10/04/2024  Happy Valley  Race 2

HAPPY GOLF (H056): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY GOLF will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STREET CONQUEROR (H341): After the race, Z Purton stated that from a wide barrier he was instructed to take up a forward position and was obliged to make use of his mount in the early stages to continue forward to avoid racing wide. He added as a result STREET CONQUEROR was left without a finishing effort in the Home Straight and, in his opinion, may be better suited being ridden more conservatively in the early stages. Trainer C S Shum confirmed that the instructions were to take up a forward position with STREET CONQUEROR racing in blinkers for the first time and the expected lack of early pace in the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EASY SNIP (G211): After the 300 Metres became held up for clear running behind SUPER EAGLE and was awkwardly placed on the heels of that runner when being shifted to its outside. As a result, EASY SNIP did not obtain clear running until after the 250 Metres. After the race, C L Chau reported that his mount was found to have its tongue over the bit after the event. Sent for sampling post-race. HOSS (H055): Slow to begin. Approaching the 50 Metres was shifted to the outside of WOODFIRE CHAMP to continue into clear running. E UNIVERSE (H151): When questioned regarding his riding out over the concluding stages, L Hewitson stated that near the 100 Metres when he was of the opinion that he had established a sizeable lead on the field, he then discontinued from riding his mount out to the finish of the event. He added that he was surprised DOUBLE BINGO improved to his inside close to the finishing line and agreed that he had made an error of judgement although E UNIVERSE was able to hold first placing. L Hewitson was reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out to the finish of the event. He was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to show better judgement and ensure that his mounts are appropriately tested to the finish. Sent for sampling post-race. DOUBLE BINGO (J309): Sent for sampling post-race. REGENT GLORY (E323): No report. SUPER EAGLE (G408): K De Melo pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 1000 Metres (see KING OBERON). KING OBERON (H407): K De Melo (SUPER EAGLE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of KING OBERON, resulting in KING OBERON having to be checked. K De Melo was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Sunday, 28 April 2024 at Sha Tin. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very good race riding record. HAPPY FEELING (H443): No report. TACTICAL COMMAND (H197): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. WOODFIRE CHAMP (H292): No report.