14/02/2018  Happy Valley  Race 7

PRINCE HARMONY lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected. HARRIER JET began only fairly and shortly after the start was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WALDORF which shifted out. From the outside barriers, HARD PROMISE and HAPPY SURVEYS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, MOST BEAUTIFUL (Apprentice H T Mo) raced tight inside PRINCE HARMONY which got its head on the side and lay in away from CHEERFULJET. Apprentice Mo reported that during this incident his saddle shifted back, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. D Whyte (PRINCE HARMONY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 550 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of JOLLY CONVERGENCE, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of LEAN AMBASSADOR which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. When LEAN AMBASSADOR was checked, it shifted out abruptly, resulting in WALDORF being hampered and taken wider. HIGH FIVE, which was following, was severely checked away from the heels of WALDORF and forced wide. HARRIER JET was also hampered in consequence. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 25 February 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 1 March 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, D Whyte was fined $12,500. Passing the 500 Metres, SAM’S LOVE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WALDORF. Rounding the Home Turn, SAM’S LOVE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HARRIER JET. After the race, D Whyte reported that PRINCE HARMONY was inclined to shift ground on a number of occasions throughout the race and then was very disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. The performance of PRINCE HARMONY, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PRINCE HARMONY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PRINCE HARMONY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Following the race, J Moreira stated that, in his opinion, ENCORE BOY did not see out the 1200 Metres of tonight’s race at its first time of asking as the horse gave ground over the latter stages of the race. He said after coming under pressure shortly after entering the Straight, ENCORE BOY then drifted out under pressure. He said the recommended to connections that they consider dropping ENCORE BOY back in distance to 1000 Metres as the horse at this stage of its career, in his opinion, is better suited by that distance. A veterinary inspection of ENCORE BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LEAN AMBASSADOR had bled from both nostrils. JOLLY CONVERGENCE and CHEERFULJET were sent for sampling.