08/10/2025  Happy Valley  Race 9

DRAGON FOUR SEAS (J317): Bumped shortly after the start and became unbalanced. When caught wide and without cover in the early stages was ridden forward and when unable to cross runners to its inside was obliged to remain racing wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Near the 200 Metres was bumped by STORMING DRAGON and as a result became unbalanced. STORMING DRAGON (J237): Shifted out near the 200 Metres and bumped with DRAGON FOUR SEAS. A AMERIC TE SPECSO (H037): Jumped only fairly. Shortly after the start was then checked when crowded by STORMING DRAGON which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 550 Metres was checked when momentarily crowded by MIGHTY COMMANDER which shifted in when being steadied to avoid STORMING DRAGON. Near the 100 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of SPORTS LEGEND to continue into clear running. KYRUS DRAGON (H396): K Teetan pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 100(3(ii)(a) in that he used the whip in consecutive strides on at least 12 occasions prior to the 100 Metres. After considering the relevant matters in respect of penalty which included the severity of the breach, a previous warning issued to Jockey Teetan regarding his whip hand being raised above shoulder height earlier during the meeting, the horse finishing in the first placing and also taking into consideration that the Rule was only introduced at the commencement of the season, he was issued with a two-meeting penalty. As a consequence Jockey Teetan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 30 October 2025 and to expire on Monday, 3 November 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Sent for sampling post-race. BIENVENUE (J490): Bumped shortly after the start. Sent for sampling post-race. SPORTS LEGEND (H456): Shifted in shortly after the start and was bumped. After the event L Ferraris stated that he was obliged to make too much use of his mount in the early stages to take up the lead and this resulted in SPORTS LEGEND not being able to finish the race off in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOUNG ARROW (J401): On jumping was crowded between DRAGON FOUR SEAS and SPORTS LEGEND, both of which shifted ground slightly. MIGHTY COMMANDER (J360): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 550 Metres was steadied to avoid STORMING DRAGON. Near the 300 Metres was steadied and shifted to the outside of DRAGON FOUR SEAS to continue into clear running. SUPER JOY N FUN (J164): When questioned regarding his riding C L Chau stated that his instructions from a wide barrier were to settle the horse where comfortable. He said in the early stages when caught wide and without cover he elected to restrain his mount in the Back Straight to ensure that he complied with his instructions to obtain cover. He added that this resulted in SUPER JOY N FUN being settled towards the rear of the field. When questioned regarding his riding making the Home Turn and in the early part of the Home Straight, particularly the vigour he used on SUPER JOY N FUN, C L Chau stated that after making the Home Turn he ensured his mount was balanced and encouraged SUPER JOY N FUN to change its lead leg. He said when SUPER JOY N FUN did not change its lead leg in the early part of the Home Straight he continued to encourage the horse to improve but did not apply full vigour until near the 200 Metres after which SUPER JOY N FUN finished the race off reasonably well. After considering the explanation the Stewards advised Jockey Chau that, in their opinion, he should have placed more pressure on his mount sooner than what he did to ensure that it obtained the best possible placing in the field. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTOR THE RAPID (J393): Bumped on jumping. VERY GRATEFUL (K396): Shortly after the start bumped with BIENVENUE. VICTORY SKY (J540): No report.