20/09/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

When the tongue tie on CIRCUIT SPLENDOR could not be fitted prior to the event, the horse raced without such gear. The Stewards ruled that permission will not be granted in future for a tongue tie to be applied to the gear of CIRCUIT SPLENDOR. HAR HAR AT HEART jumped only fairly. CRAIG’S MASTER was slow to begin. DASHING TRIUMPH also jumped only fairly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 200 Metres, CRAIG’S MASTER shifted out slightly, resulting in DASHING TRIUMPH being steadied away from the heels of that runner. Over the concluding stages, VIVA A LA was held up for clear running between HAPPY HORSE and MULTIMORE and as a consequence could not be tested to the finish of the event. HAPPY HORSE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned, K H Chan (CHARMING STEED) stated that he expected to hold a forward position on his mount, however, despite his efforts throughout the early and middle stages, CHARMING STEED did not show the expected early pace and consequently settled further back in the field than what he had anticipated. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of K H Chan (CHARMING STEED), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the finish of the event. When questioned, K Teetan (NOIR RIDER) stated that his instructions were to endeavour to hold as forward a position as possible. He said despite riding his mount along vigorously in the early stages, NOIR RIDER did not respond to his riding and became detached from the main body of the field. He added throughout the middle stages NOIR RIDER continued to be reluctant to stretch out and he had some concerns when it commenced to get its head up through that section of the race. He said once balanced in the Home Straight, NOIR RIDER ran to the line fairly without being in a competitive position. A veterinary inspection of NOIR RIDER immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. The performance of NOIR RIDER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NOIR RIDER 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 CRAIG’S MASTER and HAR HAR AT HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VIVA A LA, TRONIC MIGHTY and HAPPILY FRIENDS were sent for sampling.