11/10/2023  Happy Valley  Race 6

KILINDINI (E236): Was sent for sampling post-race. PARTY WARRIOR (E368): Approaching the 200 Metres had some difficulty obtaining clear running when positioned close to DIAMOND DIAMOND. JUNEAU FLASH (H084): Was crowded by DIAMOND DIAMOND near the 100 Metres. C L Chau (EXUBERANT) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in whilst riding it along when not clear of JUNEAU FLASH, resulting in JUNEAU FLASH having to be checked. C L Chau was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 29 October 2023 and to expire Thursday, 2 November 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 2. AWESOME TREASURE (E435): When questioned regarding his riding out of AWESOME TREASURE over the concluding stages, Z Purton stated that after hearing a call from runners to his outside, he desisted from riding his mount along as he was concerned he may be causing interference. He said as a result he then shifted AWESOME TREASURE in, but then received a call from Apprentice Y L Chung, the rider of COLONEL, and as a result he straightened AWESOME TREASURE and was unable to ride it out to the finish of the event. The Stewards accepted the explanation offered by Z Purton. Z Purton could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Was sent for sampling post-race. TRAVEL GOLF (H063): Was crowded at the start and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 350 Metres was steadied when positioned close to the heels of PROUD DRAGON. After the 200 Metres was briefly held up for clear running when positioned close to COSMO NAVIGATOR. Passing the 100 Metres was checked when crowded by PROUD DRAGON which was taken in by DIAMOND DIAMOND (A Hamelin) which shifted in and away from JUNEAU FLASH. A Hamelin was advised to exercise more care. COSMO NAVIGATOR (H156): Near the 1000 Metres was steadied when crowded by COLONEL (Apprentice Y L Chung) which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. Apprentice Chung was advised to exercise more care. Was obliged to race wide and without cover until near the 600 Metres when it was ridden forward to cross KILINDINI. Passing the 100 Metres was checked to avoid TRAVEL GOLF when that runner shifted in. After the race, H Bowman stated that he was required to make too much use of his mount to cross and race outside the lead in the early stages and as a result COSMO NAVIGATOR weakened in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EXUBERANT (E282): Was sent for sampling post-race. COLONEL (D090): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PROUD DRAGON (E352): Jumped only fairly. Was reported by the Veterinary Surgeon to be lame in its right hind leg and to have sustained a wound to the right hind pastern. Before being allowed to race again, PROUD DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DIAMOND DIAMOND (H189): Jumped awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. Approaching the 50 Metres was steadied when crowded by JUNEAU FLASH. SUPER EAGLE (G408): Close to the finish was bumped on the hindquarters by COSMO NAVIGATOR. After the race, C Y Ho stated that after jumping awkwardly and then being badly crowded at the start, SUPER EAGLE travelled comfortably throughout the early and middle stages. He added that when he asked his mount for an effort in the Home Straight, it failed to respond to his riding and raced in a disappointing manner. Trainer W Y So advised that SUPER EAGLE had pleased him leading into the race and he was unable to offer any explanation as to why the horse performed disappointingly. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STOICISM (E223): Was obliged to race wide and without cover from the 600 Metres. A veterinary inspection of STOICISM immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, STOICISM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.