Subscribe EN

Date:

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 1 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 4  Happy Valley  Turf  A  2200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 059-040  

ABOVE was slow to begin. MAGNETISM and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. After being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, PRETTY BAUHINIA was left racing very wide near the 2100 Metres and was consequently steadied to obtain cover. KUNGFUMASTER PANDA travelled keenly in the early stages. BULLISH GLORY was left racing wide and without cover in the early stages and near the 1700 Metres was allowed to improve to obtain a position closer to the rail. Near the 650 Metres, HAY RUN raced in restricted room between BULLISH GLORY and MAGNETISM, both of which shifted ground. Near the 450 Metres, BULLISH GLORY raced in restricted room between HAY RUN and ABOVE which shifted out from behind METHANE to commence improving. Passing the 300 Metres, Apprentice C L Chau (METHANE) dropped his left rein which he was able to regather near the 250 Metres. METHANE lost its right front plate after the race. The performances of BULLISH GLORY and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH GLORY and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT, BULLISH GLORY and HAY RUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, it was noted that KUNGFUMASTER PANDA had blood in its mouth due to a minor tongue laceration. DYNAMIC EAGLE and ABOVE were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 2 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 5  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1800m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 038-023  

ROCKET HAMMER began only fairly. EVEN KEEL, which was standing awkwardly as the start was effected, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. THE JOY OF GIVING shifted in at the start and brushed SALTO OLIMPICO. From the outside barrier, STAR WIN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Rounding the Home Turn, JOLLY FOREVER was inconvenienced by EVEN KEEL which shifted in away from the heels of SALTO OLIMPICO. At the entrance to the Straight, PRESIDENT STAR and WONDER WIN brushed. Passing the 300 Metres, EVEN KEEL was shifted in from behind SOCKET ELITE to obtain clear running. Passing the 250 Metres, PRESIDENT STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SALTO OLIMPICO which was awkwardly placed outside SOCKET ELITE. When questioned, A Badel (GO BALLISTIC) stated that passing the 700 Metres he commenced to shift out to follow WONDER WIN as that horse improved into a three wide position. He said he felt that at this time WONDER WIN was travelling well and would take him into the race. He said as he shifted out behind WONDER WIN, that horse was taken wider by PRESIDENT STAR which shifted to the outside of SALTO OLIMPICO. He said when WONDER WIN was taken into a four wide position, he intended to improve to the inside of that horse, however, EVEN KEEL improved its position quickly into tight running between GO BALLISTIC and JOLLY FOREVER and for this reason he was not able to shift in. He added GO BALLISTIC was then left flat-footed passing the 500 Metres, however, after shifting to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn finished off the race satisfactorily. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY FOREVER and YOU HAVE MY WORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TREASURE CHEST, WONDER WIN and SOCKET ELITE were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 3 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 5  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1000m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 040-013  

After being loaded into the barriers, EURO LAGO was very fractious and reared on a number of occasion. On the last occasion that EURO LAGO reared, it got its right front leg over the front gate for some time. EURO LAGO was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, EURO LAGO was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, EURO LAGO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JIMSON THE DRAGON became unbalanced on jumping when bumped by CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN which shifted in. Shortly after the start, WINNING GENGHIS lost ground when crowded for room between GLORIOUS BUDDY and EVERBRAVE which was racing tight inside FLYING MONKEY which shifted in after being brushed by VIVA MAMA. Near the 950 Metres, PRAWN YEAH YEAH was bumped by GLORIOUS BUDDY. Passing the 900 Metres, JIMSON THE DRAGON and CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN raced tight. Approaching the 800 Metres, CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN was steadied to obtain cover behind JIMSON THE DRAGON. Approaching the 600 Metres, EVERBRAVE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JIMSON THE DRAGON which lay out. After this, EVERBRAVE was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, JIMSON THE DRAGON was awkwardly placed behind READY CONQUEROR. Passing the 250 Metres, EVERBRAVE was inconvenienced by CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN which shifted out. Approaching the 100 Metres, JIMSON THE DRAGON and FLYING MONKEY bumped. A veterinary inspection of EVERBRAVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LUNAR ZEPHYR immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LUNAR ZEPHYR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. READY CONQUEROR and DESTINE JEWELLERY were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 4 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 4  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 060-044  

