24/04/2024  Happy Valley  Race 2

SPLENDID STAR (G026): Jumped only fairly. Near the 100 Metres had some difficulty obtaining clear running when positioned behind FOXHUNTER WAY which was giving ground. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING BOY (D513): Sent for sampling post-race. NINJA DERBY (H339): Near the 1600 Metres was shifted in to obtain cover behind SUPER HORNET and then commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from the heels of SUPER HORNET for some distance approaching the 1500 Metres. When questioned, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that his instructions were from an inside barrier to hold a more forward position. He stated that after racing in a handy position throughout the early and middle stages, he was then held up for clear running making the Home Turn behind SUPER HORNET and to the inside of FOXHUNTER WAY. He added that when FOXHUNTER WAY did not improve into the event, he then continued to be held up to the inside of that runner and then in the Home Straight was unable to immediately shift to the outside of FOXHUNTER WAY when CIRCUIT ELITE was positioned to his outside. He said as a result NINJA DERBY was held up for clear running until near the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY SHINES (H484): When questioned regarding his riding in the middle stages of the event and as to whether there was an opportunity to improve sooner than what he did, Apprentice E C W Wong stated that from the outside barrier he was instructed to ride his mount in a conservative manner in the early stages and if possible to make his run to the inside. He said after settling back in the field he was reluctant from the 800 Metres to shift to the outside of BROTHER PEARL to improve into the event as he was concerned that his mount then would have to make a wide run, which would be contrary to his instructions. When questioned specifically if there was an opportunity to ride his mount with more vigour from the 600 Metres when he lost his position behind BROTHER PEARL, Apprentice Wong agreed with the Stewards that in retrospect he had made an error of judgement in not placing his mount under pressure sooner than what he did on this occasion, but was concerned that had he ridden his mount from the 600 Metres he may have had his running interrupted when being positioned close to BROTHER PEARL. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued, however, agreed that there was an opportunity for Apprentice Wong to place his mount under pressure sooner than what he did. After considering Apprentice Wong’s explanations and his inexperience as a 10 lb claiming apprentice, the Stewards elected to take no direct action against Apprentice Wong. However, he was advised that his riding between the 600 Metres and the 400 Metres lacked the necessary judgement and that he should have placed his mount under pressure sooner than what he did to ensure that it maintained its position behind the runners in front. Apprentice Wong was also referred to the Chief Riding Instructor for further training and mentoring. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GO GO GO (H196): Sent for sampling post-race. CIRCUIT ELITE (E487): Jumped awkwardly. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOYAL AMBITION (E489): Jumped only fairly. For a short distance near the 1700 Metres raced tight to the inside of BROTHER PEARL. Sent for sampling post-race. PRECISION GOAL (H016): No report. DIAMOND WINNER (H285): Jumped awkwardly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. FOXHUNTER WAY (E296): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BROTHER PEARL (H030): No report. SUPER HORNET (G043): No report.