19/04/2020  Shatin  Race 3

TRAVEL FIRST was withdrawn on 18.4.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SALTO OLIMPICO (B Shinn). Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL FIRST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STRATHCLYDE shifted out at the start and made contact with RIGHTEOUS MATE. YES WE CAN began awkwardly and bumped the outside of its barrier. MEGATRON and DAILY BEAUTY bumped at the start. KA FORTUNE and GENERAL DINO bumped heavily at the start, resulting in KA FORTUNE becoming unbalanced. STARLIT KNIGHT stumbled badly on jumping and lost ground. From wide barriers, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, SALTO OLIMPICO and CROWN AVENUE were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1400 Metres, SUPER RED DRAGON got its head on the side and lay out. After the 1200 Metres, KA FORTUNE was left racing wide and without cover and near the 1100 Metres was allowed to improved its position to race outside the lead passing the 1000 Metres at which stage STARLIGHT KNIGHT was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, DAILY BEAUTY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RIGHTEOUS MATE when travelling keenly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RIGHTEOUS MATE, C Schofield stated that RIGHTEOUS MATE can be slow to begin and that, in the opinion of the connections, it finishes off its races best when able to be brought to the outside of runners. He said in today’s race RIGHTEOUS MATE began very well and was able to obtain a midfield position in the early stages without any use having to be made of the horse. He said when KA FORTUNE and STARLIT KNIGHT improved their position forward of RIGHTEOUS MATE after the 1100 Metres, his mount immediately came off the bridle and, despite being ridden along, was reluctant to maintain its position. He added this allowed DAILY BEAUTY the opportunity to improve around RIGHTEOUS MATE near the 900 Metres. He said RIGHTEOUS MATE came under heavy pressure making the turn near the 700 Metres and as the horse was not travelling well, he was not in a position to be able to shift runners out and bring his mount to the outside. He said he continued to ride RIGHTEOUS MATE along, however, the horse did not finish off the race and weakened noticeably over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of RIGHTEOUS MATE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The Stewards heard a complaint lodged by Z Purton regarding the start afforded to his mount JADE FORTUNE, the 3rd placegetter. Rule 12(19) provides that no horse which is declared first, second, third and fourth place in a race shall be declared a non-runner. Therefore the complaint was heard after weighed-in was declared. It was established that when being placed in the barriers Z Purton’s lead bag and girth became momentarily caught on the back gate and consequently became ill-positioned. Z Purton said after his mount was loaded he made a number of attempts to re-position his gear and called out to the Starter on a number of occasions alerting him that he was not ready to jump. He said he looked up at the Starter on several occasions in an attempt to ensure that the start was not effected, however, as he continued to re-position his gear, the start was effected which resulted in him only having his right hand on the reins and JADE FORTUNE beginning awkwardly. Mr A Speechley, Starter, stated that he had heard Jockey Purton call on one occasion and delayed the start accordingly. He said after casting his eye over the remainder of the field, specifically looking at JADE FORTUNE and noted that Jockey Purton was looking at him which indicated to him that he was ready for the start to be effected. He said at this time he did not hear a further call from Jockey Purton. The Stewards accepted the evidence of Jockey Purton that he was not ready for the start to be effected as he continued to re-position his gear and also accepted the evidence of Mr Speechley that he had not heard a further call from Jockey Purton close to him effecting the start of the race. Mr Speechley was advised that whilst the Stewards are cognizant of the considerable difficulties that are often encountered by the Starter in ensuring that all runners are afforded a fair start, they formed the view that the start should have been further delayed to ensure that JADE FORTUNE was given every opportunity to begin the race on equal terms with other runners. Mr Speechley was also advised to ensure that there is clear communication with his assistant starters behind the barriers so that he is fully aware of any horses or riders who are experiencing difficulties in the barriers so that the start may be delayed in order for those difficulties to be overcome. SUPER RED DRAGON, MEGATRON and THIS ONE’S FOR YOU were sent for sampling. <20/4/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>RIGHTEOUS MATE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. RIGHTEOUS MATE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A T Millard this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, RIGHTEOUS MATE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.