06/02/2022  Happy Valley  Race 3

SHADOW BREAKER began awkwardly. CABLE SPEED shifted out at the start and bumped FOXHUNTER WAY. RAINBOW LIGHT and EVER LAUGH brushed shortly after the start. From the outside barriers, SMILING CITY, VIVA POPCORN and GLORIOUS LOVER were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SHADOW BREAKER and ROYAL AGILITY bumped. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, SHADOW BREAKER was bumped by ROYAL ABILITY which shifted in when crowded for room inside FAITHFUL TRINITY (K H Chan). K H Chan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 1200 Metres, SMILING CITY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EVER LAUGH. SMILING CITY again commenced to prove very difficult to settle after the 1000 Metres and got its head up on a number of occasions when travelling close to the heels of runners in front. SHADOW BREAKER lost its right front plate in the middle stages. Over the concluding stages, YEE CHEONG WARRIOR raced tight inside RAINBOW LIGHT when attempting to shift to the outside of VIVA POPCORN when awkwardly placed behind that horse. For the majority of the race, RAINBOW LIGHT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of FAITHFUL TRINITY in the middle stages, K H Chan stated that he was instructed to obtain the lead if possible and then steady FAITHFUL TRINITY before gradually increasing the tempo of the race near the 700 Metres. He said after being able to obtain a forward position, he shifted FAITHFUL TRINITY across to race on the rail near the 1100 Metres. He said when he did this, he was able to slow the tempo of the race without having to restrain his mount. K H Chan conceded that he had erred in slowing the tempo too much after the 1100 Metres which allowed horses from the rear of the field, in particular in this case VIVA POPCORN, the opportunity to improve their positions around FAITHFUL TRINITY and which resulted in him having to ride his mount along prior to the 600 Metres to maintain its position inside that horse. K H Chan was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, the tempo that he had set in the middle stages had resulted in him surrendering the advantage that he had over the majority of the field and had resulted in VIVA POPCORN being able to improve its position without having to be made use of which resulted in FAITHFUL TRINITY being placed under pressure after the 700 Metres. He was told to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner that they are able to maintain advantageous positions over the remainder of the field wherever appropriate circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of SHADOW BREAKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VIVA POPCORN and EEVEE were sent for sampling.