1.

After the running of Race 5, the track classification was officially changed from "Good to Firm” to "Good”. This change in the opinion of the Stewards should be recorded as being retrospective for Races 4 and 5. As a consequence of this, the official results will show both races being run on a track rated "Good”.

2. 10 July 2024 Happy Valley Racemeeting – Race 9 (820)

FLAMINGO TRILLION – K C Leung was fined the sum of $5,000 for using his whip on a horse forward of the saddle.

RISING FROM ASHES – Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

3. Adjourned Inquiry – 10 July 2024 Happy Valley Racemeeting – Race 7 (818)

The Stewards today resumed their inquiry which was adjourned on 10 July 2024 in relation to Z Purton’s handling of NEBRASKAN in this event. Further evidence today was taken from Jockey Purton and Mr J Size, trainer of NEBRASKAN. Evidence today was also taken from Mr T Lam, part-owner of NEBRASKAN. The Stewards also considered a detailed report from the Racing Integrity and Betting Analysis Department of the Club which reported that NEBRASKAN was well supported with its odds contracting from 9.8 to 7.85 just prior to the commencement of the event and there was no irregular market moves identified in any other betting platform. On this basis the Stewards were satisfied that there was no integrity concern in relation to the running of this event. Having considered further explanation provided by Jockey Purton today, the Stewards were satisfied:
that leaving the 900 Metres NEBRASKAN lay in which required Jockey Purton having to correct his mount;
that from after the 600 Metres NEBRASKAN hung out making the turns which resulted in Jockey Purton having to place pressure on his right rein to prevent it from shifting out;
that shortly after entering the Home Straight leaving the 350 Metres NEBRASKAN lay in, requiring Jockey Purton to stop riding and correct his mount;
that near the 175 Metres NEBRASKAN lay in and made contact with PRINCE OF PORTY, resulting in Jockey Purton having to correct his mount;
that near the 150 Metres NEBRASKAN then shifted out and away from PRINCE OF PORTY and contributed to contact between NEBRASKAN and LEAN MASTER which also shifted in slightly.
After considering these incidents, the Stewards then determined the reasonableness of Jockey Purton not placing his mount under pressure from near the 100 Metres once PRINCE OF PORTY had improved past NEBRASKAN. Jockey Purton explained that as NEBRASKAN was still unbalanced at this point, he was reluctant to place it under full pressure as he was concerned that NEBRASKAN would shift ground and cause interference. He said although he was able to ride NEBRASKAN out over the final 50 Metres, due to it remaining balanced, it still continued to shift out when he was riding it along which resulted in further contact with LEAN MASTER.
Having considered all of the evidence, the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that Jockey Purton’s actions were unreasonable and in breach of the Rules of Racing. However, he was advised that, wherever possible, he should place his mounts under full pressure to ensure they obtain the best possible placing in the field.
At the conclusion of the inquiry, Jockey Purton was placed on notice in relation to his conduct during the Stewards’ inquiry on 10 July 2024. He was advised that his conduct fell below the standard of conduct expected of a licensed person and in future he should ensure that he is respectful of the Stewards and their processes.

1. Withdrawals

Race 1
SUPER JOY at barriers on veterinary advice

Race 4
BILLIONAIRE SECRET on 12.7.24 by order of the Stewards

Race 6
MISTER FOX on 12.7.24 on veterinary advice

Race 10
SURUGA BAY on 13.7.24 on veterinary advice

2. Fines

Race 1
M L Yeung (CERVIN): $3,000 for initially weighing out without a girth

Race 11
B Thompson (LOST CHILD): $25,000 for careless riding near the 900 Metres

General
K C Leung (FLAMINGO TRILLION): $5,000 for using his whip on the horse forward of the saddle

3. Reprimands

Race 6
H Bowman (BRILLIANT EXPRESS) for shifting out near the 350 Metres

Race 8
M F Poon (ALL FOR ST PAUL’S) for shifting in at the 1400 Metres

4. Warnings

Race 10
M Chadwick (PRAY FOR MIR) for shifting in near the 350 Metres
A Hamelin (HOLY LAKE) for shifting out near the 350 Metres

General
Z Purton (NEBRASKAN) re his riding in the Home Straight and his conduct

5. Bleeder

Race 9
EXCELLENT FIGHTER

6. Irregular Heart Rhythm

Race 11
LOST CHILD (2nd time)

7. Barrier Trials

Race 1
E TALENT (unacceptable performance)
SUPER JOY (barrier manners)

Race 4
MISSION BRAVO (barrier manners)

Race 5
KA YING WARRIOR (disappointing performance)

Race 6
ACE ONE (unacceptable performance)

Race 9
EXCELLENT FIGHTER (bleeder)

Race 11
LOST CHILD (heart irregularity)

8. Official Veterinary Examinations

Race 1
E TALENT
SUPER JOY

Race 5
KA YING WARRIOR

Race 6
ACE ONE
AMAZING RUN
MISTER FOX

Race 9
EXCELLENT FIGHTER

Race 10
SURUGA BAY

Race 11
LOST CHILD

9. Rolling Arrangement

Rolling after Race 6 was cancelled due to weather condition.