27/11/2024  Happy Valley  Race 2

MODEST GENTLEMAN (G352): When questioned, C L Chau stated that as the blindfold was removed prior to the start being effected, MODEST GENTLEMAN then lunged forward when the start was effected, resulting in it making contact with the front of the starting gates and losing ground. He said after being crowded shortly after MODEST GENTLEMAN settled back in the field. He further stated that near the 400 Metres he endeavoured to obtain a narrow run to the inside of CIRCUIT TEN which he anticipated would continue to shift out. He said when CIRCUIT TEN did not shift out, he was obliged to check his mount to avoid CIRCUIT TEN. He added in the Home Straight he elected to shift to the inside of SPEEDY FORTUNE to obtain clear running as he had observed that runner shift out near the 350 Metres and he felt this would provide his mount with the best opportunity to continue to improve into the event. He said after improving to the inside of SPEEDY FORTUNE, that runner then shifted in which resulted in MODEST GENTLEMAN being badly held up for clear running over the final 200 Metres when it also blundered when it struck the heels of HAPPY HORSE leaving the 150 Metres. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Chau in the Home Straight were reasonable in the circumstances. SPEEDY FORTUNE (H097): Over the concluding stages lay in and was crowded between HAPPY HORSE which shifted out slightly after being bumped on the hindquarters and PLENTIFUL (A Atzeni) which shifted in. A Atzeni was advised to exercise more care. As a result, SPEEDY FORTUNE could not be fully ridden out to the finish of the event. M F Poon was warned in relation to raising his whip arm above shoulder height over the concluding stages. Sent for sampling post-race. GUSTY FIGHTER (J029): Shortly after the start was bumped. HAPPY HORSE (H061): After the 600 Metres was steadied away from PHILOS (Y L Chung) which shifted in. Y L Chung was advised to exercise more care. Sent for sampling post-race. FLYING PHANTOM (J086): Near the 400 Metres was steadied to avoid MODEST GENTLEMAN when that runner shifted out. Near the 100 Metres was steadied when crowded between DIAMOND SOARS and CIRCUIT TEN (C Y Ho) which shifted in. C Y Ho was advised to exercise more care. ACE TALENT (H046): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. CIRCUIT TEN (G429): No report. PHILOS (H371): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DIAMOND SOARS (G201): Shifted in on jumping and was bumped. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PLENTIFUL (G400): After the event, A Atzeni stated that his intention was to endeavour to lead tonight, but PLENTIFUL jumped awkwardly and as a result lost ground and settled further back than had been intended. Sent for sampling post-race. GOODMANSHIP (E208): Bumped shortly after the start. WIND SPEEDER (E281): No report.