17/11/2021  Happy Valley  Race 8

Prior to being saddled up, SIMPLY FLUKE was reported to be locking its right stifle. SIMPLY FLUKE was examined by the Veterinary Officers after being saddled, in the Parade Ring, on the way to the Start and after arriving at the barriers. After the necessary consultations, SIMPLY FLUKE was found to be suitable to race. A veterinary inspection of SIMPLY FLUKE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JAZZ ANGEL began very awkwardly and lost ground and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barriers, MOMENTUM GALAXY and SIMPLY FLUKE were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Shortly after the start, ELON was steadied to obtain cover. Near the 1100 Metres, WINE AND WINE (C Wong) shifted in, resulting in COLONEL being taken in and causing CALIFORNIA CIBLE to race tight between COLONEL and MAKE IT QUICK. COLONEL then got its head on the side and shifted in away from WINE AND WINE for some distance which resulted in CALIFORNIA CIBLE being crowded for room and having to be steadied away from the heels of COLONEL near the 1050 Metres. MAKE IT QUICK, which was racing to the inside of CALIFORNIA CIBLE, was also inconvenienced. As the Stewards were of the opinion that the racing manners of COLONEL had played a significant role in this incident, they elected not to proceed to a charge of careless riding against Jockey Wong, rather he was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. C Wong (WINE AND WINE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching and passing the 600 Metres he steadied his mount in such a manner as to cause WINE AND WINE to lose ground abruptly which resulted in SUPER DOBBIN, which was following WINE AND WINE, having to be checked away from behind WINE AND WINE which caused CALIFORNIA CIBLE to be steadied away from the heels of SUPER DOBBIN and which resulted in READY TO WIN having to be shifted out away from behind CALIFORNIA CIBLE and in doing so being severely checked when unable to improve between CALIFORNIA CIBLE and ELON where there was insufficient room. When READY TO WIN was checked, CLASSIC POSH, which was following that horse, was checked to avoid the heels of that horse in consequence. In the circumstances, C Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 8 December 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 16 December 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). When READY TO WIN was checked as a result of having to be shifted out away from the heels of CALIFORNIA CIBLE and attempting to improve between that horse and ELON, ELON was crowded for room after improving into tight running inside MAKE IT QUICK which making the turn after the 600 Metres lay out away from behind HONG KONG BET. After this, MAKE IT QUICK travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, COLONEL got its head on the side, lay in and brushed WINE AND WINE. A veterinary inspection of SUPER DOBBIN immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER DOBBIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CALIFORNIA CIBLE and MOMENTUM GALAXY were sent for sampling.