15/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

THETA HEDGE was slow to begin and shortly after the start then raced tight to the inside of HERCULES which jumped awkwardly. SURREALISM jumped only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From wide barriers, KUNG FU TEA and DEAR SIBLING were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, THETA HEDGE was steadied to avoid the heels of SPLENDID LIVING (H Bentley) which shifted in when not quite clear. H Bentley was advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HERCULES lay in when placed close to NUNCHUKS and as a result bumped AI ONE. Apprentice Y L Chung (SAMARKAND) 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 clear of THETA HEDGE, resulting in that horse being checked away from the heels of SAMARKAND. In the circumstances, Apprentice Chung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 5 March 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 9 March 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Chung was fined $30,000. FEARLESS FIRE raced wide and without cover in the early stages before being allowed to stride forward and obtain a position outside the lead near the 1000 Metres. HERCULES raced keenly in the middle stages and approaching the 900 Metres was shifted out and away from NUNCHUKS and then raced wide and without cover thereafter. Over the final 150 Metres, SPLENDID LIVING lay out under pressure. Near the 75 Metres, NUNCHUKS was shifted to the outside of THETA HEDGE to continue into clear running. Passing the 50 Metres, SURREALISM was eased when disappointed for running between SAMARKAND and THETA HEDGE which shifted in slightly. Over the concluding stages, KUNG FU TEA raced in restricted room between READY PLAYER ONE and FEARLESS FIRE. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY DELIGHT immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. SUNNY DELIGHT, SPLENDID LIVING and FEARLESS FIRE were sent for sampling.