07/05/2025  Happy Valley  Race 7

IVY LEAGUE (H116): Hung in when placed under pressure in the Home Straight. Sent for sampling post-race. COMET SPLENDIDO (G071): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BUCEPHALAS (K096): 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, BUCEPHALAS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THESIS (H111): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Sent for sampling post-race. POSITIVE SMILE (J467): No report. ICONICAL (J504): A Hamelin (JUMBO FORTUNE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he endeavoured to improve into a run between IVY LEAGUE and ICONICAL where there was not sufficient room to do so, resulting in JUMBO FORTUNE then shifting in and crowding the running of ICONICAL, resulting in ICONICAL having to be checked and also ICONICAL shifting in, crowding LUCKY BANNER which was steadied to avoid ICONICAL. A Hamelin was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 31 May 2025 and to expire on Thursday, 5 June 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his neutral race riding record. Over the final 250 Metres was held up for clear running and could not be fully tested. SILVER UP (J078): No report. GOR MO TUEN (J434): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. OWNERS' PRAISE (H047): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHILL MASTER (J319): Jumped awkwardly and then became unbalanced when it made contact with LUCKY BANNER which shifted out. Raced keenly in the early and middle stages. When questioned K Teetan stated that making the Home Turn he was held up for clear running behind BUCEPHALAS. He said when that runner shifted away from the rail slightly he endeavoured to improve to its inside, however, near the 300 Metres was checked when disappointed for this run when BUCEPHALAS shifted back in. K Teetan was advised he must ensure that there is sufficient racing room when he is endeavouring to improve into a run. As a result CHILL MASTER did not obtain clear running until near the 250 Metres. Over the concluding stages could not be ridden out to the finish when crowded by LUCKY BANNER which shifted out and away from ICONICAL. JUMBO FORTUNE (G195): A Hamelin pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 100 Metres (see ICONICAL). Sent for sampling post-race. LUCKY BANNER (G354): Shifted out at the start and was bumped. Near the 100 Metres was steadied to avoid ICONICAL.