29/03/2023  Shatin  Race 4

EIGHT TRIGRAMS, which proved very difficult to load and held up the start, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial before being allowed to race again. EIGHT TRIGRAMS jumped awkwardly and shortly afterwards was bumped on the hindquarters by THE MULTIPLIER which shifted out. CROWN OF STAR was slow to begin. EVERYONE’S VICTORY jumped awkwardly and lost ground and then was hampered when crowded by KEEN UNITY which was taken out by COLOURFUL PRINCE. EVERYONE’S VICTORY was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. CALIFORNIA CONCORD and MAGIC SUPREME bumped soon after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, THE MULTIPLIER failed to show sufficient pace to take up a more forward position. HURRY HURRY RICH raced keenly in the early stages. Near the 700 Metres, KEEN UNITY was steadied when crowded between CROWN OF STAR which shifted out slightly and THE MULTIPLIER (L Currie) which shifted in. L Currie was advised to exercise care. Over the concluding stages, THE MULTIPLIER was shifted to the inside of CALIFORNIA CONCORD to continue into clear running when CALIFORNIA CONCORD shifted out slightly. When questioned regarding his riding of EVERYONE’S VICTORY rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, H Bowman stated that after following CROWN OF STAR throughout the middle stages, he was also positioned to the inside of THE MULTIPLIER and as a result was unable to improve. He said when he felt CROWN OF STAR shift away from the rail slightly, he elected to endeavour to improve to that runner’s inside near the 500 Metres, however, when CROWN OF STAR did not shift sufficiently to provide him with clear running, he became held up behind and to the inside of that runner. He added that during this section of the race his vision was impeded due to the kickback and although a run had developed to the outside of CROWN OF STAR and to the inside of THE MULTIPLIER which shifted out, he was unable to shift out as he was positioned too close to the heels of CROWN OF STAR and as a result EVERYONE’S VICTORY was held up for clear running until approaching the 300 Metres. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Bowman were reasonable in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection of CALL ME TEDDY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SHINING FORTUNE and MAGIC SUPREME were sent for sampling.