12/11/2022  Shatin  Race 7

On arrival at the Start, CIRCUIT STELLAR, which was noted to have a small abrasion to the right hind fetlock, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. FANTASTIC TREASURE and CIRCUIT STELLAR bumped at the start. THE GOLDEN SCENERY began only fairly and then was crowded for room between WINNING METHOD and BLAZE WARRIOR which shifted in. CHEERFUL DAYS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After being ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, HEALTHY HAPPY travelled very keenly and proved difficult to settle for some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres. Approaching the 700 Metres, WINNING METHOD commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BLAZE WARRIOR. After the 500 Metres, WINNING METHOD raced in restricted room between CHEERFUL DAYS and BLAZE WARRIOR which shifted out from behind BELUGA to obtain clear running. Then on straightening, BLAZE WARRIOR became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by FANTASTIC TREASURE which shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running. When unable to improve between BLAZE WARRIOR and BELUGA, FANTASTIC TREASURE then had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 100 Metres, THE GOLDEN SCENERY was shifted to the inside of BELUGA to obtain clear running. After the 100 Metres, HEALTHY HAPPY momentarily raced tight inside CIRCUIT STELLAR which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding. Over the concluding stages, Apprentice Y L Chung (CIRCUIT STELLAR) was restricted in his use of the whip on that horse when racing tight inside THE GOLDEN SCENERY. When questioned regarding his riding of CIRCUIT STELLAR in the middle stages, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that after being unable to lead the race in the early stages as instructed, he obtained a trailing position behind HEALTHY HAPPY in the early stages. He said near the 700 Metres he continued to race behind HEALTHY HAPPY and he felt that that horse would take him into the race rounding the Home Turn and SILVER EXPRESS, which was racing outside that horse, would commence to give ground which would provide CIRCUIT STELLAR with the opportunity to shift SILVER EXPRESS out rounding the Home Turn and obtain clear running to the outside of HEALTHY HAPPY. He said rounding the Home Turn SILVER EXPRESS maintained its position to the outside of HEALTHY HAPPY which resulted in CIRCUIT STELLER being held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. He said it was not until near the 250 Metres that SILVER EXPRESS shifted out which resulted in CIRCUIT STELLAR being able to improve into tight running between that horse and HEALTHY HAPPY, after which CIRCUIT STELLAR finished the race off strongly. Apprentice Chung was told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had erred in not shifting out to follow SILVER EXPRESS after the 700 Metres which would have provided CIRCUIT STELLAR the option to shift directly to the outside of that horse when required. He was told that by remaining to the inside of SILVER EXPRESS, this resulted in CIRCUIT STELLAR not obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and also allowed the eventual winner BELUGA to improve its position to be racing behind SILVER EXPRESS rounding the Home Turn and shifted into clear running outside that horse at the entrance to the Straight. He was further told to ensure that he positions his mounts in such a manner that they are able to obtain clear running wherever possible and finish the race off in the best possible position. A veterinary inspection of HEALTHY HAPPY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CIRCUIT STELLAR, BELUGA and BLAZE WARRIOR were sent for sampling.