13/05/2020  Happy Valley  Race 2

ELECTRIC LIGHTNING began only fairly and then, despite being aggressively ridden for some distance in the early stages, failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, STAR MAJESTIC shifted out and bumped GALAXY EMPEROR. RIGHTEOUS MATE began awkwardly and then after travelling a short distance was bumped by HOME MADE which shifted out. After this, from the outside barriers, HOME MADE, RIGHTEOUS MATE and DOUBLE TAKE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, INDIGENOUS STAR and COURAGEOUS DRAGON bumped. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING raced tight inside the heels of HOME MADE. After the 1400 Metres, INDIGENOUS STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COURAGEOUS DRAGON. Near the 450 Metres, ROMAN IMPERO was shifted out away from GALAXY EMPEROR which was taken out by COURAGEOUS DRAGON. Near the 400 Metres, GALAXY EMPEROR, which was giving ground abruptly, was checked when crowded for room between ROMAN IMPERO (C Schofield) which shifted in and INDIGENOUS STAR which was being shifted to the outside of COURAGEOUS DRAGON to obtain clear running. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that GALAXY EMPEROR’s crowding had come from both INDIGENOUS STAR and ROMAN IMPERO, they were of the opinion that the greater shift was from ROMAN IMPERO and therefore C Schofield was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. When GALAXY EMPEROR was checked, STAR MAJESTIC, which was racing to its inside, was crowded for room. The performance of GALAXY EMPEROR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GALAXY EMPEROR 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 GALAXY EMPEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. V Borges (GALAXY EMPEROR) was warned against the practice of using the whip on a horse out of contention. When questioned regarding his riding of SMILING SUCCESS particularly after the 1200 Metres, Apprentice C Wong stated that he was instructed to lead as he had been when he had previously ridden the horse. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode SMILING SUCCESS positively in the early stages to maintain the lead inside SUMSTREETSUMWHERE and GALAXY EMPEROR which were also ridden into forward positions. He said after the 1200 Metres he was aware that the tempo was faster than he had anticipated, however, he was not aware that the race was being run at a very fast tempo at this stage. He said he felt that he had established a margin over both SUMSTREETSUMWHERE and GALAXY EMPEROR after the 1200 Metres and that he maintained this margin, however, he did acknowledge that the tempo after the 1200 Metres was particularly fast. Apprentice Wong was told that he had previously been spoken to regarding the tempo that he had set on horses. He was placed on notice that he must rate his mounts such that they are able to finish off their race as best as they can. He was told that as a senior apprentice jockey, he would be expected to be aware of the tempo that he is setting in races and should he offend again in a similar manner in the future, it may be that the Stewards will give consideration to further disciplinary action. A veterinary inspection of HOME MADE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of STAR MAJESTIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUMSTREETSUMWHERE, INDIGENOUS STAR and CHARITY WINGS were sent for sampling.