17/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 1

COMPULSORY, which became fractious whilst being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. As C L Chau was unable to fulfil the engagement on ENCORE due to being overweight, K Teetan was substituted as the rider of that horse. Jockey Chau was fined the sum of $5,000. DOUBLE SHOW jumped only fairly. Shortly after the start, ENCORE raced tight between COMPULSORY and NOIR RIDER which was taken out by JACK WIN. In this incident, ENCORE made contact with the hindquarters of COMPULSORY, resulting in COMPULSORY becoming unbalanced. ENCORE was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barriers, BIRDSVILLE and NORDIC COMBINED were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, CIRCUIT SPLENDOR (M F Poon) commenced to race keenly when being steadied to allow VALHALLA to cross. As a result, CIRCUIT SPLENDOR got its head up and shifted out, resulting in FORTUNE MASTER being hampered when crowded out onto NOIR RIDER. After the race, M F Poon stated that his mount raced too keenly throughout the early and middle stages and as a consequence was left without a finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT SPLENDOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Near the 200 Metres, CIRCUIT SPLENDOR was momentarily crowded for room between NOIR RIDER and JACK WIN, both of which shifted ground slightly. Over the concluding stages, COMPULSORY was shifted to the inside of NOIR RIDER to secure clear running and in doing so bumped with CIRCUIT SPLENDOR. NOIR RIDER raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection of BIRDSVILLE and COMPULSORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JACK WIN, ALLOY KING and THETA HEDGE were sent for sampling.