LITTLE PLAYER began awkwardly and then was bumped by LITTLE THUNDER which shifted out. ORIENTAL AMIGO was crowded for room on jumping between CHAMP PATROL and AMAZING KNIGHT which shifted in. SHINING ON began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PEGASUS GLORY. Then, from a wide barrier, SHINING ON was shifted across behind runners. SPEED TO EXCEED shifted in at the start and made contact with PHENOMENAL COMBO. SPEED TO EXCEED was then steadied when bumped by PHENOMENAL COMBO which shifted out. Passing the 1150 Metres, SMART WONGCHOY shifted in and bumped PEGASUS GLORY. Near the 850 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER, which was travelling keenly, was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY TIME (B Shinn) which shifted in when not properly clear. B Shinn was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. For some distance passing the 700 Metres, PHENOMENAL COMBO was awkwardly placed behind LITTLE PLAYER. PEGASUS GLORY travelled wide and without cover until approaching the 600 Metres at which time the horse shifted in to race outside the lead, resulting in SMART WONGCHOY being left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, SHINING ON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PHENOMENAL COMBO which continued to race close to the heels of LITTLE PLAYER. Passing the 300 Metres, CHAMP PATROL raced tight inside SMART WONGCHOY which lay in. Near the 250 Metres, ORIENTAL AMIGO was awkwardly placed inside the heels of HAPPY TIME which shifted in when commencing to give ground. ORIENTAL AMIGO then raced tight between HAPPY TIME and LITTLE THUNDER when improving into tight running between those horses passing the 200 Metres. When questioned, K Teetan (LITTLE PLAYER) stated that after travelling keenly in the early stages, LITTLE PLAYER got its head up passing the 500 Metres when being checked away from the heels of HAPPY TIME. He said LITTLE PLAYER then continued to be awkwardly placed behind HAPPY TIME which at this time was being ridden along to maintain its position. He said at the entrance to the Straight he attempted to immediately shift out from inside AMAZING KNIGHT to the outside of that horse when improving into tight running between AMAZING KNIGHT and PHENOMENAL COMBO, however, LITTLE PLAYER was racing close to the heels of AMAZING KNIGHT at this stage which resulted in him having to take longer than hoped to shift to the outside of AMAZING KNIGHT. He added once he was able to achieve this near the 250 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER then finished off the race only fairly and he attributed the horse, which was only having its second race start tonight, not being able to close off strongly to its racing manners in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE PLAYER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, B Shinn (HAPPY TIME) reported that after momentarily racing in restricted room between SMART WONGCHOY and CHAMP PATROL near the 450 Metres, HAPPY TIME immediately came off the bridle and was reluctant to maintain its position between those horses. He said after this, despite being ridden along rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight, HAPPY TIME was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SMART WONGCHOY and LITTLE THUNDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PEGASUS GLORY, CHAMP PATROL and PHENOMENAL COMBO were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 5 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 4  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 060-043  

