11/10/2023  Happy Valley  Race 8

NOT USUAL STAR (G396): Near the 300 Metres was directed to the outside of GALLANT CROWN to obtain clear running. Near the 150 Metres was checked when crowded by GALLANT CROWN (M L Yeung) which shifted out and made contact with NOT USUAL STAR and TORONADO PHANTOM (A Badel) which shifted in whilst being ridden along. Whilst the Stewards accepted that the shift out from GALLANT CROWN had contributed to the interference, A Badel was reprimanded and advised he must stop riding and straighten his mounts when they commence to shift ground when not clear. M L Yeung was advised to exercise more care. After the race, C L Chau stated that his mount jumped very awkwardly and lost ground at the start. He added that it was his intention to take up a forward position, but was unable to do so because of the manner in which NOT USUAL STAR jumped tonight. ORIENTAL SMOKE (E467): Near the 450 Metres was momentarily crowded between GALLANT WAKING which shifted out slightly and TORONADO PHANTOM. GALLANT WAKING (G165): Jumped only fairly. JOLLY RULER (E346): Was bumped approaching the 300 Metres when endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running. LIGHTNING BOLT (G130): Was sent for sampling post-race. TORONADO PHANTOM (E300): At the 250 Metres was bumped by GALLANT WAKING which shifted out. SUGAR SUGAR (G016): From the 700 Metres raced wide and without cover. Shifted out near the 50 Metres and brushed LIGHTNING BOLT. Was sent for sampling post-race. SWIFT ASCEND (H395): Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of L Hewitson, 7th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he will nonetheless be reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AORAKI SUMMIT (H300): Was caught wide and without cover in the early stages and was obliged to be ridden forward to race outside the lead near the 700 Metres. Approaching the 300 Metres, when under pressure, became badly unbalanced when crowded between JOLLY RULER which shifted out and made contact with AORAKI SUMMIT, and SUGAR SUGAR (H Bowman) which shifted in. H Bowman was reprimanded and advised he must ensure he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STREET CONQUEROR (H341): No report. GALLANT CROWN (D359): Was bumped at the 150 Metres before being corrected by its rider. OUR LUCKY GLORY (G292): Was bumped shortly after the start by SUGAR SUGAR which shifted in.