Race:1 (432) MUT WAH HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

VECTOR was slow to begin.
WINS ALL shifted out at the start and was awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of DOLLAR REWARD. After this, WINS ALL was ridden along for some distance to obtain a forward position and after the 800 Metres was left racing wide and without cover.
From wide barriers, OURGOLDENRULES and FORZA SPEEDO were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, WIN TECH was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ISLAND SUNSHINE when being steadied to obtain cover.
T Piccone (GALLANT LEGACY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1050 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ISLAND SUNSHINE, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily hampered and having to be checked away from the heels of GALANT LEGACY. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that this was only the second occasion that Jockey Piccone had been charged with careless riding and that whilst the degree of interference was not high, there was a high degree of carelessness attached to the incident. In the circumstances, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Jockey Piccone’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Saturday, 13 March 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 18 March 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).
Passing the 900 Metres, A LA KING raced tight inside ISLAND SUNSHINE which got its head on the side and lay in.
After the 850 Metres, ON EXCEL STAR was taken wider by ERNEST FEELING which shifted out from behind A LA KING.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, ISLAND SUNSHINE raced tight between WINS ALL and JUST NOT LISTENING which shifted out marginally. In this incident, ISLAND SUNSHINE bumped the hindquarters of WINS ALL, resulting in ISLAND SUNSHINE being badly crowded for room between JUST NOT LISTENING and WINS ALL which got its head on the side and shifted in after becoming unbalanced as a result of being bumped on the hindquarters by ISLAND SUNSHINE. This resulted in ISLAND SUNSHINE being badly hampered and losing ground.
In the early part of the Straight, FORZA SPEEDO got its head on the side and was reluctant to shift to the outside of ON EXCEL STAR to obtain clear running.
Passing the 300 Metres, VECTOR was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ISLAND SUNSHINE which again got its head on the side and lay in when giving ground.
Approaching the 200 Metres, A LA KING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GALLANT LEGACY when being shifted across that horse’s heels to obtain clear running after being disappointed for running to the outside of GALLANT LEGACY.
A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SUNSHINE, GALLANT LEGACY and ON EXCEL STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WINS ALL, A LA KING and JUST NOT LISTENING were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (433) MUT WAH HANDICAP (Sec3) Class 4 1200 m

KING’S TROOPER, which was fractious when being transported to Happy Valley, was examined in the holding stables by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse had sustained a small laceration to the right hock, however, was suitable to race.
Just prior to the start being effected, COOLCELEB became fractious and lunged at the front gates, resulting in that horse’s barrier stall opening marginally prior to the remaining gates. As a result of COOLCELEB lunging at the front gates of its own accord, this resulted in the horse beginning awkwardly, shifting in and bumping GOOD LUCK MONEY which shifted out. As the Stewards were of the opinion that COOLCELEB had created the issue at the start of its own accord and that the horse had not been advantaged by the gates opening just prior to the remaining barrier stalls, no further action was taken. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on COOLCELEB at the request of Trainer T P Yung. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea and was also found to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
EVERYONE’S VICTORY began awkwardly and lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, resulting in the horse being slow to begin and losing ground.
SURE WINNER shifted out at the start and bumped KING’S TROOPER.
From wide barriers, GOOD LUCK MONEY and HOT CHILI PEPPER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, KING’S TROOPER and AEROSONIC raced tight.
Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, KING’S TROOPER commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASTER ALBERT. After this, KING’S TROOPER continued to travel keenly.
Passing the 800 Metres, AEROSONIC was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KING’S TROOPER when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse.
At the entrance to the Straight, GOOD LUCK MONEY was shifted in away from the heels of CHAMP PATROL to obtain clear running. EVERYONE’S VICTORY, which was following, momentarily raced tight inside the heels of GOOD LUCK MONEY.
Passing the 250 Metres, NOBLE BOYZ shifted in abruptly when commencing to give ground.
K C Leung (GOOD LUCK MONEY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of EVERYONE’S VICTORY, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily crowded for room and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled passing the 200 Metres. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 3 March 2021 and to expire on Monday, 8 March 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Leung’s good race riding record.
Passing the 100 Metres, AEROSONIC was shifted out away from the heels of CHAMP PATROL which was giving ground.
Also passing the 100 Metres, CHAMP PATROL momentarily raced in restricted room between HOT CHILI PEPPER and NOBLE BOYZ, both of which shifted ground.
Over the concluding stages, EVERYONE’S VICTORY raced tight outside the heels of GOOD LUCK MONEY.
When questioned regarding the performance of SURE WINNER which was having its first race start tonight, A Badel stated that after beginning awkwardly, he had to ride his mount along for a short distance in the early part of the race to obtain as forward a position as possible. He said it had been hoped that SURE WINNER would obtain a position behind the lead, however, SURE WINNER was required to race two pairs further back due to the manner in which the horse began. He said SURE WINNER travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages, however, after coming under pressure prior to the 400 Metres, SURE WINNER was then disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added that he had ridden SURE WINNER in a number of barrier trials in the lead up to tonight’s race and he was of the opinion that the horse had performed better in the trials conducted on the All Weather surface than those on the turf albeit the turf trials were good. A veterinary inspection of SURE WINNER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RED BRICK FIGHTER and VICTORY IN HAND were sent for sampling.
<18/2/2021 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that NOBLE BOYZ was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE BOYZ will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:3 (434) WAI YIP HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1000 m

