10/07/2019  Happy Valley  Race 2

On leaving the Parade Ring, MASTER BERNINI became fractious, resulting in its rider, U Rispoli, being dislodged without incident. After briefly being restrained by Jockey Rispoli, MASTER BERNINI reared, broke loose and completed a circuit of the course. Acting on veterinary advice that MASTER BERNINI was not suitable to race, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER BERNINI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COME ON WONGCHOY began awkwardly. REGENCY GEM, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS and LOVE CHUNGHWA were all shifted across behind runners from the outside barriers shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, OPEN HOUSE shifted in and bumped SHINING BRIGHT. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPEEDY WALLY was steadied away from the heels of BONITO which was racing tight inside COME ON WONGCHOY. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOLD VELVET and SHINING BRIGHT bumped. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, COME ON WONGCHOY was steadied away from the heels of MEGATRON (A Sanna) which shifted in. A Sanna was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Approaching the 1300 Metres, MUTUAL JOY was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside BONITO. Near the 1150 Metres, GOLD VELVET shifted out and brushed SHINING BRIGHT. After the 1100 Metres, MUTUAL JOY commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed behind BONITO. Passing the 800 Metres, LOVE CHUNGHWA raced tight inside OPEN HOUSE. When questioned regarding the performance of BONITO, A Domeyer said that it was intended for the horse to lead if possible. He said BONITO did not show as much early speed as anticipated and he had to ride his mount aggressively for a considerable distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said it was not until after passing the winning post on the first occasion that he was able to desist from riding BONITO along and when MEGATRON showed more speed than BONITO, he had no option but to allow that horse to cross BONITO passing the 1300 Metres. He said BONITO initially travelled comfortably behind MEGATRON until near the 800 Metres at which time the horse came under pressure to maintain its position behind that horse. He added after this BONITO travelled only fairly and after coming under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. The performance of BONITO, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BONITO 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 BONITO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BONITO, SPEEDY WALLY and OPEN HOUSE were sent for sampling.