22/06/2022 - Happy Valley
Going:
Races 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9:
Turf - Good
Penetrometer Reading: 2.71
Racing Stewards:
Mr Philip N L Chen GBS JP Chairman
Mr Jackson Woo Ka Biu
Mr K Kelly Chief Stipendiary Steward
Mr T Bailey Stipendiary Steward
Mr G Bush Stipendiary Steward
Mr K C Y Kwok Stipendiary Steward
Mr H L Liu Stipendiary Steward
Mr Michael J Caddy acted for Mr Jackson Woo Ka Biu as Racing Steward for Race 8.
Race:1 (761) COCHRANE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m
ONE STEP AHEAD lifted its front feet off the ground and bumped the inside of its barrier stall on jumping, resulting in the horse beginning awkwardly and losing ground.
PRIME STAR shifted in at the start and bumped EL VALIENTE.
OH BRAVO and HEAVENLY THOUGHT brushed on jumping.
FORTUNE MARBO shifted in at the start and bumped CIRCUIT ELITE. After this, from a wide barrier, CIRCUIT ELITE was shifted across behind runners.
LOTUS FAVORITES and ZACIAN were also steadied in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, EL VALIENTE raced tight between ONE STEP AHEAD and OH BRAVO which shifted in.
Near the 1300 Metres, PRIME STAR was left racing wide and without cover until the 1000 Metres at which time ZACIAN was left racing wide and without cover.
For some distance passing the 1100 Metres, CIRCUIT ELITE got its head up when awkwardly placed behind EL VALIENTE.
After the 1100 Metres and again passing the 900 Metres, FORTUNE MARBO shifted in and brushed the running rail.
Making the turn near the 550 Metres, BEST FOR YOU raced in restricted room between HEAVENLY THOUGHT and ZACIAN.
Passing the 300 Metres, OH BRAVO was awkwardly placed behind GO FOR TEA.
Passing the 200 Metres, K Teetan (BEST FOR YOU) dropped his whip. As this was the 7th occasion this season that K Teetan has been reported to have dropped his whip in races, the most recent being at the Sha Tin Racecourse conducted last Sunday, 19 June 2022, K Teetan was fined the sum of $20,000.
Passing the 50 Metres, OH BRAVO was directed out away from the heels of GO FOR TEA which shifted out marginally.
A veterinary inspection of BEST FOR YOU immediately following the race found that horse to have a continuous displacement of the soft palate.
RUN THE TABLE and GO FOR TEA were sent for sampling.
Race:2 (762) ELGIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m
When the horses were in the Parade Ring for this race, the Stewards were advised by the Chief Medical Officer that J Moreira was unfit to fulfil his race riding engagement on DASSIT in this race and for his remaining race riding engagements. After briefly interviewing the Chief Medical Officer and J Moreira regarding this matter, J Moreira was stood down from his race riding engagements. This necessitated DASSIT being re-saddled as a result of B Shinn being substituted as the rider of that horse.
VECTOR was steadied on jumping to obtain cover.
Also from the outside barriers, DASSIT, WINNING STRIKES, which began awkwardly, and KING’S TROOPER were all shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, DASSIT raced tight inside VECTOR which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider.
After the 900 Metres, REGENCY POET got its head on the side and lay in. Then making the turn near the 550 Metres, REGENCY POET raced tight inside FARM BUMPER which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider.
Also making the turn near the 550 Metres, WINNING STRIKES got its head on the side and lay in away from ALL YOU KNOW and in doing so bumped VECTOR. VECTOR then became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in WINNING STRIKES being crowded for room inside ALL YOU KNOW. In this incident, both VECTOR and WINNING STRIKES also became unbalanced.
Rounding the Home Turn, THE JOLLY was held up for clear running behind SICOMORO.
On straightening, SICOMORO was momentarily steadied away from the heels of ARES which shifted in.
Approaching the 200 Metres, L Hewitson (THE JOLLY) dropped his whip.
Throughout the race, FARM BUMPER travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of ACA POWER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, ACA POWER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of FARM BUMPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CIGAR BUDDIES and ARES were sent for sampling.
Race:3 (763) THE HONG KONG YOUNG INDUSTRIALISTS COUNCIL 30TH ANNIVERSARY CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m
DA OPTIMIST was withdrawn on 21.6.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FABULOUS EIGHT. Before being allowed to race again, DA OPTIMIST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
As the start was effected, PRIME MORTAR, which was fractious in the barriers, put its head down and to the left, resulting in the horse being very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, PRIME MORTAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
SHINING FORTUNE began awkwardly and bumped the outside of its gate on jumping. SHINING FORTUNE was then hampered by YELLOWFIN which on jumping lifted its front feet off the ground, began awkwardly and shifted in.
