06/03/2024  Happy Valley  Race 5

GALLANT WAKING (G165): Bumped at the start. WINNING DRAGON (E461): When questioned, B Avdulla stated that from the outside barrier he was asked to ride WINNING DRAGON in a conservative manner in the early stages. He said after commencing reasonably well, he initially ascertained whether there was a midfield position available with cover, but when caught wide, he elected to shift WINNING DRAGON across behind runners in the early stages which resulted in the horse settling at the tail of the field. Trainer A S Cruz confirmed the instructions issued. Sent for sampling post-race. ROCKET SPADE (G170): A veterinary inspection 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, ROCKET SPADE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. QUANTUM PATCH (H166): Shifted out on jumping, made contact with GALLANT WAKING and then became unbalanced. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAR CONTACT (E472): Jumped awkwardly and then shortly after the start was hampered when crowded between RED HARE KING and QUANTUM PATCH. When questioned, C L Chau stated that his instructions were to hold an on-pace position, but after jumping awkwardly, STAR CONTACT settled further back than intended. When questioned regarding his riding in the Home Straight, C L Chau stated that after following CHARITY BINGO, when that runner shifted away from the rail, he then immediately elected to improve to that runner’s inside. He said as he commenced to do so, CHARITY BINGO then shifted in towards the running rail, but as he was committed to the inside of the heels of CHARITY BINGO, he was unable to shift out to secure clear running. He added as a result between the 250 Metres and the 100 Metres he raced tight to the inside of CHARITY BINGO where he had difficulty obtaining clear running through that stage of the event. After considering his explanations, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Chau were reasonable in the circumstances. LUCKY EIGHT (G204): No report. RED HARE KING (H188): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Sent for sampling post-race. ALL BEAUTY (E355): When questioned regarding his riding out over the concluding stages, K C Leung stated that his mount lay in inside the 100 Metres which resulted in him changing his whip to his right hand. He said over the concluding stages his whip accidentally made contact with B Avdulla, the rider of WINNING DRAGON, which resulted in him losing control of his whip. He added as a result he attempted to regain control of his whip, but was unable to do so and dropped it passing the winning post. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that K C Leung’s action in attempting to regain control of his whip was an instinctive one, he was nevertheless advised, wherever possible, he should ensure that his focus remains on riding his mounts out to the finish of the event. After the race, K C Leung stated that his instructions were to hold a handy position, but in the early stages when RED HARE KING did not continue forward, ALL BEAUTY was able to lead without being pressured to do so. CHARITY BINGO (H254): No report.