08/12/2021  Happy Valley  Race 5

AI ONE shifted out at the start and bumped RED BRICK FIGHTER. SACRED IBIS was crowded for room on jumping between SMILING CITY and MORE THAN ENOUGH which shifted out. From wide barriers, ZHAN JIANG ROCKS, DR WINNING and JOLLY HONOUR were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, GLORIOUS LOVER was momentarily crowded for room inside WHISKEY NEAT which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening to GLORIOUS LOVER. D Lane (DR WINNING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the winning post on the first occasion he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of ZHAN JIANG ROCKS, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. D Lane was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 15 December 2021 and to expire on Sunday, 19 December 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Near the 1300 Metres, SACRED IBIS was checked when crowded for room by DR WINNING which, after racing tight inside SMILING CITY, then got its head on the side and shifted in away from that horse. Although SACRED IBIS was checked, the Stewards were of the opinion there was no rider carelessness associated with this incident and accordingly no further action was taken. ZHAN JIANG ROCKS, which was following SACRED IBIS, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, JOLLY HONOUR was taken wider by ZHAN JIANG ROCKS which was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SMILING CITY which made the turn awkwardly. AI ONE was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and passing the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of RED BRICK FIGHTER after being disappointed for running inside that horse. In the early part of the Straight, VIVA HUNTER got its head on the side and hung in. Passing the 200 Metres, VILLA FIONN and GLORIOUS LOVER raced tight. VILLA FIONN then shifted in and brushed MORE THAN ENOUGH near the 150 Metres. Close to the finishing line, MORE THAN ENOUGH raced tight inside VILLA FIONN which shifted in. Then passing the winning post, VILLA FIONN and MORE THAN ENOUGH bumped. Throughout the race, VILLA FIONN travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that ZHAN JIANG ROCKS was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ZHAN JIANG ROCKS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SACRED IBIS and WHISKEY NEAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AI ONE, VIVA HUNTER and GLORIOUS LOVER were sent for sampling.