24/02/2021  Happy Valley  Race 2

OH BRAVO shifted out at the start and bumped HAPPY WARRIOR. A A AGILITY shifted out at the start and bumped KING DRAGON. From a wide barrier, KING DRAGON was then steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. From the outside barrier, WIND GLIDER was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 1400 Metres, RIGHT HONOURABLE was eased away from the heels of LUCKY DIAMOND which shifted in. Passing the 1100 Metres, KIRAM was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY WARRIOR (C Y Ho) which shifted in. C Y Ho was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 1000 Metres, WIND GLIDER was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, SUPERBELLA lost ground when crowded for room inside the hindquarters of KIRAM which at this time when racing to the outside of ALEE KING PRAWN lay in towards the hindquarters of that horse. KING DRAGON and BRAVE KING, which were following, were checked in consequence. T Piccone (KIRAM) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he directed his mount to the inside of A A AGILITY when not clear ALEE KING PRAWN, resulting in ALEE KING PRAWN being crowded for room and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. T Piccone was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 March 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 1 April 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Piccone was fined $12,500. When ALEE KING PRAWN was checked, that horse shifted out, resulting in SUPERBELLA being taken out onto LUCKY DIAMOND which was crowded for room inside WIND GLIDER. KING DRAGON, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Passing the 300 Metres, KING DRAGON was shifted to the inside of SUPERBELLA to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of A A AGILITY immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY DIAMOND immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY DIAMOND will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ALEE KING PRAWN and HAPPY WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPERBELLA, RIGHT HONOURABLE and THUNDER STOMP were sent for sampling.