07/02/2024  Happy Valley  Race 5

LOVERO (H451): Near the 50 Metres shifted out, resulting in its rider Apprentice Y L Chung having to correct his mount. Sent for sampling post-race. DRAGON STAR (H128): No report. GALLANT CROWN (D359): No report. WIN WIN FIGHTER (E347): No report. CHATEAU LE PECHE (H471): Slow to begin and was crowded shortly after the start by GALLANT CROWN which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. GALVANIC (H147): Near the 1300 Metres raced tight to the inside of MERCHANT PRINCE and as a consequence brushed the running rail. KASA PAPA (G312): Near the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of MERCHANT PRINCE to continue into clear running. Over the concluding stages could not be fully ridden out to the finish when positioned close to LOVERO. REACH GOAL (G067): Made contact with the left side of its barrier on jumping and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. AMAZINGTEAMWORK (H488): Jumped only fairly. STURDY RUBY (H207): Had both hind plates adjusted in the saddling stalls, examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. Jumped awkwardly. When caught wide to the outside of AMAZING BOY was steadied and shifted behind that runner near the 1400 Metres to obtain cover. For a short distance near the 150 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running. Sent for sampling post-race. MERCHANT PRINCE (H268): On arrival at the Start, M L Yeung expressed concern with his mount’s action. MERCHANT PRINCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that from an inside barrier he was asked to ride MERCHANT PRINCE in a forward position and as a result after jumping awkwardly, he rode his mount along in accordance with his instructions. He said throughout the event MERCHANT PRINCE did not travel strongly and he had some concern with its action as it became unbalanced at various stages of the event. He added that on pulling up he also expressed concern with his mount’s action. Trainer R Richards confirmed that from an inside barrier he had asked Jockey Yeung to take up a forward position. He said whilst MERCHANT PRINCE had received some farrier treatment in the lead up to tonight’s race, he was satisfied with its pre-race condition prior to the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Mr Richards was advised that MERCHANT PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. AMAZING BOY (D513): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.