20/12/2023  Happy Valley  Race 1

NATURAL STORM (C461): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race. TURIN MASCOT (H165): When questioned regarding his riding tactics and the reason he made a move near the 900 Metres to go forward which resulted in TURIN MASCOT racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the event, Z Purton stated that as TURIN MASCOT is one-paced, his usual instructions are, whenever possible, to make a forward move to offset the horse’s inability to quicken. He said after entering the Back Straight he allowed TURIN MASCOT to stride forward, but his mount did not show sufficient pace to cross runners to his inside and as a result he was obliged to race wide and without cover for the remainder of the event. He added that when caught wide, he felt it was in the best interests of TURIN MASCOT not to be made use of to cross runners to his inside as the horse had won when ridden in a similar manner last season. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Purton were reasonable in the circumstances. Sent for sampling post-race. PACKING HURRICANE (H137): After the race, C Y Ho could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. Trainer C Fownes stated that after making a forward move near the 1200 Metres, PACKING HURRICANE may not have been suited by being pressured from the 800 Metres and as a result was left without a finishing effort. He indicated that he will now send PACKING HURRICANE to Conghua for a let-up prior to its next race start. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ESCAPE ROUTE (E273): Shifted out at the start and was bumped. MAJESTIC VICTORY (E441): No report. SWAN BAY (H062): Bumped on jumping. Near the 300 Metres lay in when steadied away from the heels of PACKING HURRICANE (C Y Ho) which shifted out slightly at the same point. C Y Ho was advised to exercise more care. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GALLANT HERO (E480): No report. INTREPID WINNER (G144): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race.