The Stewards have interviewed Trainer C S Shum regarding an application to apply blinkers to GOLDEN DASH in this race. GOLDEN DASH was successful at its most recent race start on 11 March 2018 when racing without blinkers.

Mr Shum explained that on that occasion the race was run over 1200 Metres whereas the upcoming race is over 1000 Metres. He said whilst GOLDEN DASH had been successful over 1000 Metres at its first race start when not wearing blinkers, the horse had subsequently only run 3rd over that distance. He said he believed that, with the addition of blinkers, GOLDEN DASH would be more competitive over 1000 Metres, particularly given that it has not raced since March this year. Mr Shum also said that GOLDEN DASH had trialed very well when wearing blinkers last Saturday (25 August 2018) and that he believed it would be in the horse’s best interests if it were able to carry that piece of equipment in its upcoming race.

After having considered the merits of Mr Shum’s application, particularly the manner in which the horse barrier trialed in the lead up to this race, the Stewards acceded to his request and accordingly GOLDEN DASH will race with blinkers applied in this race.