27/10/2024  Happy Valley  Race 5

ERNEST FEELING (E209): A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE PERFECT MATCH (J253): Shortly after the start was checked when crowded between INVINCIBLE DELIGHT which was taken out slightly by GIMME FIVE and TACTICAL COMMAND (A Badel) which shifted in. A Badel was reprimanded. When questioned, H Bowman stated that his mount, which was racing in blinkers for the first time, commenced to race keenly in the early stages after obtaining a position with cover behind INVINCIBLE DELIGHT. He said as a consequence he was obliged to check to avoid the heels of INVINCIBLE DELIGHT approaching the 1000 Metres, shifted out and made the first turn wider. TELECOM DRAGON (H322): No report. INVINCIBLE DELIGHT (J372): No report. VIGOR ELLEEGANT (J375): After the event, M L Yeung confirmed that from his wide barrier he was requested to take up a forward position and ride his mount in a similar manner when successful in a barrier trial on 5 October 2024. Trainer K L Man confirmed the instructions and the reason why such instructions were issued. GOLDEN DARCI (H470): A Badel (TACTICAL COMMAND) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of GOLDEN DARCI, resulting in GOLDEN DARCI having to be checked away from the heels of TACTICAL COMMAND. A Badel was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 13 November 2024 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. SMART FIGHTER (H278): On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to SMART FIGHTER was refitted. Sent for sampling post-race. TACTICAL COMMAND (H197): A Badel pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference approaching the 1000 Metres (see GOLDEN DARCI). Sent for sampling post-race. GIMME FIVE (J099): When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GIMME FIVE, Z Purton stated that with the pace of the event being run slightly inside of standard time in the early stages, his mount was under pressure to hold its on-pace position. He said when SMART FIGHTER shifted away from the rail near the 500 Metres, GIMME FIVE commenced to improve into the event and then was awkwardly placed close to SMART FIGHTER, resulting in him having to steady his mount. He said after this GIMME FIVE did not respond to his riding and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GIMME FIVE was considered disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, GIMME FIVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SKY PROPHET (J095): Brushed a running rail in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. HOSS (H055): Jumped awkwardly. DAY DAY VICTORY (J423): Withdrawn on raceday morning after sustaining a wound to the head whilst being transported to the course. Before being allowed to race again, DAY DAY VICTORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.