26/12/2020  Shatin  Race 1

On entering the track, Z Purton was dislodged from BUNDLE OF DELIGHT without incident. At the start, INDIGENOUS STAR was crowded for room between STIMULATION and FULL POWER which shifted in after jumping awkwardly. In this incident, INDIGENOUS STAR made contact with the hindquarters of STIMULATION which became unbalanced. From the outside barrier, MAGNETISM was steadied from the start to obtain cover at the rear of the field. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, ABOVE got its head up when being steadied to take a trailing position behind STIMULATION. Rounding the Home Turn, BUNDLE OF DELIGHT and FULL POWER raced tight as BUNDLE OF DELIGHT improved to the outside of the heels of LIGHT MY DAY. Approaching and passing the 350 Metres, STIMULATION and FULL POWER bumped on two occasions as STIMULATION attempted to improve into tight running between FULL POWER and BUNDLE OF DELIGHT. KUNGFUMASTER PANDA lost its right front plate approaching the finishing line. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of C Soumillon (STIMULATION), 2nd placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, N Callan (FULL POWER) stated that in pre-race discussions with connections it was felt that the only other runner in the event that would show sufficient pace to lead would be LIGHT MY DAY, however, he was asked to be positive on FULL POWER and to lead if possible. He said if the rider of LIGHT MY DAY was intent on holding the lead, he could sit off that horse. He said after riding FULL POWER positively from the barriers LIGHT MY DAY showed superior pace and in accordance with his instructions he was happy to sit to the outside of that horse, however, when BRAVE KING showed unexpected pace and improved around FULL POWER, he was obliged to let that horse cross. He said with the sectionals along the Back Straight being faster than standard, he was content to sit some lengths off the leaders and follow the pace, however, FULL POWER was one-paced in the Straight and was slightly disappointing. A veterinary inspection of FULL POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding of BRAVE KING after the 1400 Metres, T Piccone stated that he was instructed to ride BRAVE KING positively in the early stages and hopefully take up a position behind the leaders. He said however that from an awkward barrier he was left racing three wide without cover making the first turn, therefore he elected to press on to race outside the leader LIGHT MY DAY. He said he would have been content to maintain this position, however, approaching the 1400 Metres BRAVE KING commenced to travel a little keenly and as he was mindful of the horse stepping up in distance to 2000 Metres, he felt that it was in its best interests to allow it to stride forward of LIGHT MY DAY rather than fight with the horse. T Piccone was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must be cognizant of the pace he is setting during the middle stages of a race. ABOVE and STIMULATION were sent for sampling.