10/07/2022  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the start, K H Chan expressed concern regarding the action of TEAM SPIRIT. TEAM SPIRIT was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. Then in the Straight, TEAM SPIRIT finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Having regard to TEAM SPIRIT’s record in respect of tailing out in its races during recent seasons, the Stewards will interview Mr W Y So, trainer of TEAM SPIRIT, together with the Veterinary Officer, prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted on Wednesday, 13 July 2022 regarding the matter. In the meantime, TEAM SPIRIT is not able to be entered for the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Saturday, 16 July 2022. SPIRITED EXPRESS was slow to begin. TEAM SPIRIT was crowded for room on jumping between HIGH RISE SOLDIER and SHADOW MISSION which was taken out by XPONENTIAL. In this incident, HIGH RISE SOLDIER became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by TEAM SPIRIT. BEAUTY CHARGE was crowded for room at the start inside REVE PARISIEN (Z Purton) which shifted in when being ridden along. Z Purton was advised to exercise care. From a wide barrier, SMART IDEA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, BRILLIANT WAY momentarily raced tight inside XPONENTIAL which was taken in by SHADOW MISSION (H T Mo) which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening. H T Mo was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. Near the 650 Metres, TEAM SPIRIT momentarily raced in restricted room between BRILLIANT WAY and KING LAND. The performance of SHADOW MISSION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SHADOW MISSION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SHADOW MISSION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, A Badel (BRILLIANT WAY ) stated that at the entrance to the Straight he commenced to shift his mount to the outside of runners as he believed that the leaders may tire and as he is also of the view that BRILLIANT WAY is better suited when able to obtain clear running to the outside of horses. He said for this reason he directed BRILLIANT WAY to the outside of HARMONY N BLESSED near the 350 Metres. He said whilst KING LAND was racing behind HARMONY N BLESSED at this time, he felt that BRILLIANT WAY was travelling better than KING LAND and that he would be able to shift that horse out without having to exert too much pressure. He said whilst he was aware that a tight run was developing between HARMONY N BLESSED and MAGIC SUPREME at the time that he commenced to shift BRILLIANT WAY out, he was of the view that the better option for BRILLIANT WAY was to attempt to shift to the outside of HARMONY N BLESSED rather than be attempting to improve into very tight running inside that horse. He added that after shifting out behind HARMONY N BLESSED, he then attempted to shift KING LAND out, however, as that horse held a slight margin over BRILLIANT WAY, he was not able to create a run between KING LAND and HARMONY N BLESSED and this resulted in BRILLIANT WAY having to be checked away from the heels of HARMONY N BLESSED and KING LAND being bumped at the 300 Metres. He said he then shifted to the inside of HARMONY N BLESSED after the 250 Metres, however, that horse then shifted in which resulted in BRILLIANT WAY being held up for clear running. He said he then shifted in further to the inside of HARMONY N BLESSED near the 100 Metres, however, was again not able to obtain clear running and because of this BRILLIANT WAY was not able to be properly tested. A Badel was told that his explanation would be reported, however, he must exercise due care when attempting to make room for his mounts so as to ensure that other horses and riders are not hampered. A veterinary inspection of BRILLIANT WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards considered a complaint lodged by H T Mo (SHADOW MISSION) against A Badel (BRILLIANT WAY) in respect of a confrontation which occurred in the Jockeys’ Room following the race. After taking evidence from H T Mo, A Badel and Mr K W Tse, Jockey’s valet, the Stewards placed Jockey Badel on notice regarding his conduct and told him that whilst there was not sufficient evidence to support a charge of misconduct against him, nonetheless he must ensure that he conducts himself in an appropriate manner at all times and that any complaints that he has in respect of another rider must be directed to the Racing Stewards. REVE PARISIEN, BEAUTY CHARGE and SMART IDEA were sent for sampling.