08/02/2017  Happy Valley  Race 2

TREASURE AND GOLD bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. Shortly after the start, SHINING CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of MR KOOL which was taken out by SHOW MISSION. From the outside barriers, MANHATTAN STRIKER and LUCKY FRIENDS were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. S Clipperton (REWARDING FLYER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of TREASURE AND GOLD, causing that horse to be hampered and in turn taken in across the rightful running of SHINING CHAMPION which also lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. S Clipperton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 26 February 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 2 March 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, S Clipperton was fined $25,000. After being ridden aggressively after the 800 Metres to improve to be racing inside the heels of GREAT SPEED (S de Sousa), MR KOOL was steadied near the 700 Metres to avoid the heels of GREAT SPEED which, after improving into tight running inside SHOW MISSION which had shifted out marginally, then shifted in further as SHOW MISSION resumed its position. S de Sousa was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to afford runners to his inside comfortable racing room in similar circumstances. Passing the 700 Metres, HAPPY CENTURY was steadied away from the heels of REWARDING FLYER which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHOW MISSION. In the Straight, MR KOOL raced with its head on the side and lay in under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TREASURE AND GOLD, N Rawiller stated that, in his opinion, TREASURE AND GOLD did not feel completely comfortable in its action and may not have backed up from its last start success. He said although the horse was left racing three wide and without cover approaching the 700 Metres, nonetheless it was not travelling well at this time and then, despite being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, did not stretch out and accordingly did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of TREASURE AND GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TREASURE AND GOLD, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TREASURE AND GOLD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, K Teetan stated that, despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, HAPPY CENTURY was not able to maintain its position and raced further back in the field than had been intended. He said HAPPY CENTURY did not travel as strongly during the race as it did at its last start which resulted in him having to commence to ride it along prior to the 500 Metres to maintain its position. He added, despite being ridden along, HAPPY CENTURY did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CENTURY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of REWARDING FLYER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, REWARDING FLYER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ALL TOGETHER and SHOW MISSION were sent for sampling. <9/2/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on ALL TOGETHER at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ALL TOGETHER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.