VALHALLA shifted in at the start and bumped FABULOUS EIGHT. After this, from the outside barriers, VALHALLA and FABULOUS EIGHT were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
A short distance after the start, CIRCUIT SEVEN shifted out and inconvenienced COLOURFUL PRINCE.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, TRIUMPHANT RETURN, which was having its first race start tonight, lost ground when momentarily racing in restricted room inside SHINING FORTUNE which, after being ridden along, improved to be racing tight inside the heels of COLOURFUL PRINCE.
In the early part of the Straight, both COLOURFUL PRINCE and NEXTMODEL lay in.
Over the concluding stages, PRIME MORTAR raced tight inside COLOURFUL PRINCE which shifted in under pressure.
Throughout the race, BLUSTITCH travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT SEVEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SERGEANT PEPPER and SEE U AGAIN were sent for sampling.
Race:4 (764) GAGE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m
PERFECT PEACH began awkwardly.
WHAT A LEGEND was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Also from the outside barrier, SHADOW RUNNER was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Passing the 1100 Metres, TOUCH FAITH was awkwardly placed outside the heels of AMBITIOUS HEART when being steadied to obtain cover.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, PERFECT PEACH, which was reluctant to maintain its position inside WHAT A LEGEND, shifted out abruptly across the heels of that horse, resulting in PERFECT PEACH being checked and losing ground.
Approaching the 50 Metres, HERCULES and PLEASANT ENDEAVOR brushed.
After the race, B Shinn expressed concern regarding the action of DREAM BOSS which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DREAM BOSS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DREAM BOSS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DREAM BOSS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of PERFECT PEACH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PLEASANT ENDEAVOR, AMBITIOUS HEART and HARMONY N HOME were sent for sampling.
<23/6/2022 Additional Veterinary Reports>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that HAPPY SHARING was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY SHARING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Race:5 (765) GRAHAM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m
The Veterinary Officer reported that TELECOM CHEETAH, which was fractious when being transported to Happy Valley, had sustained minor abrasions to its right front and right hind legs and which required the right front plate to be replaced. He also said that a veterinary examination of TELECOM CHEETAH found that horse to be suitable to race.
TELECOM CHEETAH began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of EVER LAUGH. TELECOM CHEETAH was then crowded for room between EVER LAUGH and SUPER HORNET which shifted out.
AMAZING NEWS, which was being steadied on jumping to obtain cover, was bumped by RED BRICK FIGHTER shortly after the start.
From the outside barrier, BULLETPROOF was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages.
When the tempo of the race slowed after the 1100 Metres, EVER LAUGH commenced to travel keenly and was very awkwardly placed behind TURQUOISE HOPE for some distance after the 1000 Metres; AMAZING NEWS was checked away from the heels of NOBLE STEED; and TELECOM CHEETAH, which had been racing at the rear of the field, was allowed to improve passing the 950 Metres to race in a forward position, however, was wide and without cover.
FEARLESS FIRE travelled very wide and without cover until approaching the 800 Metres.
BLISSFUL STAR travelled wide and without cover until approaching the 700 Metres.
Near the 650 Metres, REGENCY MASTER and BULLETPROOF raced tight as REGENCY MASTER shifted to the outside of EVER LAUGH as BULLETPROOF attempted to improve its position around REGENCY MASTER. Then approaching the 500 Metres, REGENCY MASTER was awkwardly placed behind RED BRICK FIGHTER.
Passing the 300 Metres, FEARLESS FIRE and RED BRICK FIGHTER raced tight.
A veterinary inspection of FEARLESS FIRE, RED BRICK FIGHTER and REGENCY MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BULLETPROOF and BLISSFUL STAR were sent for sampling.
Race:6 (766) GAGE HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m
SIX BEST FRIENDS shifted in at the start and bumped VAMOS. SIX BEST FRIENDS then travelled wide and without cover throughout the race.
WINNING ICEY was crowded for room on jumping between TAKE WHAT YOU NEED and EXUBERANT which shifted out after being bumped by ABOVE ALL. After this, WINNING ICEY and EXUBERANT were steadied and shifted across behind runners from wide barriers.
After the 1000 Metres, SPICY GRILL raced tight inside VAMOS.
Passing the 900 Metres, EXUBERANT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SINGAPORE SPIRIT which itself was racing tight inside TAKE WHAT YOU NEED. Then making the turn after the 600 Metres, EXUBERANT got its head on the side and shifted out across the heels of SINGAPORE SPIRIT, resulting in EXUBERANT being checked and losing ground. FLYING ON THE TURF, which was following, was inconvenienced whilst WINNING ICEY got its head up when being checked away from the heels of EXUBERANT. As the Stewards were of the opinion that this incident was primarily as a result of EXUBERANT’s reluctance to maintain its position inside SINGAPORE SPIRIT, no further action was taken. Approaching and passing the 500 Metres, EXUBERANT was then awkwardly placed behind SINGAPORE SPIRIT.
