29/12/2023  Happy Valley  Race 1

AI ONE (E139): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the race, B Avdulla advised that his mount raced "flat” tonight, hung in from the 600 Metres and failed to run on. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICE BIRDIE (G470): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. C L Chau was warned for using his whip down the horse’s shoulder on two occasions over the concluding stages. In assessing penalty, the Stewards were satisfied that NICE BIRDIE was placed in restricted room at that point which resulted in Jockey Chau having to change the manner in which he used his whip. Sent for sampling post-race. BOOM ALLIANCE (G220): No report. HAPPY HERO (G322): Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman, 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. Sent for sampling post-race. DIAMOND WINNER (H285): Near the 2000 Metres commenced to race keenly and got its head up when being steadied. Over the final 100 Metres raced tight between BOOM ALLIANCE and NICE BIRDIE which shifted in slightly and as a result could not be fully ridden out to the finish of the event. Over the concluding stages was accidentally struck across the nose by the whip of C L Chau, the rider of NICE BIRDIE. LOYAL AMBITION (E489): Crowded shortly after the start. When questioned, K De Melo stated that when the tempo of the race increased from near the 700 Metres, his mount came under pressure, could not quicken and finished the race off in a one-paced manner. Crowded near the 500 Metres. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a wound to its right hind leg. MIGHTY STAR (G117): Jumped awkwardly and lost ground. B Avdulla (AI ONE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 500 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in, crowding LOYAL AMBITION and resulting in LOYAL AMBITION being taken in and crowding the running of MIGHTY STAR, resulting in MIGHTY STAR having to be checked. After assessing the carelessness grade 1 and the consequences grade 2 and having regard to his very good record, the Stewards determined the appropriate penalty to be a reprimand. GOLDEN FAIRY (E448): No report. GREEN LASER (E409): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race.