13/09/2023  Happy Valley  Race 1

Whilst being attempted to be placed into the barriers, THETA HEDGE reared over, dislodging its rider, M F Poon. Acting on veterinary advice that THETA HEDGE was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, THETA HEDGE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, M F Poon was examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. VALHALLA jumped only fairly and then was crowded between HUNKY DORY and VAMOS, both of which shifted ground. EASY TWO jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. GOODMANSHIP and MULTIMORE bumped shortly after the start. From the outside barrier, FINGERS CROSSED was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 400 Metres, GOODMANSHIP shifted out to improve and as a result made contact with HUNKY DORY. For a short distance near the 250 Metres, TSUEN WAN GLORY lay in and was held up behind GOODMANSHIP. Approaching the 200 Metres, VALHALLA was disappointed for running to the inside of MULTIMORE and then was shifted to the outside of MULTIMORE and VAMOS to secure clear running at the 150 Metres. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on VAMOS, H Bowman stated that he had anticipated, prior to the withdrawal of THETA HEDGE, to take up a position with cover behind the leaders. He said when THETA HEDGE, a noted leader, was withdrawn from the event and VAMOS jumped well, he allowed his mount to stride forward to race outside MULTIMORE. He said entering the Back Straight passing the 1000 Metres, he contemplated allowing VAMOS to stride forward and lead on the rail, but when MULTIMORE held its position and he was satisfied that the pace of the event was being run at a good tempo, he elected to remain racing in advance and to the outside of MULTIMORE. He added that throughout the middle stages he was reluctant to restrain his mount and come back behind MULTIMORE as VAMOS had settled well in this position and for this reason his mount continued to maintain an advantage over MULTIMORE. He said from the 450 Metres when MULTIMORE improved to his inside, he held his mount together until entering the Home Straight where he then placed it under full pressure. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Bowman were reasonable in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection of FINGERS CROSSED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOODMANSHIP immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GOODMANSHIP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VALHALLA and VAMOS were sent for sampling.