Passing the 250 Metres, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was bumped by SINGAPORE SPIRIT (K Teetan) which shifted out. TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was then crowded for room between SINGAPORE SPIRIT which was corrected by its rider and WINNING ICEY which, after being bumped on the hindquarters by TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, shifted in marginally. K Teetan was severely reprimanded and told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have reacted quicker than he did to the shift from SINGAPORE SPIRIT. He was further told to ensure that he responds in a timely manner to his mounts shifting ground so as not to cause interference to other runners.
K C Leung (MEGA BONUS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 50 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of VAMOS, resulting in that horse having to be checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Friday, 1 July 2022 and to expire on Thursday, 7 July 2022 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.
A veterinary inspection of ABOVE ALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WINNING ICEY and MEGA BONUS were sent for sampling.
Race:7 (767) LYNDHURST HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m
GOODLUCK GOODLUCK shifted out at the start and bumped ATULLIBIGEAL and at the same time FLYING SEASON shifted in and bumped OUR LUCKY GLORY. ATULLIBIGEAL and OUR LUCKY GLORY were then badly crowded for room between GOODLUCK GOODLUCK which continued to shift out and FLYING SEASON, which after being bumped on the hindquarters by OUR LUCKY GLORY, was then crowded for room inside JOLLY GOOD HEART which shifted in. This resulted in ATULLIBIGEAL, OUR LUCKY GLORY and FLYING SEASON all being hampered and losing ground.
ELON and NAMJONG SINGS bumped at the start.
After the 900 Metres, OUR LUCKY GLORY was steadied away from the heels of ATULLIBIGEAL.
ELON travelled keenly in the middle stages.
YO BEAUTY travelled wide and without cover until passing the 600 Metres.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLYING SEASON, Z Purton stated that it was intended for FLYING SEASON to be ridden in a handy position tonight, but after being hampered on jumping, FLYING SEASON was required to race further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said FLYING SEASON made the turn after the 1000 Metres awkwardly and shifted out when on the wrong lead leg. He said FLYING SEASON was reluctant to maintain its position racing along the Back Straight and then again made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and lay out. He added that passing the 500 Metres FLYING SEASON came under heavy pressure and continued to lay out and then did not finish the race off in the Straight. Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, FLYING SEASON’s best runs so far were in straight course races at Sha Tin rather than race around a bend and he was also of the belief that the horse did not handle the Happy Valley circuit at its first time of asking in a race. A veterinary inspection of FLYING SEASON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLYING SEASON, favourite for tonight’s race and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING SEASON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, Mr C S Shum, trainer of NAMJONG SINGS, stated that, from barrier 10, he was concerned that NAMJONG SINGS would be left racing wide and without cover if the horse were to be ridden for speed tonight. He said he felt that there were a number of horses engaged in tonight’s race which had previously shown good pace in the early stages of their previous races and believed that NAMJONG SINGS may not have sufficient speed to be able to cross those runners without having to have too much use made of it. He said therefore he felt the best option was for the horse to be ridden in midfield with cover. He said due to the circumstances of the race NAMJONG SINGS was required to race further back in the field than had been anticipated, but remained of the opinion that having the horse ridden more quietly tonight provided it with the best opportunity to finish the race off.
A veterinary inspection of LIKE THAT and JOLLY GOOD HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FLYING SEASON, NICCONI COUNTY and YO BEAUTY were sent for sampling.
Race:8 (768) SHELLEY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m
WORLD FAMOUS shifted out at the start and bumped HELENE ALLIBOR. HELENE ALLIBOR was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From wide barriers, THE HULK, MAJESTIC VICTORY and CIRCUIT STELLAR were all steadied to obtain cover in the early stages.
After the 1200 Metres, KILLER INSTINCT was taken wider and without cover by DR WINNING which improved to the outside of LOYAL BABY.
Also after the 1200 Metres, LOYAL BABY was checked away from the heels of WORLD FAMOUS which at this time was awkwardly placed behind NOTHING NEW (L Hewitson) which, after obtaining the lead, was steadied by its rider. When LOYAL BABY was checked away from the heels of WORLD FAMOUS, WORLD FAMOUS became unbalanced. LOYAL BABY then shifted out away from the heels of WORLD FAMOUS, resulting in DR WINNING being shifted out near the 1050 Metres, causing KILLER INSTINCT to be bumped and taken wider again. KILLER INSTINCT then continued to travel wide and without cover until after the 900 Metres. L Hewitson was told to ensure that he does not reduce the tempo too abruptly in races so as to allow trailing horses the opportunity to adjust to the change in tempo. A veterinary inspection of WORLD FAMOUS immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a cut to the left hind leg.
