11/10/2017  Happy Valley  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SHOW MISSION had shifted its right front plate and SEVEN LUCK had lost its left front plate. Both horses were replated and examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. KING’S STEED had its tongue tie replaced behind the barriers. SAKURA FIGHTER was slow to begin and then shifted out at the start, making heavy contact with the hindquarters of SHOW MISSION, causing both horses to become unbalanced. RUGBY DIAMOND began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped KING’S STEED. Shortly after the start, GLORY HORSIE raced in restricted room inside DOUBLE MASTER which got its head on the side and shifted in away from HIGHLAND DRAGON. KING’S STEED lost its right front plate shortly after the start. From a wide barrier, FORTUNE BROTHERS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 300 Metres, SEVEN LUCK and FORTUNE BROTHERS made contact. Passing the 250 Metres, GLORY HORSIE was inconvenienced when disappointed for running between HIGHLAND DRAGON and SHOW MISSION which shifted in. Throughout the race, KING’S STEED travelled wide and without cover. K C Leung, the rider of FORTUNE BROTHERS, which finished at the rear of the field, was fined the sum of $5,000 for unnecessary use of the whip on a horse clearly out of contention. When questioned, K Teetan stated that due to the makeup of the field in respect of the number of horses which had shown good early speed in their previous races, it was felt that SEVEN LUCK may be able to obtain a position in about midfield. He said, despite being ridden along, SEVEN LUCK did not show sufficient speed to be able to cross SPARKLING TALENT to its inside and therefore near the 800 Metres he shifted in to race behind that horse after being bumped by FORTUNE BROTHERS which resulted in SEVEN LUCK racing slightly further back in the field than had been anticipated. When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon stated that rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight he placed KING’S STEED under full pressure. He said he felt that the horse was doing its best and for this reason he was reluctant to use the whip, rather he continued to ride the horse out hands and heels before using the whip on the horse in the left hand passing the 250 Metres. He added as the horse continued to be at its top speed all the way to the line, he did not believe it was necessary for him to use the whip any further. Apprentice Poon was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, it was stressed to him the importance of demonstrating to the public that the horse has been placed under proper pressure. A veterinary inspection of FOREVER FUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SEVEN LUCK, SPARKLING TALENT and SHOW MISSION were sent for sampling.