Subscribe EN

Date:

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 1 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 5  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1650m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 040-024  

FOXHUNTER WAY jumped awkwardly. ALL IS READY was slow to begin, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of OUR CREED which became unbalanced. MEDIC ELITE jumped only fairly. KARUIZAWA also jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, LUCKY MISSILE was inclined to race keenly and was steadied away from the heels of FAITHFUL TRINITY. In this incident, LUCKY MISSILE shifted in and made contact with CHARIZARD. S De Sousa (LUCKY MISSILE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MEDIC ELITE, causing MEDIC ELITE to be taken in and crowded onto ALL IS READY, resulting in ALL IS READY being badly crowded for room, having to be severely checked and becoming unbalanced. In this incident, K C Leung (ALL IS READY) lost the use of his left stirrup iron which he regained it near the 1200 Metres. S De Sousa was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 8 March 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 16 March 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey De Sousa was fined $120,000. In considering penalty, the Stewards took into account that this was Jockey De Sousa’s 6th careless riding offence this current racing season. AMAZING NEWS, which was following ALL IS READY, was checked in consequence. Near the 800 Metres, AMAZING NEWS shifted out to commence a forward move and near the 700 Metres was then taken wider by OUR CREED which shifted out when also commencing a forward move. OUR CREED and AMAZING NEWS then raced wide and without cover from the 700 Metres. Near the 600 Metres, OUR CREED was buffeted for room for a short distance when racing tight to the inside of AMAZING NEWS. In this incident, OUR CREED shifted in and made contact with SUPER HORNET which became momentarily unbalanced. Passing the 500 Metres, OUR CREED was again crowded for room between AMAZING NEWS and SUPER HORNET which shifted out slightly. In this incident, both OUR CREED and AMAZING NEWS became unbalanced. On the Home Turn, FAITHFUL TRINITY became awkwardly placed on the heels of BRILLIANT EIGHT when it made the turn awkwardly. Approaching the 200 Metres, FLASH FAMOUS improved into a narrow run to the inside of FOXHUNTER WAY which was being directed to the inside of BRILLIANT EIGHT to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, OUR CREED and KARUIZAWA bumped due to KARUIZAWA shifting out to improve to the outside of the heels of AMAZING NEWS. Over the concluding stages, FLASH FAMOUS (H Bowman) raced tight to the inside of FOXHUNTER WAY which shifted in slightly, resulting in H Bowman being restricted in his use of the whip. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of V Borges (FAITHFUL TRINITY), 3rd placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY MISSILE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OUR CREED immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. FOXHUNTER WAY and FLASH FAMOUS were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 2 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 4  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1800m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 059-040  

TYCOON JEWELLERY shifted in at the start and made heavy contact with REACH GOAL, resulting in both runners becoming unbalanced. FOREVER GLORIOUS was slow to begin. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE jumped only fairly and soon after the start was hampered when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY ANGEL which shifted out slightly. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. YEE CHEONG WARRIOR also jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, HELENE ALLIBOR raced tight to the inside of CIRCUIT ELITE when being steadied to allow that horse to cross. Shortly after, TYCOON JEWELLERY was steadied to avoid the heels of HAPPY JAI JAI. LUCKY DIAMOND raced wide until near the 1000 Metres when allowed to stride forward to race outside the lead. BLASTOISE raced wide and without cover from the 800 Metres. Near the 400 Metres, REACH GOAL was momentarily tightened for room by FLYING SILVER which improved to the inside of FOREVER GLORIOUS to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, TYCOON JEWELLERY had difficulty securing clear running when endeavouring to improve between CIRCUIT ELITE and LUCKY DIAMOND. Near the 100 Metres, PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was steadied when crowded for room by REACH GOAL (A Badel) which, after shifting to the inside of HAPPY ANGEL to secure a tight run, was then taken in slightly by that runner. Whilst the Stewards acknowledged that the shift of HAPPY ANGEL had contributed to the interference suffered by PRESIDENT’S CHOICE, nonetheless A Badel was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground and to ensure that there is sufficient racing room when improving into runs of a similar nature. Passing the 50 Metres, FOREVER GLORIOUS and HELENE ALLIBOR brushed due to both runners shifting ground slightly. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING SILVER and REACH GOAL were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 3 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 4  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 060-042  

