29/01/2020  Happy Valley  Race 4

On arrival at the Start, J Moreira expressed concern regarding the action of SUPER ALLIANCES. SUPER ALLIANCES was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was lame in its right hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, SUPER ALLIANCES was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER ALLIANCES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ONE STEP AHEAD began only fairly. MENAGGIO began awkwardly. DRAGON BOLT was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. After being ridden along vigorously from the outside barrier to obtain a forward position, LOOK ERAS travelled very keenly in the lead despite the efforts of its rider to steady the horse. Near the 1050 Metres, GUNNAR shifted in and bumped GOLDEN GLORY. Approaching the 1000 Metres, ALL BEST FRIENDS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAND HARBOUR. T H So (PRECIOUS SWEETIE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 600 Metres he failed to make sufficient endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of MENAGGIO, resulting in that horse being crowded for room and being steadied away from the heels of PRECIOUS SWEETIE and in doing so shifting in and crowding the room of ONE STEP AHEAD which became badly unbalanced and was severely checked. VICTORY VISION, which was following ONE STEP AHEAD, was severely checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. T H So was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 8 February 2020 and to expire on Thursday, 13 February 2020 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey So’s good race riding record. After the 200 Metres, WONDER BRAHMA was shifted out away from the heels of LOOK ERAS to obtain clear running. When being shifted to the outside of LOOK ERAS, WONDER BRAHMA shifted out and brushed MENAGGIO. Close to the finishing line, MENAGGIO raced tight inside GUNNAR. A veterinary inspection of PRECIOUS SWEETIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of ONE STEP AHEAD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN GLORY and GUNNAR were sent for sampling. <30/1/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>ONE STEP AHEAD, which was badly checked during the race, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse there were no significant findings. ONE STEP AHEAD was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, ONE STEP AHEAD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.