27/03/2024  Happy Valley  Race 1

VIVA HUNTER (E369): After the race, K Teetan stated that the intention was to be closer in the event, however, his mount failed to show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position. He added when the pace of the race increased from the 700 Metres VIVA HUNTER came under pressure and did not finish the race off from that point. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINDICATOR FAMILY (H419): Shortly after the start was steadied when crowded between ATOMIC BEAUTY and WINNING SEVEN which was taken out by UNITED ENDEAVORS. From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. WOOD ON FIRE (C460): Raced keenly in the lead in the early and middle stages. GALLANT CROWN (D359): Sent for sampling post-race. FOREMOST TEDDY (J058): Near the 1450 Metres was steadied to avoid the heels of GALLANT CROWN (K C Leung) which shifted in when not quite clear. K C Leung was reprimanded. H Bentley (MR ALADDIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he directed his mount out, resulting in MR ALADDIN making heavy contact with FOREMOST TEDDY, taking FOREMOST TEDDY from its rightful running and resulting in the horse becoming badly unbalanced. H Bentley was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 4 April 2024 at Sha Tin. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very good race riding record. MR ALADDIN (H386): H Bentley pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 300 Metres (see FOREMOST TEDDY). ATOMIC BEAUTY (H066): Near the 300 Metres was brushed. Over the final 100 Metres raced tight when crowded between MR ALADDIN and JUMBO LEGEND. When questioned, B Avdulla stated that his instructions were to hold an on-pace position preferably with cover but not to lead. He said whilst the pace of the event was outside of standard throughout the early stages, he was reluctant to allow ATOMIC BEAUTY to stride forward considering his instructions. He added that entering the Back Straight he allowed ATOMIC BEAUTY to improve slightly forward, but was reluctant to continue when he observed FOREMOST TEDDY to his inside commencing to shift out and as a result he elected to maintain his position behind that runner. He stated as a result ATOMIC BEAUTY was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event. TO INFINITY (G277): Bumped shortly after the start. WINNING SEVEN (J005): Crowded shortly after the start and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. JUMBO LEGEND (G266): Slow to begin. Approaching the 400 Metres was briefly held up for clear running. After the 300 Metres was held up behind FOREMOST TEDDY and shifted to the outside of FOREMOST TEDDY and ATOMIC BEAUTY approaching the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. Over the final 100 Metres was crowded between ATOMIC BEAUTY which was taken out by MR ALADDIN (H Bentley) and UNITED ENDEAVORS (M L Yeung) which shifted in whilst being ridden along. M L Yeung was severely reprimanded for not making sufficient effort to straighten his mount and H Bentley was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out. Sent for sampling post-race. TURTLE AGAIN (H083): Bumped shortly after the start. Over the final 50 Metres was held up for clear running behind GALLANT CROWN and could not be ridden out to the finish of the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNITED ENDEAVORS (G030): When questioned, M L Yeung stated that from a wide barrier he was instructed to obtain cover on his mount and ride it in a conservative manner in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race. MACH TEN (G382): Withdrawn on 26.3.24 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front tendon injury) and replaced by Standby Declared Starter JUMBO LEGEND.