On leaving the Parade Ring, FABULOUS EIGHT became fractious and made contact with a rail. FABULOUS EIGHT was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the barriers who said that horse was lame in its left hind leg and had sustained a laceration to the left hindquarter and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, FABULOUS EIGHT was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, FABULOUS EIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EAGLE RUN began only fairly. LEATHER MASTER jumped awkwardly and shortly after was hampered when crowded by CLASSIC POSH which was taken out by GENERAL ACE. SPICY GRILL jumped only fairly and then soon after was crowded by CIRCUIT TEN which shifted in. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, MY INTELLIGENT was unable to take up a more forward position and then was caught racing wide and without cover for the majority of the event. GENERAL ACE raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 700 Metres was awkwardly placed on the heels of TELECOM SPEED. Passing the 100 Metres, SPICY GRILL was shifted to the outside of CIRCUIT TEN to continue into clear running and in doing so inconvenienced MAGIC TORONADO. PRIME MORTAR and ALLGREEKTOME were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 3  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1000m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 080-061  

Whilst in the holding stalls, SUPER COMMANDER had its right hind plate refitted. SUPER COMMANDER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. LIFE IS GOOD was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SCOTCH TYCOON was crowded for room between VALIANT ELEGANCE which was taken in by HEROIC MASTER and CALIFORNIA DEEPLY which shifted out and away from SPECIAL M. In this incident, SCOTCH TYCOON and VALIANT ELEGANCE made contact. SCOTCH TYCOON and VALIANT ELEGANCE were then shifted across behind runners in the early stages from wide barriers. After the race, SCOTCH TYCOON was noted to have sustained a laceration to the right front leg. Approaching the 200 Metres, METRO WARRIOR was disappointed for running to the inside of SUPER AXIOM and was then shifted to that runner’s outside passing the 200 Metres to secure clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, SPECIAL M was briefly held up on the heels of SUPER COMMANDER before improving to that runner’s outside and in doing so brushed SUPER AXIOM. After the race, A Badel (LIFE IS GOOD) reported that approaching and making the turn near the 600 Metres his mount hung out towards the heels of CALIFORNIA DEEPLY (M Chadwick) and as a result was checked away from the heels of that runner and made contact with its hindquarters. The racing manners of LIFE IS GOOD were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LIFE IS GOOD will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. M Chadwick reported after the race that as a result of this incident his mount got quite unbalanced behind. A veterinary inspection of SUPER COMMANDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA DEEPLY, SPECIAL M and HARMONY FIRE were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 5 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 4  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1000m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 060-041  

FORTE was withdrawn on 7.2.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter COLONEL (H T Mo). Before being allowed to race again, FORTE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PACHISI, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. CHEONG FAT jumped awkwardly, made contact with the right side of its barrier and then was awkwardly placed on the heels of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK. SERGEANT PEPPER jumped only fairly. CIRCUIT SEVEN shifted out on jumping and made contact with JOY IN JOY. CIRCUIT SEVEN lost its left front plate at the start. JOY IN JOY was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages from a wide barrier. Near the 600 Metres, CHEER FOR SOUTH (Z Purton) shifted in when not quite clear, resulting in SERGEANT PEPPER being taken in slightly and causing HEARTY WISH to momentarily crowd the running of ACE TALENT. As a result, ACE TALENT reacted adversely to the crowding and ran out across the heels of HEARTY WISH, resulting in ACE TALENT being severely checked and becoming badly unbalanced, causing GOODLUCK GOODLUCK to be checked and taken out onto COLONEL which was taken wider. Whilst the Stewards accepted that the racing manners of ACE TALENT were the principal cause for the incident, nonetheless Z Purton was advised to ensure that he exercises more care and provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. On straightening, ACE TALENT shifted out to improve and as a result PACHISI and COLONEL were taken wider. Also on straightening, HEARTY WISH was awkwardly placed on the heels of AMAZING ROCKY. Over the final 200 Metres, CIRCUIT SEVEN lay in under pressure and near the finish shifted in, resulting in SERGEANT PEPPER having to be eased. Over the final 150 Metres, PACHISI was inclined to lay in under pressure and proved difficult to ride out fully. Near the 100 Metres, E UNIVERSE was shifted to the outside of HEARTY WISH to obtain clear running and in doing so hampered CHEER FOR SOUTH. Over the final 100 Metres, CHEONG FAT improved into a narrow run to the inside of JOY IN JOY which was inclined to lay in and raced tight to the inside of that horse and as a consequence could not be ridden out fully over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the performance of CHEER FOR SOUTH, which was having its first race start tonight, Z Purton stated that from a wide barrier he had to make some use of his mount to cross and take up a position outside the lead. He said as a result CHEER FOR SOUTH was unable to finish the race off and, in his opinion, would benefit from tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of CHEER FOR SOUTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COLONEL and SERGEANT PEPPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHEER FOR SOUTH, HEARTY WISH and PACHISI were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 6 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 3  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 084-062  

