14/06/2017  Happy Valley  Race 4

At the time of declarations, N Callan was notified as the rider of MR RIGHT as a replacement rider for M L Yeung who was indisposed for this meeting following a race fall at Sha Tin on 11 June 2017. It was established that Jockey Callan was declared as the replacement for M L Yeung without him being contacted to establish whether or not he was able to ride the horse. As N Callan was not able to make MR RIGHT’s allocated weight of 119 lbs, U Rispoli was further substituted as the rider of that horse. Trainer L Ho was fined the sum of $2,000 for failing to contact Jockey Callan regarding this ride prior to declaring him as the rider of MR RIGHT. In assessing the appropriate penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that Mr Ho was required to obtain the services of another jockey after being made aware at a late stage of M L Yeung’s indisposition. MAGIC AGILITY was slow to begin. DIAMOND MASTER and MR RIGHT bumped at the start. From a wide barrier, RACING MATE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, DIAMOND MASTER failed to muster speed. Passing the 650 Metres, FLYING FORCE was steadied to avoid the heels of PREMIERE (J Moreira) which shifted in. The Stewards were satisfied that the crowding to FLYING FORCE was accentuated by PREMIERE subsequently being awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY COOPERATION which was steadied by its rider outside the lead. Nonetheless J Moreira was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he was not properly clear of FLYING FORCE when initially shifting in and for this he was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear prior to shifting ground. After this, FLYING FORCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PREMIERE and making the turn near the 550 Metres shifted out, resulting in DIAMOND MASTER being checked when crowded for room inside CIRCUIT KING. Shortly after entering the Straight, NO MONEY NO TALK shifted out and brushed HAPPY COOPERATION. Passing the 100 Metres, RACING MATE and CIRCUIT KING brushed as both horses shifted ground. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on NO MONEY NO TALK at the request of Trainer D J Hall. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, NO MONEY NO TALK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY COOPERATION and MAGIC AGILITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RACING MATE and PREMIERE were sent for sampling.