out at the start, resulting in MEGA HEART being crowded for room inside THE WEATHERMAN. In this incident, THE WEATHERMAN became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by MEGA HEART. After this, MEGA HEART was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After travelling a short distance, INFINITY ENDEAVOUR and HAPPY TIME were crowded for room between JUST NOT LISTENING and AQUILA which got its head on the side and shifted out. After the 1000 Metres, THE WEATHERMAN, which was travelling keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MR WEALTH (T Piccone) which shifted in when not properly clear. T Piccone was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. Rounding the Home Turn, AQUILA (C Schofield) was shifted out in an endeavour to improve to the outside of WINNING METHOD, resulting in AQUILA and MR WEALTH bumping and both becoming badly unbalanced. C Schofield was severely reprimanded and told that he must ensure that he does not place undue pressure on other runners when shifting ground to improve his position. Throughout the race, LONE EAGLE travelled wide and without cover. Z Purton (COBY OPPA) stated that after shifting in behind JUST NOT LISTENING near the 900 Metres, COBY OPPA immediately came under pressure and, in his opinion, did not appreciate the kickback. He said after the 700 Metres COBY OPPA would not maintain its position behind runners despite being vigorously ridden and then in the Straight did not close off the race. A veterinary inspection of COBY OPPA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, C Schofield reported that AQUILA hung out making the turn after the 700 Metres and proved difficult to ride. He said he attempted to shift to the outside of WINNING METHOD rounding the Home Turn and then was very awkwardly placed behind that horse when unable to do so. He said he then directed AQUILA back to the inside of WINNING METHOD and near the 250 Metres AQUILA got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of WINNING METHOD, resulting in him being very awkwardly placed behind that horse. He added AQUILA then did not finish off the race and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of AQUILA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, G van Niekerk (WINNING METHOD) stated that after beginning only fairly, shifting in and bumping MR WEALTH, he had to ride his mount along for some distance in the early stages to clear that horse and obtain a forward position. He said WINNING METHOD, which was having its first race start on the All Weather Track today, travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages, however, came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and was then disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of WINNING METHOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING METHOD, LONE EAGLE and MR WEALTH were sent for sampling.