The Stewards have received a request from Trainer David Ferraris for them to consider approving a change of equipment to be carried by PIKACHU in its future starts. PIKACHU was successful at its most recent start without blinkers and has won two of its last three race starts without that piece of equipment being applied.
Mr Ferraris advised that after PIKACHU finished 4th on 23 November 2014, Jockey N Callan, who rode the horse that day, suggested adding blinkers to the horse’s gear as he felt this would assist the horse in concentrating in its races. Mr Ferraris said that he was reluctant to alter the horse’s gear at that time as the horse was racing consistently, however at its most recent race start, PIKACHU, as instanced in the Incidents Report, shifted in close to the finishing line which resulted in Jockey Callan having to stop riding and straighten.
Mr Ferraris stated that as a result of the manner in which PIKACHU raced last start he now believes that the horse may benefit from adding blinkers to the horse’s gear in order to focus it during races.
After consideration of the request, the Stewards advised Mr Ferraris that PIKACHU must participate in an Official Barrier Trial with the blinkers on before the application would be decided upon.
Accordingly, PIKACHU has been entered for Batch 2 of tomorrow’s Official Barrier Trials to be conducted at Sha Tin. After observing how the horse performs in this trial, the Stewards will make a determination as to whether the application will be approved.
A further release will be issued at the appropriate time.
