05/02/2023  Shatin  Race 2

BULB DRAGON and THE HULK bumped at the start. PALACE PAL jumped only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barriers, STARSHIP EIGHTY and SMART BEAUTY were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early stages, TURQUOISE ALPHA raced keenly when being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover. Near the 1300 Metres, PERFETTO was steadied away from the heels of GOLD TACK which shifted in. Also near the 1300 Metres, MACH TEN got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. TURQUOISE ALPHA raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding his riding of BULB DRAGON (A Hamelin) and in particular the lead established by that runner together with OSCAR GLORY in the early stages, A Hamelin advised that his instructions were to lead on BULB DRAGON, however, if the pace was strong, to endeavour to obtain a position behind the lead. He said after jumping well BULB DRAGON was able to hold a position in the lead and was soon joined by OSCAR GLORY passing the 1400 Metres. He added that near the 1200 Metres when he felt that the pace of the event was quick, he commenced to take hold of his mount to allow OSCAR GLORY to cross and lead, but as he did so Apprentice Y L Chung, the rider of OSCAR GLORY, also restrained his mount which resulted in BULB DRAGON maintaining the lead. He said with BULB DRAGON wearing blinkers today and OSCAR GLORY being positioned directly to his outside, this also contributed to his mount not responding to his efforts to come back and obtain cover behind OSCAR GLORY. When questioned regarding his riding of OSCAR GLORY, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that his instructions were to lead today’s event. He said from a wide barrier after commencing well he positioned OSCAR GLORY outside BULB DRAGON. He added that near the 1200 Metres when he identified that the pace of the event was strong, he elected to restrain OSCAR GLORY and take up a position outside BULB DRAGON, however, OSCAR GLORY raced keenly and did not respond to his efforts to restrain and as a result set a faster tempo than he would have liked. After considering the explanations offered by A Hamelin and Apprentice Chung and taking into account the sectional times of the event which indicated the pace between the 1200 Metres and the 800 Metres was run only slightly quicker than standard, the Stewards advised both riders that they should endeavour, wherever possible, to rate their mounts at a sustainable pace to allow them to finish in the best possible placing in the field. The performance of BULB DRAGON, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BULB DRAGON 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 OSCAR GLORY, BULB DRAGON sand MACH TEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PERFETTO and DARCI JOY were sent for sampling.