29/12/2023  Happy Valley  Race 2

HERCULES (C476): Near the 600 Metres lay out slightly when racing tight to the inside of VALHALLA which lay in and as a result was eased. Approaching the 400 Metres was steadied after improving to the inside of VALHALLA when that runner shifted in when positioned close to HAPPILY FRIENDS which after shifting out moved back in when corrected by its rider Z Purton. VALHALLA (E495): Approaching the 1000 Metres, after being bumped by GET THE MONIES which improved to the inside of that runner, was then steadied when crowded by AUGUST MOON (K C Leung) which shifted in when not clear. K C Leung was advised to exercise more care. Sent for sampling post-race. WIND SPEEDER (E281): Sent for sampling post-race. AUGUST MOON (D409): No report. GET THE MONIES (G168): K C Leung (AUGUST MOON) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of GET THE MONIES, resulting in GET THE MONIES being checked away from the heels of AUGUST MOON. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Sunday, 7 January 2024 at Sha Tin. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very good race riding record. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GENERAL ACE (G425): Shortly after the start was bumped and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 600 Metres was steadied away from HERCULES when that runner gave ground in front. Again approaching the 400 Metres was steadied away from HERCULES, blundered and became unbalanced when positioned close to the heels of that runner. CRAIG'S MASTER (G440): No report. DOUBLE SHOW (G250): Bumped shortly after the start. Approaching the 200 Metres was steadied when disappointed for clear running between MILLENNIUM FALCON and HAPPILY FRIENDS. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DOUBLE SHOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MILLENNIUM FALCON (D281): Checked near the 200 Metres. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. EASY TWO (G423): In the early stages raced keenly and near the 1000 Metres was steadied away from VALHALLA. Leaving the 300 Metres was steadied when crowded between HERCULES which shifted out slightly and VIVA A LA which lay in before being corrected by its rider K De Melo. HAPPILY FRIENDS (C533): Bumped shortly after the start. K De Melo (VIVA A LA) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of HAPPILY FRIENDS, resulting in HAPPILY FRIENDS having to be checked when crowded for room and then shifted out, crowding MILLENNIUM FALCON which was also checked. K De Melo was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Thursday, 4 January 2024 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very good race riding record. After the race, Z Purton reported that his mount was taken wide on the Home Turn when CRAIG’S MASTER shifted out and after being interfered with near the 200 Metres did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VIVA A LA (G282): Shortly after the start was bumped by HAPPILY FRIENDS which shifted out and away from AUGUST MOON after initially being taken out by that runner. In the early part of the Home Straight lay in and had difficulty obtaining clear running to the outside of GET THE MONIES when that runner shifted out. Over the concluding stages, when continuing to lay in, was positioned close to the heels of AUGUST MOON and could not be ridden out fully to the finish of the event.