20/09/2023  Happy Valley  Race 5

MELBOURNE HALL jumped only fairly. STARRY NIGHT was crowded on jumping between STREET CONQUEROR and ISLAND BRIGHT. STARRY NIGHT was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier in the early stages. From a wide barrier, KASI FARASI was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages and near the 1150 Metres became awkwardly placed on the heels of VALIANT ELEGANCE. GALVANIC raced keenly in the early and middle stages and for some distance near the 700 Metres was steadied away from MAGIC SUPREME. VALIANT ELEGANCE, which was following, was steadied as a consequence. Near the 150 Metres, KASI FARASI was shifted to the outside of GALVANIC to secure clear running. Approaching the 150 Metres, STREET CONQUEROR shifted out before being corrected by his rider, K Teetan. ISLAND SURPRISE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, H Bowman (MELBOURNE HALL) reported that his mount raced keenly in the run and as a result did not finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of MELBOURNE HALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, L Hewitson (VALIANT ELEGANCE) reported that his mount was not suited by the strong early pace set and as a result found it difficult to make up ground in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of VALIANT ELEGANCE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. When questioned regarding the improved performance of STREET CONQUEROR, Trainer A S Cruz stated that at its first preparation in Hong Kong, STREET CONQUEROR took some time to climatise. He said this preparation STREET CONQUEROR had done well in the stable and dropping down in grade tonight, with the hood being removed and appreciating the Happy Valley circuit were the principal reasons as to why STREET CONQUEROR had improved in tonight’s event. Following the race, it was reported that GALVANIC was distressed. Before being allowed to race again, GALVANIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SURPRISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STREET CONQUEROR and GALVANIC were sent for sampling.