The Stewards have spoken with Trainer R Gibson regarding his application to remove the Sheepskin Cheek Pieces and to add a Shadow Roll to the gear worn by FULL TALENT, a declared starter in the Zhuhai Handicap (Race 10, Class 3, 1400 Metres) to be conducted at the Sha Tin race meeting on Sunday, 21 September 2014. FULL TALENT was successful at its most recent race start over the course and distance on 10 May 2014 when racing with Sheepskin Cheek Pieces only.
Mr Gibson explained that FULL TALENT was having only its first racing preparation last season and benefited from wearing the Sheepskin Cheek Pieces as this equipment aided the horse in concentrating during the race. He said the horse is now more mature and in his opinion no longer requires this piece of gear and that its continued use may result in the horse travelling too strongly in Sunday’s race. He added that he removed the Sheepskin Cheek Pieces and added a Shadow Roll to the gear worn by FULL TALENT when it trialed on 6 September 2014 and that he was very pleased with the manner in which the horse trialed on that occasion.
Having considered the merits of Mr Gibson’s application, the Stewards have approved for FULL TALENT to race without Sheepskin Cheek Pieces and to wear a Shadow Roll in the stated race.
