31/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 2

LUCKY DIAMOND, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 30.5.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY DIAMOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WONDER YEARS was slow to begin. SUPER HONG KONG jumped only fairly. REGENCY MASTER shifted out at the start and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. H Bowman (REACH GOAL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 2000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BULB DRAGON, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. H Bowman was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 and to expire on Monday, 19 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Bowman’s good race riding record. After the race, B Avdulla (BORN THE SAME DAY) stated that, from the inside barrier, after jumping awkwardly, his mount was able to obtain a more forward position without being pressure to do so. Also after the race, H Bowman (REACH GOAL) reported that his mount became held up behind BORN THE SAME DAY approaching the 500 Metres and as a result when it was placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight found it difficult to finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of REACH GOAL 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, REACH GOAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, Z Purton (GALLANT HERO) reported that from a favourable barrier and being up in distance tonight, GALLANT HERO was able to take up a more forward position than at its most recent starts. A veterinary inspection of AI ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REACH GOAL, GALLANT HERO and SUPER HONG KONG were sent for sampling.