Trainer Y S Tsui was fined $3,000 for presenting READY CONQUEROR in the Parade Ring without a parade hood, part of that horse’s declared gear.
READY CONQUEROR began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between EVERBRAVE and DR EQ which shifted out after beginning awkwardly.
AFTER ME lost its right hind plate shortly after the start.
Shortly after the start, TARGET FINDER became unbalanced after being bumped by JOY AVENUE which shifted out after being bumped by EVERBRAVE.
From wide barriers, DR PROACTIVE and ARDENODE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 500 Metres, EVERBRAVE shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DR EQ and bumped the hindquarters of AFTER ME.
Throughout the race, FLYING MONKEY travelled wide and without cover and making the turn after the 500 Metres got its head on the side and lay out.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on ARDENODE at the request of Trainer W Y So. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ARDENODE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DR EQ, A Badel stated that he had ridden the horse in a barrier trial in the lead up to tonight’s race and the horse had performed well in that trial. He said from barrier 1 he was able to obtain a good run behind the leaders in the early and middle stages and rounding the Home Turn he anticipated that DR EQ would finish off the race well. He said however that after shifting DR EQ to the outside of the leader VIVA MAMA in the early part of the Straight, the horse did not quicken as he anticipated and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of DR EQ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of READY CONQUEROR and EVERBRAVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DR EQ, JOY AVENUE and AFTER ME were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (435) MUT WAH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

