11/03/2020  Happy Valley  Race 8

PLAY WISE shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of PARTY TOGETHER. After this, PLAY WISE failed to muster speed despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages. From wide barriers, VINCY and STIMULATION were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1000 Metres, PARTY TOGETHER got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind ACCLAIMED LIGHT. GOOD OMEN travelled wide and without cover from the 700 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, I DO raced in restricted room between HOLY HEART and NABOO STAR which was badly held up for clear running behind BLASTOISE. I DO was then shifted out across the heels of HOLY HEART as a result of HOLY HEART and NABOO STAR shifting ground. After this, NABOO STAR continued to be badly held up for a run and after shifting to the inside of BLASTOISE passing the 100 Metres then raced in restricted room inside BLASTOISE which shifted in marginally. This resulted in NABOO STAR being disappointed for running inside BLASTOISE and consequently was not able to be fully tested in the Straight. Approaching the 100 Metres, GAYSON was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between PLAY WISE and I DO which shifted out. After the race, M Chadwick (ACCLAIMED LIGHT) reported that his saddle shifted back rounding the Home Turn which placed him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was instructed to ride GAYSON positively in the early stages to ensure the horse obtained a forward position. He said it was explained to him that GAYSON is one-paced and that it may be to its advantage if the horse was able to obtain a forward position. A veterinary inspection of GAYSON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Mr J Moore, the trainer of GAYSON, will be questioned regarding the tactics adopted on GAYSON prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Saturday, 14 March 2020. NABOO STAR, BLASTOISE and HOLY HEART were sent for sampling. <14/3/2020 11 March 2020 Happy Valley Racemeeting – Race 8 (490)> The Stewards today questioned Mr J Moore, the trainer of GAYSON, regarding the riding tactics adopted on that horse in this race. Mr Moore stated that he was aware that GAYSON had raced well when ridden in a forward position prior to being imported into Hong Kong. He said it was therefore felt that this race provided GAYSON with the opportunity to obtain a forward position due to the extended run to the first turn. He said he therefore instructed K C Leung to take up a forward position and it was hoped that the horse may be able to obtain a position just behind the leaders. He added it is his intention to have GAYSON ridden in a forward position in its future starts if possible.