13/09/2020  Shatin  Race 2

JOY N FUN LEGEND, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began only fairly. FIRE AND GOLD began awkwardly. From the outside barriers, BRAVERY AND POWER and ROYAL RACER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 900 Metres, JOY N FUN LEGEND was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 400 Metres, ROCHFORD raced tight outside BUNDLE OF ENERGY which was awkwardly placed near the heels of GALAXY EMPEROR when improving outside that horse which shifted to the outside of SMILING SUCCESS to obtain clear running. WINNERS BROTHER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROCHFORD in consequence and shifted out, inconveniencing JOY N FUN LEGEND. Passing the 150 Metres, BRAVERY AND POWER (M F Poon) commenced to shift out under pressure, requiring its rider to change his whip over into his left hand. After this, BRAVERY AND POWER continued to lay out under pressure and shifted towards the outside rail. M F Poon was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to straighten his mounts in similar circumstances. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered an application from H W Lai, the rider of MOON PEAKS, for that horse to be declared a non-runner claiming it had not been afforded a fair start. Also interviewed were Mr Y S Tsui, the trainer of MOON PEAKS, and Mr A Speechley, Starter. After taking evidence and after viewing the videos, it was established that simultaneously with the start being effected, MOON PEAKS became fractious and reared, resulting in the horse losing a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that MOON PEAKS had caused its own difficulties by becoming fractious as the start was effected and that it was not reasonable for Mr Speechley to have deferred effecting the start as a result of MOON PEAKS’ behaviour, it was found that MOON PEAKS had been afforded a fair start and accordingly the horse was deemed to be a runner. A veterinary inspection of MOON PEAKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MOON PEAKS, which finished tailed out, will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Apprentice C L Chau stated that he was given explicit instructions to lead on SMILING SUCCESS as it was explained to him that the horse performs best when ridden in this manner. He stated that although it was felt that both TREASURE CHEST and E GENERATION would be ridden along to obtain a forward position, he was told that he had to make every endeavour to attempt to lead. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode SMILING SUCCESS vigorously in the early stages, however, the horse did not show as much speed as anticipated and he had to make considerable use of the horse in an endeavour to hold a forward position. He said whilst it was apparent to him that E GENERATION, which was drawn immediately outside SMILING SUCCESS, was showing more early speed than SMILING SUCCESS and whilst in normal circumstances he would have steadied his mount to take a trailing position, given the explicit nature of his instructions, he felt he was obliged to continue to ride his mount along for further than he otherwise would have in an attempt to execute those instructions. He added, despite continuing to ride SMILING SUCCESS along for some distance after the 1200 Metres, E GENERATION continued to show superior early speed than SMILING SUCCESS and therefore, despite his instructions, after the 1000 Metres he steadied SMILING SUCCESS to take a trailing position as he was aware that it was not going to be able to lead and that a considerable break had developed in front of the remainder of the field. Apprentice Chau was told that whilst the Stewards accepted that he had been provided explicit instructions on how SMILING SUCCESS should be ridden and that it was commendable that he had acknowledged he had erred in not obtaining a trailing position on the horse earlier than he did, nonetheless he must ensure that in the event that he is unable to execute those instructions, he must make a timely decision in races so that horses are given the best opportunity available to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SMILING SUCCESS and BRAVERY AND POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BUNDLE OF ENERGY and ROYAL RACER were sent for sampling.