20/12/2023  Happy Valley  Race 5

KEEFY (G306): No report. DROMBEG BANNER (H117): When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on DROMBEG BANNER and particularly the slow pace set throughout the early and middle stages, A Atzeni advised that he had expected to lead on DROMBEG BANNER and with this in mind, after commencing well, he was able to obtain the lead in the early stages. He said from the 1200 Metres DROMBEG BANNER, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley, had some difficulty making the turns and for this reason approaching the 1000 Metres got its head up when he was obliged to place pressure on his right rein to make that turn. He said after entering the Back Straight he allowed DROMBEG BANNER to race at a pace which was comfortable but was then taken on in the lead when GALAXY WITNESS improved forward near the 900 Metres. When questioned if there was an opportunity to set a more even pace throughout the early and middle stages, A Atzeni stated that he felt his mount was racing at a comfortable pace, but agreed with the Stewards that in hindsight he should have allowed DROMBEG BANNER to set a more even pace through that section of the race so as to avoid another runner taking his mount on during the event. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued and expressed satisfaction with the tactics adopted by Jockey Atzeni. Mr Ng further stated that whilst he expected DROMBEG BANNER to race in a more competitive manner, he was still satisfied with its performance tonight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPIRITED EXPRESS (G356): Raced tight shortly after the start. RISING FROM ASHES (G209): No report. FIND MY LOVE (H110): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 200 Metres was held up for clear running behind DROMBEG BANNER and near the 150 Metres was checked when disappointed for clear running to the inside of DROMBEG BANNER when that runner shifted in slightly. Then did not obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHILL CHIBI (H109): When questioned regarding the tactics adopted, C L Chau stated that from the outside barrier he was given the instructions to endeavour to hold a midfield position preferably with cover. He said on jumping CHILL CHIBI commenced well and in accordance with the manner he usually rides the horse from the barriers, he placed it under pressure for a short distance to ensure it held its position at the start. He said when caught wide in the early stages and when the pace of the event was slow, he allowed CHILL CHIBI to stride forward and take up a position outside the early leader DROMBEG BANNER. He added that when GALAXY WITNESS improved forward along the Back Straight, he was able to obtain a position with cover behind DROMBEG BANNER and making the Home Turn improved to the outside of DROMBEG BANNER to start his run. He said when placed under pressure at this point CHILL CHIBI became one-paced and did not immediately respond to his riding which resulted in HAPPY TOGETHER improving around his mount and CHILL CHIBI then being placed in restricted room for a short distance near the 250 Metres when DROMBEG BANNER shifted out slightly and HAPPY TOGETHER shifted in. He further stated that after shifting to the outside of HAPPY TOGETHER near the 150 Metres, CHILL CHIBI finished the race off reasonably well and, in his opinion, was looking for additional distance. Assistant Trainer T H So confirmed the instructions were to endeavour to find a midfield position, but also confirmed if this was not available, the option to take up a more forward position was available to Jockey Chau. The Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Chau, having regard to the early sectionals of the event, were reasonable in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. HAPPY TOGETHER (G446): Near the 1300 Metres was steadied to avoid CHILL CHIBI (C L Chau) which shifted in when not clear. C L Chau was advised to exercise more care. Sent for sampling post-race. GALAXY WITNESS (G110): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race.