SPEEDY MOUSE shifted out at the start and bumped STREET SCREAM. YEABOI jumped only fairly and shortly after the start was eased from the heels of EXCELLENT PEERS which shifted out. NEVER TOO SOON also jumped only fairly and was eased away from the heels of BEAUTY GLORY which was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. In the early stages, SPEEDY MOUSE raced keenly and when being crossed by BEAUTY GLORY got its head up when being steadied. HUMBLE STAR was left racing wide and without cover from the 800 Metres. Passing the 800 Metres, KING LAND was inclined to race keenly and was steadied away from the heels of HUMBLE STAR when allowing that runner to cross. Near the 600 Metres, STAR BRITE and STREET SCREAM lay in and made contact with the running rail. Making the Home Turn, NEVER TOO SOON raced tight to the inside of EXCELLENT PEERS. Near the 250 Metres, EXCELLENT PEERS became held up on the heels of BEAUTY GLORY and was then shifted to that runner’s outside in an attempt to obtain clear running between BEAUTY GLORY and HUMBLE STAR, however, was disappointed for this run when BEAUTY JOY shifted out slightly. NEVER TOO SOON was then shifted to the inside of BEAUTY GLORY but then became held up between that horse and STREET SCREAM and as a result was steadied away from the heels of STREET SCREAM near the 100 Metres. NEVER TOO SOON then had some difficulty obtaining clear running over the final 100 Metres when it remained positioned close to the heels of STREET SCREAM. A veterinary inspection of KING LAND immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of HUMBLE STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STREET SCREAM, SPEEDY MOUSE and XPONENTIAL were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 7 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 1  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1650m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 100-087  

BERLIN TANGO was crowded for room on jumping between NEARLY FINE which shifted out and THE IRISHMAN which shifted in. In this incident, BERLIN TANGO and NEARLY FINE made contact, resulting in NEARLY FINE becoming unbalanced. CHEERFUL DAYS jumped only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. BEAUTY LIVE shifted out at the start and made contact with FANTASTIC TREASURE which jumped awkwardly and shifted in slightly. After this, FANTASTIC TREASURE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Soon after the start, BEAUTY LIVE raced in restricted room between APACHE PASS and FANTASTIC TREASURE due to APACHE PASS shifting out and away from CHANCHENG PRINCE and FANTASTIC TREASURE shifting in slightly. In this incident, BEAUTY LIVE made contact with FANTASTIC TREASURE and was then shifted across behind runners. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, CHANCHENG PRINCE was awkwardly placed on the heels of EVERYONE’S DELIGHT (A Badel) which shifted in when not clear. A Badel was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. NEARLY FINE and BEAUTY LIVE made contact for some distance approaching the first turn when they contested a position one-off behind PACKING AWARD. Then near the 1100 Metres, BEAUTY LIVE and NEARLY FINE again made contact. Near the 600 Metres, CHEERFUL DAYS improved into a tight run to the inside of BERLIN TANGO when that runner was positioned tight to the inside of PACKING AWARD. A short distance later, CHEERFUL DAYS was checked when BERLIN TANGO was taken in slightly by PACKING AWARD and also bumped on the hindquarters by NEARLY FINE. The Stewards found that there was doubtful running when CHEERFUL DAYS improved to the inside of BERLIN TANGO and in the circumstances were satisfied that there was no carelessness displayed by the riders positioned to the outside of CHEERFUL DAYS. FANTASTIC TREASURE, which was following CHEERFUL DAYS, was checked to avoid the heels of that runner in consequence. Making the Home Turn, CHEERFUL DAYS was briefly held up on the heels of BERLIN TANGO. Passing the 300 Metres, NEARLY FINE improved into a narrow run between APACHE PASS and PACKING AWARD to obtain clear running. Then near the 200 Metres, PACKING AWARD raced in restricted room between BEAUTY LIVE and NEARLY FINE which continued to shift out. APACHE PASS raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PACKING AWARD, Z Purton stated that his mount enjoyed a comfortable run behind the leading division where it travelled well. He said when asked for an effort making the Home Turn, PACKING AWARD failed to respond to his riding and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of PACKING AWARD immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. The performance of PACKING AWARD was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING AWARD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, K C Leung stated that BEAUTY LIVE, which was having its first race start tonight at Happy Valley, failed to handle the Happy Valley circuit, was never balanced and lay out throughout the event. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY LIVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BEAUTY LIVE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY LIVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CHANCHENG PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING AWARD, THE IRISHMAN and SAVAQUIN were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 8 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 1  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1200m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 106-085  

