DINOZZO (V246) - Race 8, The Hong Kong Classic Cup
The Stewards have spoken to Trainer J Size and Jockey J Moreira regarding Mr Size’s application to remove the Ring Tongue Bit and add a Lugging Bit to the gear carried by DINOZZO, a declared starter in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (Race 8, 1800 Metres) to be conducted at the Sha Tin race meeting on Sunday, 19 February 2017. DINOZZO was successful in its most recent race start over the same course and distance on 22 January 2017 when racing with a Ring Tongue Bit only.
Jockey Moreira explained that in its two most recent race starts, DINOZZO hung in and was difficult to ride throughout its races, and he reported this to Mr Size on both occasions. Mr Size said that acting on Jockey Moreira’s advice, he had replaced the bit carried by DINOZZO in its recent races with a Lugging Bit in its subsequent trackwork and in a barrier trial on 10 February 2017, and he is satisfied that this change in equipment will assist the horse in racing more tractably.
After considering the merits of Mr Size’s application and having regard to Jockey Moreira’s advice regarding DINOZZO’s racing manners, the Stewards have approved the gear change. The horse will therefore carry a Lugging Bit in the stated race.
WHO DAT SINGA (A003) - Race 9, South Wall Handicap
The Stewards have been provided with written advice from Racing and Wagering Western Australia that WHO DAT SINGA, which raced under the same name prior to being imported into Hong Kong, wore blinkers when racing in that jurisdiction.
Mr R Gibson, trainer of WHO DAT SINGA, has requested he be permitted to race the horse in blinkers without it being subjected to a blinkers test. Mr Gibson’s request has been approved.