15/02/2024  Happy Valley  Race 8

LIGHTNING BOLT (G130): Jumped only fairly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When finishing the race off reasonably well approaching the 50 Metres, LIGHTNING BOLT struck the heels of PRINCE OF PORTY and blundered badly when disappointed for clear running between READY TO WIN and PRINCE OF PORTY which, when giving ground, shifted out and away from RIGHTEOUS ARION (Apprentice Y L Chung) which improved to the outside of MEGA BONUS to obtain clear running. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the manner in which PRINCE OF PORTY was giving ground and that it had shifted out and away from RIGHTEOUS ARION was the cause for LIGHTNING BOLT striking heels, Apprentice Chung was nonetheless advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICCONI COUNTY (G208): After the 1000 Metres was steadied away from PRINCE OF PORTY. Sent for sampling post-race. GOLDEN EMPIRE (E490): When questioned regarding the improved performance, Trainer K W Lui stated that he had instructed L Hewitson to go forward and obtain cover. He said GOLDEN EMPIRE was advantaged by being able to obtain a position on the rail behind the leader and this was the reason for the horse’s improved performance tonight. Sent for sampling post-race. ACT OF FAITH (H082): No report. PRINCE OF PORTY (H009): When questioned, Z Purton stated that his instructions were to hold a forward position. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages he was able to obtain a position three wide to the outside of MEGA BONUS. He said whilst his preference was to maintain this position, as PRINCE OF PORTY raced too keenly in the early stages, he was then obliged to allow PRINCE OF PORTY to improve forward with MEGA BONUS in the middle stages to race outside the lead. He added under pressure in the Home Straight PRINCE OF PORTY commenced to give ground and near the 200 Metres shifted in and away from ACT OF FAITH before failing to run on from that point. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. CONTI CONTI (J166): Slow to begin. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HOSS (H055): No report. RIGHTEOUS ARION (H059): Jumped only fairly. Near the 1050 Metres was steadied when crowded by ORIENTAL SMOKE (M L Yeung) which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. M L Yeung was advised to exercise more care and told that he should have reacted sooner than what he did on this occasion. Sent for sampling post-race. MEGA BONUS (E184): No report. ORIENTAL SMOKE (E467): After the 800 Metres was eased away from ACT OF FAITH which shifted out. Near the 600 Metres was steadied when crowded by NICCONI COUNTY (K Teetan) which lay in when being corrected by its rider. The Stewards were satisfied that K Teetan had acted properly in the circumstances to avoid ORIENTAL SMOKE being crowded. READY TO WIN (E422): Jumped only fairly and then was crowded shortly after the start.