As the start was effected, WOOD ON FIRE became fractious, resulting in the horse beginning awkwardly and losing ground.
DAZZLING FEELING began only fairly and then was hampered by PEAK TO PEAK which shifted out.
MOONLUCK shifted out at the start and bumped GLADSOME RYDER which became unbalanced. GLADSOME RYDER was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier in the early stages.
From wide barriers, AMAZING BOY and M M JOHNNY were also steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
Passing the 1000 Metres, E HONEY commenced to travel keenly when racing close to the heels of PEAK TO PEAK.
Near the 850 Metres and again passing the 800 Metres, PLIKCLONE raced tight inside the heels of MERCURIAL.
Apprentice C L Chau (MERCURIAL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 600 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of PLIKCLONE, causing PLIKCLONE to be checked and in turn shift in onto HONEST WAY, resulting in HONEST WAY being badly crowded for room and being checked and in doing so also being taken in onto PEAK TO PEAK which was severely checked after being crowded for room inside HONEST WAY. MOONLUCK, which was following HONEST WAY, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse. E HONEY, which was following PEAK TO PEAK, got its head up and shifted out in consequence, causing SUNNY BABY to be inconvenienced. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that this was the fifth occasion this season that Apprentice Chau had been charged with careless riding and the significant interference suffered by primarily PEAK TO PEAK and HONEST WAY and to a lesser extent PLIKCLONE. Having regard to these matters, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Apprentice Chau’s licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Wednesday, 10 March 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 18 March 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Chau was fined $40,000.
Passing the 300 Metres, SUNNY BABY lay in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of E HONEY.
Near the 250 Metres, HONEST WAY, which was giving ground, became unbalanced when steadied away from the heels of E HONEY (C Schofield) which shifted out abruptly before being corrected by its rider. C Schofield was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that E HONEY had shifted out abruptly and were satisfied that he had made a timely endeavour to straighten his mount, nonetheless he must ensure that, wherever circumstances exist, he reacts as quickly as possible to his mounts shifting ground so as to prevent causing interference to other runners.
Passing the 250 Metres, WOOD ON FIRE was hampered when attempting to improve into tight running between AMAZING BOY and MOONLUCK (C Y Ho) which shifted out under pressure. As the Stewards were satisfied that WOOD ON FIRE had not properly established running to the outside of MOONLUCK, no further action was taken. C Y Ho was told that whilst he did ultimately stop riding and straighten his mount, nonetheless he must make every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances.
After the race, N Callan reported that after being badly crowded for room and losing ground near the 600 Metres, HONEST WAY immediately came off the bridle and then in the early part of the Straight commenced to give ground and did not finish off the race. He said he was of the opinion that the incident at the 600 Metres played a significant role in the manner in which HONEST WAY weakened out of the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HONEST WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PEAK TO PEAK, MERCURIAL and PLIKCLONE were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (436) HOI YUEN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

GIFT OF LIFELINE, which was fractious when being transported to Happy Valley, was examined in the holding stables by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse had sustained a small abrasion above the eyes, however, was suitable to race.
SAVAQUIN was crowded for room on jumping between GIFT OF LIFELINE and LOOKING GREAT, both of which shifted ground.
From wide barriers, GREEN REIGN and SURREALISM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
After being ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position, BEAUTY SPARK was left racing wide and without cover after passing the winning post on the first occasion and then passing the 1300 Metres was steadied to obtain cover.
Passing the 1200 Metres, GREEN REIGN got its head up when awkwardly placed behind GIFT OF LIFELINE.
Approaching the 1000 Metres and again near the 950 Metres, GREEN REIGN again got its head up when racing close to the heels of GIFT OF LIFELINE.
Rounding the Home Turn, SAVAQUIN raced tight outside BEAUTY SPARK which shifted out.
After the 100 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FARSHAD which was directed out to relieve the tightening to GIFT OF LIFELINE.
M F Poon reported that BEAUTY SPARK was making an abnormal breathing noise after the race. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY SPARK immediately following the race found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY SPARK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, C Schofield (SMOOTHIES) stated that when BEAUTY SPARK improved outside of his mount passing the winning post on the first occasion, SMOOTHIES commenced to over-race. He said he attempted to steady SMOOTHIES to relax, however, the horse travelled too keenly in the early and middle stages and because of this, in his opinion, was not able to finish off the race as well as it had done recently when it settled better in its races. A veterinary inspection of SMOOTHIES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of GREEN REIGN and SUNNY LAD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SAVAQUIN and FARSHAD were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (437) HUNG TO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 2200 m

