10/01/2024  Happy Valley  Race 1

HAPPY HORSE (H061): Crowded on jumping. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. AUGUST MOON (D409): No report. MULTIMORE (D443): In the early part of the Home Straight lay in. When questioned regarding his riding from the 600 Metres and the reason his mount lost its position behind the leaders, Apprentice E C W Wong stated that when MODEST GENTLEMAN improved to his inside and shifted out slightly, MULTIMORE had a tendency to lay out and as a result he was cautious not to allow his mount to shift out. He said as a consequence he did not ride MULTIMORE along through that section of the race to ensure his mount maintained its position on the track which resulted in MULTIMORE losing some ground after the 500 Metres. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that MULTIMORE had an epiglottic entrapment. Apprentice E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 50 Metres (see GOODMANSHIP). MAGIC TRAVELLER (H102): Jumped only fairly. FINGERS CROSSED (G403): No report. GOODMANSHIP (E208): Bumped heavily on the hindquarters on jumping and became unbalanced. Apprentice E C W Wong (MULTIMORE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of GOODMANSHIP, resulting in GOODMANSHIP having to be checked. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 17 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. K Teetan, the rider of 7th placegetter, GOODMANSHIP, was reminded of his obligation to ensure he rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. However, the Stewards elected not to take any action against Jockey Teetan due to the interference suffered by GOODMANSHIP near the 50 Metres. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY TANGO (D075): Severely checked at the start when crowded between GOODMANSHIP and HAPPY HORSE which was taken out by FINGERS CROSSED when that runner shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. After the race, L Hewitson stated that the intention was to settle in a more forward position, but after having to severely check his mount at the start settled further back than intended. Sent for sampling post-race. MODEST GENTLEMAN (G352): Jumped only fairly. Sent for sampling post-race. PERFECT ROCK (G175): From the 650 Metres raced wide and without cover.