29/12/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

GOLDEN LINK (D222): Making the Home Turn was held up when disappointed for clear running between ATOMIC BEAUTY and CONCERTO which shifted to the outside of the weakening HO HO STAR. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman, 7th 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. CONCERTO (E176): No report. SATIRICAL GLORY (H073): Sent for sampling post-race. AROMATICA (H437): Jumped only fairly. FOREVER GLORIOUS (G229): Whilst being ridden along near the 150 Metres shifted out under pressure before being corrected by its rider L Hewitson near the 100 Metres. HAPPY ANGEL (G133): After the race, K De Melo reported that after beginning only fairly, his mount failed to show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position and raced in a disappointing manner. Trainer P C Ng stated that HAPPY ANGEL had pleased him since its last start on 13 December 2023 and was disadvantaged by not showing its usual early pace. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HAPPY ANGEL was considered to be disappointing as compared to its recent starts. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY ANGEL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Sent for sampling post-race. PODIUM (H173): After the race, A Badel reported that his mount would be better suited over 1200 Metres. HO HO STAR (H291): After the race, A Atzeni stated that from the outside barrier he rode the horse forward to take up a position outside the lead. He added that, in his opinion, HO HO STAR did not run out the 1650 Metres of tonight’s event and gave ground quickly when placed under pressure from near the 500 Metres. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HO HO STAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HO HO STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. YEE CHEONG WARRIOR (E025): Near the 400 Metres was held up behind HO HO STAR which was giving ground and was shifted to that runner’s outside shortly after to continue to improve. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DAILY TROPHY (H283): Bumped shortly after the start. Near the 150 Metres raced in restricted room for a short distance between CONCERTO and SATIRICAL GLORY which shifted out. RIGHT HONOURABLE (A164): Jumped only fairly, was bumped shortly after the start and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 300 Metres M Chadwick dropped his whip. After the race, M Chadwick reported that in the early part of the Home Straight his mount hung out and proved difficult to place under pressure. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ATOMIC BEAUTY (H066): Crowded shortly after the start. Near the 150 Metres lay in before being corrected by its rider K H Chan. When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of the horse, Trainer A S Cruz stated that this preparation, whilst the horse had not finished in placings, it had not been beaten too far from the placegetters. He said after ATOMIC BEAUTY’s last start on 17 December 2023, he had noticed an improvement in the horse’s condition within the stable and this, together with the horse being suited racing at Happy Valley, were the explanations he could provide for the improved performance. Sent for sampling post-race.