XIANG BAI QI shifted out at the start and brushed CLEMENT LEGEND.
NAMJONG PLUS lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between STIMULATION which shifted out and ARROGANT which shifted in after being bumped by GOD OF DRAGON. After this, both NAMJONG PLUS and ARROGANT were steadied to obtain cover.
From the outside barriers, ENRICHMENT and VINCY were also steadied to obtain cover in the early stages.
FLYING MIGHTY had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
Shortly after entering the Straight, NAMJONG PLUS was shifted in away from the heels of MURRAY’S PARTNERS to obtain clear running.
For the majority of the race, GOD OF DRAGON travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, C Y Ho stated that after leading the race in the early and middle stages, HAPPY MY BROTHER came under pressure after the 600 Metres. He said HAPPY MY BROTHER, when under pressure, commenced to lay out near the 500 Metres as it had done previously in some of its track work. He said he attempted to keep HAPPY MY BROTHER as close to the rail as possible, however, he was unable to prevent that horse from shifting out sufficiently enabling CHARITY FUN to improve into very narrow running to the inside of HAPPY MY BROTHER. He added HAPPY MY BROTHER then came under heavy pressure at the 450 Metres and commenced to give ground abruptly rounding the Home Turn. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY MY BROTHER immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer”.
After the race, M Chadwick stated that he had to make some use of STIMULATION in the early stages to cross runners to its inside and obtain a forward position. He said it was not until after the 1600 Metres that STIMULATION was able to cross XIANG BAI QI to race outside the lead. He said, in his opinion, the early use that he had to make of STIMULATION to race in a prominent position resulted in the horse coming under pressure after the 500 Metres and then not finishing off the race as anticipated. He added that STIMULATION gave him a limited response in the early part of the Straight, however, gave ground noticeably over the concluding stages which he felt was as a result of the circumstances of the race in the early stages. He said however he was also of the opinion that STIMULATION may be better suited when able to obtain cover. A veterinary inspection of STIMULATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ENRICHMENT and FLYING MIGHTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CHARITY FUN and XIANG BAI QI were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (438) TSUN YIP HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

MULTIPLE STAR shifted out at the start, resulting in METHANE being tightened for room inside VILLA FIONN. After this, VILLA FIONN was steadied to obtain cover.
EL JEFE and WINNING VOLATILITY bumped shortly after the start. EL JEFE and WINNING VOLATILITY were then shifted across behind runners to obtain cover from wide barriers.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DREAM WARRIORS shifted in and bumped FAST PACE, resulting in FAST PACE racing tight outside MULTIPLE STAR.
Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, SHANGHAI GRACE raced tight outside FAST PACE which made the turn awkwardly.
Approaching the 600 Metres, STAY CHILL and METHANE raced very tight as STAY CHILL attempted to improve to the outside of MULTIPLE STAR which was coming under pressure and METHANE which was attempting to maintain its position. Then making the turn after the 600 Metres, STAY CHILL was checked and lost ground when crowded for room between METHANE and MULTIPLE STAR which shifted out when continuing to give ground abruptly. As MULTIPLE STAR continued to give ground, VILLA FIONN was hampered in consequence passing the 500 Metres and WINNING VOLATILITY, which was racing behind VILLA FIONN, was inconvenienced. After this, MULTIPLE STAR continued to give ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of MULTIPLE STAR immediately following the race found that horse to have an intermittent displacement of the soft palate. The performance of MULTIPLE STAR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MULTIPLE STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Over the concluding stages, WINNING VOLATILITY raced tight inside FAST PACE (N Callan) which shifted in under pressure. N Callan was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
After the race, C Y Ho stated that after riding his mount vigorously in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed, SHANGHAI GRACE was left racing very wide passing the winning post on the first occasion and therefore he elected to steady his mount in an attempt to obtain cover rather than continue to obtain a forward position. He said SHANGHAI GRACE was left racing wide and without cover after the 1000 Metres and when the tempo of the race slowed near the 900 Metres, he allowed SHANGHAI GRACE to improve its position to race outside the lead passing the 700 Metres.
When questioned, K Teetan stated that he was instructed to ride DREAM WARRIORS positively in the early stages and obtain a forward position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode DREAM WARRIORS along, however, FAST PACE maintained its position to the inside of DREAM WARRIORS and DREAM WARRIORS was not showing sufficient speed to be able to cross that horse. He said as he was aware that there were a considerable number of runners to the inside of FAST PACE, he believed that to persevere to obtain a forward position would take too much out of DREAM WARRIORS and therefore passing the winning post on the first occasion when racing very wide he elected to steady DREAM WARRIORS and shift the horse across behind runners to obtain cover which he was able to do approaching the 1200 Metres. He said this resulted in DREAM WARRIORS racing further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of DREAM WARRIORS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of EL JEFE and STAY CHILL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
MALDIVES, VILLA FIONN and FAST PACE were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (439) HIP WO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

