13/09/2023  Happy Valley  Race 5

HK DRAGON jumped awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its barrier. Approaching the 1500 Metres, PERFECT TEAM was steadied when crowded by PEGASUS GENERAL (M L Yeung) which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. M L Yeung was advised to exercise more care. Approaching the 500 Metres, HK DRAGON, which raced keenly, was steadied away from the heels of HAMERON. L Ferraris (HAMERON) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of RED MAJESTY, resulting in RED MAJESTY being taken in onto the running of CALIFORNIA VOCE, causing CALIFORNIA VOCE to be checked. L Ferraris was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. EIGHTEEN PALMS lay in under pressure in the Home Straight. After the race, M Chadwick (LOYAL BABY) stated that his mount jumped awkwardly and lost ground at the start and therefore settled further back than intended. He could offer no further explanation for the disappointing performance of his mount. A veterinary inspection of LOYAL BABY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LOYAL BABY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of CHRYSOS making the Home Turn and the reasons his mount shifted out, L Currie stated that after holding the lead, CHRYSOS commenced to lay out making the Home Turn. He said when he commenced to ride CHRYSOS along, it shifted out, resulting in a run being presented to his inside. He added that when he became aware that a runner had improved to his inside after the 300 Metres, he was obligated to remain racing one-off the rail to avoid causing interference. A veterinary inspection of CHRYSOS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PEGASUS GENERAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPLENDID LIVING, HAMERON and RED MAJESTY were sent for sampling.