23/05/2018  Happy Valley  Race 8

The Stewards today interviewed Mr F C Lor, the trainer of ROCKIT, as to the circumstances regarding that horse being inadvertently treated with Omeprazole this morning and which resulted in it having to be withdrawn from this race. Also interviewed was Mr C K Wan, head lad allocated to Mr Lor’s stable for the current 2017/2018 season and who is responsible for administering certain routine treatments to horses trained by Mr Lor. It was established that Mr Wan inadvertently treated ROCKIT before realizing that that horse was declared to compete in this race. Mr Wan confirmed that there was a notice outside of ROCKIT’s stall detailing that the horse was declared to race, however, he overlooked that notice. After having considered Mr Lor’s stable practices in respect of the administration of treatments, the Stewards issued a charge against him under Rule 50(2), the particulars being that as the person responsible for all matters pertaining to the running of his stable, including the work of stable staff allocated to him, he did fail in his responsibilities to ensure that ROCKIT was not inadvertently treated prior to its intended race. In the circumstances, Mr Lor was fined the sum of $20,000. Mr Wan was advised that a report of this matter would be forwarded to Stables Management for their consideration and necessary action. ZERO HEDGE began only fairly and then was crowded for room between STAR OF JOY which was taken out by SUNNY DRAGON and I’M THE CONQUIST which shifted in. Apprentice H N Wong (NICE FANDANGO) reported that his saddle shifted back shortly after the start, placing him at a disadvantage. Near the 1050 Metres, PAKISTAN BABY was checked and lost ground when that horse became badly unbalanced after shifting out and making contact with the hindquarters of STARLIGHT which itself lay in momentarily. SUNNY DRAGON, which was following, got its head up for some distance when being checked away from the heels of PAKISTAN BABY in consequence. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. When SUNNY DRAGON was checked away from the heels of PAKISTAN BABY, that horse shifted out and bumped SMART BOY which became unbalanced and shifted out across the heels of BIG FORTUNE which was shifting in. This resulted in SMART BOY being checked and losing ground. PAKISTAN BABY lost its right hind plate at the 1000 Metres. Passing the 900 Metres, BIG FORTUNE shifted out away from the heels of STARLIGHT which was steadied away from the heels of I’M THE CONQUIST (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Wong was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. Near the 250 Metres, STARLIGHT was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of HARRIER JET which shifted in. Passing the 100 Metres, I’M THE CONQUIST was momentarily awkwardly placed behind STAR OF JOY. Close to the finishing line, NICE FANDANGO was awkwardly placed outside the heels of STARLIGHT and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. For the majority of the race, ZERO HEDGE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Ng (SUNNY DRAGON) stated that he was asked to ride the horse in a forward position. He said he allowed SUNNY DRAGON to begin well and did not have a tight hold of that horse’s rein, however, SUNNY DRAGON shifted out abruptly at the start and when he attempted to correct the horse, it got its head up, resulting in it becoming badly unbalanced and losing ground. He said this resulted in SUNNY DRAGON racing much further back in the field than had been intended. Whilst the Stewards accepted that SUNNY DRAGON had begun awkwardly, nonetheless K C Ng was advised that he should do all in his power to ensure that his mounts begin well and are able to take up a position in accordance with his instructions. HARRIER JET and STAR OF JOY were sent for sampling. <24/5/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that PAKISTAN BABY was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, PAKISTAN BABY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.