JAZZ STEED began only fairly.
WHAT A LEGEND began awkwardly and was bumped on jumping by BEAUTY AMIGO which shifted out.
From the outside barriers, YOUNG PASSION and ALCARI were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
HERCULES was also steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1050 Metres, STARZ HERO was steadied away from the heels of SHOUSON (M F Poon) which shifted in when not properly clear. M F Poon was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Passing the 900 Metres, PIANO SOLO got its head up and became unbalanced of its own accord when racing inside STARZ HERO which shifted in away from the heels of SHOUSON.
SCORES OF FUN travelled wide and without cover until after the 700 Metres at which stage WHAT A LEGEND was left racing wide and without cover.
When being shifted to the outside of YOUNG PASSION, HERCULES was momentarily awkwardly placed behind that horse passing the 400 Metres.
Passing the 200 Metres, ALCARI was shifted to the inside of ARES to obtain clear running. Then near the 150 Metres, ALCARI momentarily raced tight inside the heels of ARES.
SCORES OF FUN and SHOUSON were sent for sampling.
<21/2/2021 17 February 2021 Happy Valley Racemeeting – Race 8 (439)>After reviewing the videos, the Stewards believed that it was appropriate to question A Badel regarding his riding of HERCULES, particularly in the middle stages. A Badel stated that he had not been under any specific instructions on how HERCULES should be ridden other than to have the horse racing where it was comfortable to ensure that it was able to finish off the race well. He said, from barrier 8, he shifted HERCULES across behind runners in the early stages and making the turn after the 1000 Metres was racing behind JAZZ STEED. He said approaching the 900 Metres ALCARI, which was to his inside, shifted out away from the rail which resulted in HERCULES racing in a three wide position. He said at this stage YOUNG PASSION was looking to shift in from outside HERCULES to a position in front of his mount and behind JAZZ STEED. He said at this stage YOUNG PASSION had established a margin over HERCULES and he believed he would have had to ride his mount along for HERCULES to remain racing behind JAZZ STEED and to prevent YOUNG PASSION from shifting in. He said as he was reluctant to ride his mount along after the 900 Metres, he made the decision to allow YOUNG PASSION to shift in. He added after the 600 Metres he was following ALCARI which he considered to be a horse that might be able to take him into the race, however, he felt that there would be more opportunity for HERCULES to obtain clear running if brought to the outside of runners and therefore he directed his mount to the outside of YOUNG PASSION after the 400 Metres and into clear running. He said he immediately commenced to ride HERCULES along and the horse responded very well and therefore he did not believe that it was necessary in the early part of the Straight to use the whip on the horse given that HERCULES had quickened strongly at this stage. He said he continued to ride HERCULES out throughout the Straight and the horse finished off the race strongly. A Badel was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that, wherever possible, he maintains advantageous positions and rides his mounts competitively so that they do not get out of their ground unnecessarily.

Race:9 (440) HIP WO HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

DIVINE REGULUS began awkwardly.
When being steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start, LUCKY QUALITY was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of DIVINE REGULUS.
SIMPLY FLUKE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
From a wide barrier, CHEERFUL LEADER was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Throughout the race, HARRIER JET travelled wide and without cover.
K C Leung (FLASHCARD) was fined the sum of $10,000 for excessive use of the whip on a horse out of contention. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that this was the third occasion this season that Jockey Leung had been penalized for this offence.
After the race, C Y Ho stated that he had to ride BABY along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said after shifting across to race behind STANLEY PARK after the 1000 Metres, BABY did not travel well at any stage of the race and he had to consistently ride the horse in an endeavour to maintain its position. He said BABY came under heavy pressure after the 500 Metres and commenced to give ground noticeably rounding the Home Turn. He added BABY continued to give ground in the early part of the Straight before weakening noticeably over the concluding stages. He said the manner in which BABY weakened indicated to him that there may be something amiss with the horse. A veterinary inspection of BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, BABY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SIMPLY FLUKE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, FALCON TURBO was found to have sustained a cut to the left front leg.
IGNITING and WIND N GRASS were sent for sampling.