SUNNY SMILE began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped GOOD SHOT. SUNNY SMILE then shifted out and made heavy contact with SPRINT FORWARD, causing both horses to become unbalanced and for SPRINT FORWARD to shift out and bump FOCUS which was hampered by MANAGEMENT SUPREME on jumping. SPICY SO GOOD began only fairly. From a wide barrier, SIMPLY FLUKE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, PAKISTAN ZINDABAD was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPICY SO GOOD which shifted in marginally. Passing the 800 Metres, PAKISTAN ZINDABAD, which was having its first race start, raced very greenly and shifted out abruptly when awkwardly placed outside the heels of KINDA COOL. SPRINT FORWARD, which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FOCUS at this time, was steadied away from the heels of PAKISTAN ZINDABAD which lost ground. After this, PAKISTAN ZINDABAD continued to race greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. Passing the 700 Metres, SPRINT FORWARD was momentarily eased away from the heels of FOCUS which got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly when racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 400 Metres, GOOD SHOT was awkwardly placed behind KINDA COOL. Passing the 400 Metres, PAKISTAN ZINDABAD, which continued to race greenly, shifted out and bumped FOCUS, causing both horses to become unbalanced. SUNNY SMILE, which was following PAKISTAN ZINDABAD, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence, shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FOCUS rounding the Home Turn. Near the 250 Metres, SUNNY SMILE was shifted to the outside of SPRINT FORWARD after being disappointed for running inside that horse which shifted in under pressure. K C Leung (GOODLUCK GOODLUCK) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in ALLOY KING being unnecessarily crowded for room and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. When ALLOY STAR lost ground, SPICY SO GOOD, which was following, shifted out abruptly from behind that horse. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 16 December 2020 and to expire on Monday, 21 December 2020 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Leung’s good race riding record. K Teetan (TOP MILITARY) explained that passing the 600 Metres his mount was travelling in comfortable racing room on the rail inside GOOD SHOT. He said making the turn near the 550 Metres TOP MILITARY became badly unbalanced of its own accord and shifted out towards the heels of GOOD SHOT, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. He said after this he rode his mount along in an attempt to recover lost ground, however, TOP MILITARY got its head up rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight and did not feel comfortable in its action. He added because of the manner in which TOP MILITARY felt over the concluding stages, he promptly dismounted from the horse after passing the wining post. A veterinary inspection TOP MILITARY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, TOP MILITARY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and in amongst horses and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When TOP MILITARY lost ground, SUNNY SMILE, which was following, was hampered when having to be shifted out abruptly away from the heels of that horse. SIMPLY FLUKE, which was following SUNNY SMILE, was also inconvenienced. When questioned, Apprentice K H Chan stated that he was asked to be positive on SPRINT FORWARD out of the barriers to obtain a forward position but not to ride his mount along to do so. He said it was expected that SPRINT FORWARD would have sufficient early speed to be able to take up a position behind the lead and if SPRINT FORWARD began well, it was acceptable for him to race outside the lead, however, it was felt that there were a number of speed horses engaged in the race and therefore a trailing position would be the most likely outcome. He said on jumping SPRINT FORWARD became unbalanced when bumped by SUNNY SMILE which resulted in it settling further back in the field in the early stages than had been anticipated. He said he was mindful of his instructions not to ride his mount along in the early stages and felt that he would have had to do so for SPRINT FORWARD to be able to take up a more prominent position in advance of runners to his inside. He said because of the circumstances of the race this resulted in SPRINT FORWARD racing much further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of SPRINT FORWARD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Prior to concluding this matter, the Stewards will interview Mr D A Hayes, the trainer of SPRINT FORWARD, to confirm the instructions he provided to Apprentice Chan prior to the Sha Tin Racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 6 December 2020. V Borges stated that he was asked to obtain a midfield position on FOCUS. He said, from a wide barrier, it was felt that too much use of FOCUS would have to be made to obtain a forward position given that there were a number of speed horses engaged in the race which were better drawn than FOCUS and therefore he was asked to obtain a position with cover in about midfield if possible. A veterinary inspection SPICY SO GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KINDA COOL and GOOD SHOT were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 6 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 3  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1000m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 080-061  

PROPICE, which was fractious in the barriers, shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of MR LUMIERES which resulted in MR LUMIERES becoming unbalanced and PROPICE losing ground. MOMENT OF POWER shifted out at the start and inconvenienced MAGIC LEGEND. CHIKORITA was bumped by WILD WEST WING on jumping and after this, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners. From the outside barrier, THOU SHALL SING was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the 800 Metres, WILD WEST WING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAGIC LEGEND and PROPICE. Passing the 800 Metres, HANDSOME BO BO was shifted out away from the heels of MR LUMIERES which was taken out by FLYING GENIUS. After the 700 Metres, WILD WEST WING, which was travelling keenly, got its head up when racing close to the heels of PROPICE. Passing the 400 Metres, WILD WEST WING got its head up when racing close to the heels of PROPICE which was racing close to the heels of GENTLE BREEZE. In the early part of the Straight, WILD WEST WING was shifted out away from the heels of GENTLE BREEZE which was giving ground. Then passing the 250 Metres, WILD WEST WING was directed to the inside of PROPICE to obtain clear running. At the 300 Metres, THOU SHALL SING was shifted out away from the heels of MAGIC LEGEND. Passing the 250 Metres, HANDSOME BO BO shifted out and inconvenienced FLYING GENIUS. Approaching the 100 Metres, MAGIC LEGEND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MR LUMIERES which shifted out under pressure. When questioned, V Borges stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position on WILD WEST WING and it was felt that due to the likely fast tempo of the race, he would be able to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders. He said WILD WEST WING was very fractious in the barriers and just prior to the start being effected had its head turned to the left. He said when the start was effected, WILD WEST WING began very awkwardly, got its head up and shifted out. He said a short distance after the start WILD WEST WING became unbalanced and this resulted in the horse losing ground. He said as he did not believe that it was available to ride WILD WEST WING forward due to the circumstances, he elected then to shift it across behind runners and obtain a position closer to the rail but much further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of WILD WEST WING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GENTLE BREEZE and PROPICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING GENIUS, HANDSOME BO BO and WE THE SOUTH were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 7 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 3  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1800m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 079-061  