After the 1100 Metres, PACKING AWARD travelled keenly.
THE HULK was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn.
Passing the 300 Metres, WORLD FAMOUS shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PACKING AWARD which also shifted in.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on HELENE ALLIBOR at the request of Trainer D A Hayes. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of DR WINNING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WORLD FAMOUS, NOTHING NEW and PACKING AWARD were sent for sampling.
Race:9 (769) STAUNTON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m
REWARDING TOGETHER, which made contact with a rail on leaving the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the barriers and passed suitable to race.
EASON began only fairly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY SWEYNESSE, resulting in EASON becoming unbalanced and losing ground.
FAMILY FOLKS shifted out at the start and bumped HANDSOME BO BO.
From wide barriers, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS, SEIZING THE MOMENT and MASTER MONTARO were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
When being ridden along in the early stages, LUCKY SWEYNESSE got its head on the side and lay in.
Near the 1050 Metres, EASON (R Maia) brushed the running rail and became unbalanced. After this, R Maia stated that EASON was always off the bridle in tonight’s race and he had to continually ride his mount along to maintain as forward a position as possible. A veterinary inspection of EASON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, Z Purton stated that KEEP YOU WARM did not enjoy the same favours that it was able to obtain at its last start when successful. He said, from barrier 9, he had to make use of KEEP YOU WARM in the early stages to cross runners on its inside to obtain a forward position. He said he felt that tonight’s race was run at a good tempo which resulted in KEEP YOU WARM not being able to travel as comfortably as it did last start. He added that he shifted KEEP YOU WARM to the outside of MCLUCKY at the entrance to the Straight, however, the horse did not quicken and then weakened out of the race over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of KEEP YOU WARM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FAMILY FOLKS and LUCKY SWEYNESSE were sent for sampling.
General
1.
Racing Laboratory tests of DASHING TRIUMPH, LUCKY BANNER, FLYING MIGHTY, STAR OF GLORY, DIAMOND STAR, BUNDLE OF CHARM, SWEET DIAMOND, SPARTAN MISSILE, FORTE, SUPER AXIOM, AMAZING ROCKY, LEATHER VANGUARD, STUNNING IMPACT, TYCOON JEWELLERY, ALL RICHES, SUPER RED DRAGON, CAMPIONE, KA YING MASTER, GALAXY WITNESS, ALL FOR ST PAUL’S, BOURBONAIRE, EVERYONE’S VICTORY, SUNNY BOY, HELENE WISDOM STAR, KEEFY, ESCAPE ROUTE, BEAUTY MISSION, EXCELLENT DADDY and PRIVATE ROCKET (12.6.22) proved negative.
Summary
1. Withdrawal
Race 3: DA OPTIMIST on 21.6.22 on veterinary advice.
2. Riding Changes
After riding in Race 1, J Moreira became indisposed and was stood down by the Chief Medical Officer. Accordingly, permission was given for the following riding substitutions:
Race 2: B Shinn on DASSIT
Race 3: K Teetan on YELLOWFIN
Race 4: B Shinn on DREAM BOSS
Race 5: H Bentley on AMAZING NEWS
Race 6: L Ferraris on WINNING ICEY
Race 7: K C Leung on LIKE THAT
Race 8: H T Mo on KILLER INSTINCT
Race 9: R Maia on EASON
3. Fine
Race 1: K Teetan (BEST FOR YOU): $20,000 for dropping his whip in the race.
4. Severe Reprimand
Race 6: K Teetan (SINGAPORE SPIRIT) for shifting out passing the 250 Metres.
5. Warning
Race 8: L Hewitson (NOTHING NEW) for steadying the tempo after the 1200 Metres.
6. Suspension
Race 6: K C Leung (MEGA BONUS) for careless riding passing the 50 Metres (from 1 July 2022 until 7 July 2022 on which day he may resume race riding – 2 Hong Kong racedays).
7. Irregular Heart Rhythm
Race 2: ACA POWER
8. Stalls Test
Race 3: PRIME MORTAR
9. Barrier Trials
Race 2: ACA POWER
Race 4: DREAM BOSS
Race 7: FLYING SEASON
10. Official Veterinary Examinations
Race 2: ACA POWER
Race 3: DA OPTIMIST
Race 4: DREAM BOSS
Race 7: FLYING SEASON
11. Course and False Outside Rail Arrangement
Turf B Course
12. Rolling Arrangement
The track was rolled after race 5.