Whilst parading behind the barriers, NERVOUS WITNESS made contact with a rail. NERVOUS WITNESS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. ASTROLOGER, which was fractious in the barriers, jumped awkwardly. HANDSOME BO BO jumped awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its barrier. HARMONY AND RICH jumped awkwardly. When caught wide in the early stages and racing tight to the inside of KURPANY, PING HAI GALAXY was then shifted in behind runners to avoid racing wide. K H Chan (KURPANY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 600 Metres he made insufficient effort to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of HARMONY AND RICH, resulting in HARMONY AND RICH being taken in and crowding the running of CAMPIONE, causing CAMPIONE to be checked, striking the rail, and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, K H Chan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 and to expire on Monday, 20 February 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Passing the 500 Metres, ASTROLOGER momentarily raced tight to the inside of COMPUTER PATCH. On straightening, CAMPIONE (Apprentice Y L Chung) shifted to the outside of KURPANY to secure clear running, resulting in HANDSOME BO BO being steadied away from the heels of CAMPIONE and taken wider. As a result, FAMILY FOLKS, which was positioned to the outside of HANDSOME BO BO, was also taken wider. Apprentice Chung was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. When questioned, S De Sousa (REWARDING TOGETHER) stated that his intention was to settle more forward on his mount tonight, but after being slow to begin REWARDING TOGETHER settled further back than had been intended. He said from the 600 Metres he commenced to place his mount under pressure and after shifting to the outside of COMPUTER PATCH soon after straightening, REWARDING TOGETHER ran home well. REWARDING TOGETHER, ASTROLOGER and GRATEFUL HEART were sent for sampling.

08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 9 Steward Report

08/02/2023  Class 3  Happy Valley  Turf  B  1650m   Going: GOOD  (2.71)   Rating: 084-063  

GORYTUS jumped only fairly. On jumping, EXCEPTIONAL NICE was crowded for room between SATIRICAL GLORY and MAJESTIC VICTORY which shifted out. TOTAL POWER was crowded for room at the start by SUPER BABY which jumped awkwardly and shifted in. TOTAL POWER was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier in the early stages. From the outside barrier, VIVA CHALEUR was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SATIRICAL GLORY was inclined to race keenly in the middle stages when being steadied to allow SUPER BABY to cross. SATIRICAL GLORY then continued to race keenly in the middle stages. SILVER HAMMER also raced keenly in the middle stages. Passing the 300 Metres, ENCOUNTERED (S De Sousa) shifted in and made contact with SUPER BABY, resulting in SUPER BABY shifting in away from that runner, causing RISING FROM ASHES to be steadied and shifted in away from SUPER BABY. Approaching the 100 Metres, RISING FROM ASHES was then eased and shifted to the outside of ENCOUNTERED which shifted in, to continue into clear running. S De Sousa was advised to exercise more care. Also passing the 300 Metres, ALL BEAUTY was shifted to the inside of SILVER HAMMER to continue into clear running. ALL BEAUTY then raced tight to the inside of SILVER HAMMER passing the 200 Metres when that runner was taken in and was awkwardly placed on the heels of SUPER BABY near the 150 Metres as that runner commenced to give ground. Approaching the 200 Metres, MAJESTIC VICTORY improved into a run to the inside of SATIRICAL GLORY and soon after was hampered when crowded by that runner which lay in, resulting in MAJESTIC VICTORY brushing with SILVER HAMMER and taking that runner in. EXCEPTIONAL NICE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, Z Purton stated that the intention was to settle a little closer on SIGHT SPIRIT, however, after being caught wide in the early stages, he was obliged to steady his mount to avoid racing wide. He said SIGHT SPIRIT was unsuited by the tempo of the race, particularly when it was slow in the middle stages. He added that when making ground in the Straight, SIGHT SPIRIT became awkwardly placed on the heels of EXCEPTIONAL NICE near the 150 Metres and was then obliged to shift to that runner’s outside to continue to be able to ride his mount out to the finish of the event. A veterinary inspection of SIGHT SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ALL BEAUTY and SUPER BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GORYTUS and ENCOUNTERED were sent for sampling.