At the time of declaration, Apprentice K H Chan notified a probable overweight of 1 lb in respect of SUPERBELLA’s weight of 109 lbs having regard to Apprentice Chan’s 7 lb allowance. Apprentice Chan then weighed out 2 lbs overweight and on return to scale weighed in at 112 lbs. As Apprentice Chan weighed in 2 lbs over the weight notified at the time of declaration having regard to his allowance, he was fined the sum of $6,000. TASHIDELEK shifted in at the start and bumped SUPERBELLA which became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in TASHIDELEK being taken out onto MURRAY’S PARTNERS which was crowded for room inside STIMULATION. After this, MURRAY’S PARTNERS was shifted across behind runners. From wide barriers, SUPER ELEGANCE and CLEMENT LEGEND were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, TASHIDELEK was slow to muster speed and travelled wide and without cover until near the 950 Metres at which time the horse shifted in to race outside the lead. After traveling a short distance, SUPERBELLA got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover and then passing the 1600 Metres again got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind CHEERFUL LEADER. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, PEACH BLOSSOMS was crowded for room inside CHEERFUL LEADER which was taken in by RED ELYSEES (K C Leung) which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the tightening. K C Leung was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. In this incident, NAMJONG PLUS, which was following PEACH BLOSSOMS, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 1200 Metres, SUPERBELLA was crowded for room between TASHIDELEK which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by SUPERBELLA and CHEERFUL LEADER which shifted out. After the 1000 Metres, STIMULATION was left racing wide and without cover. CLEMENT LEGEND had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, PEACH BLOSSOMS got its head on the side and shifted in away from RED ELYSEES, resulting in the horse brushing the running rail and becoming unbalanced. Passing the 250 Metres, TASHIDELEK shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of RED ELYSEES. Approaching the 150 Metres, PEACH BLOSSOMS was awkwardly placed behind RED ELYSEES. When questioned, Apprentice C L Chau stated that he was instructed to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders on BLASTOISE if possible. He said after beginning well he rode his mount along with a view to crossing PEACH BLOSSOMS on his inside, however, when that horse showed early speed, he was comfortable to allow BLASTOISE to race outside PEACH BLOSSOMS. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he obtained a trailing position behind CHEERFUL LEADER which was steadied passing the winning post on the first occasion to allow RED ELYSEES to cross. He said passing the 1200 Metres BLASTOISE came off the bridle and, despite being urged along, was reluctant to maintain its position which resulted in the horse losing ground and being positioned much further back in the field than had been intended. He added BLASTOISE did not travel comfortably as it did at its last start at Sha Tin, rather it raced in a similar manner to how it did at Happy Valley prior to its last start. He said, given the manner in which BLASTOISE raced tonight and at its previous start at Happy Valley when ridden by him, he informed the connections that, in his opinion, the horse may be better suited in races at Sha Tin where it can travel more strongly than it did in tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of BLASTOISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TASHIDELEK, CHEERFUL LEADER, STIMULATION and SUPERBELLA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BLASTOISE, MURRAY’S PARTNERS and NAMJONG PLUS were sent for sampling.

02/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 8 Steward Report

02/12/2020  Class 3  Happy Valley  Turf  A  1200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 080-061  

ARES was withdrawn on 1.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GREEN REIGN (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, ARES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MIG ENERGY had blood in its mouth. MIG ENERGY was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. CABLE SPEED began only fairly and then lost ground when awkwardly placed outside the heels of MIG ENERGY which shifted out. LE TERROIR began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped COMPASSION SPIRIT. TAKINGUFURTHER began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped GREEN REIGN. After this, from wide barriers, TAKINGUFURTHER and GREEN REIGN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, TOP SCORE and SCORES OF FUN raced tight. From the outside barrier, DIVINE REGULUS was also shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the 800 Metres, SPARKLING DRAGON momentarily raced tight inside the heels of SCORES OF FUN. Approaching the 600 Metres, GREEN REIGN, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed behind CABLE SPEED. At the entrance to the Straight, COMPASSION SPIRIT and HARRIER JET raced tight. In the early part of the Straight, SPARKLING DRAGON lay in and was reluctant to shift to the outside of SCORES OF FUN. Near the 250 Metres, COMPASSION SPIRIT and HARRIER JET brushed. A veterinary inspection of GREEN REIGN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LE TERROIR and SCORES OF FUN were sent for sampling.