13/11/2024  Happy Valley  Race 2

ESCAPE ROUTE (E273): Shortly after the start raced tight between DURHAM STAR and D STAR which shifted in slightly. A Atzeni (ESCAPE ROUTE) pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 50 Metres (see D STAR). VIVA CHALEUR (G368): K C Leung (THE AZURE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1400 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of LUCKY TOUCH, resulting in LUCKY TOUCH being taken in across the running of VIVA CHALEUR, causing VIVA CHALEUR to be checked to avoid the heels of LUCKY TOUCH. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 1 December 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 5 December 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his good race riding record. Near the 300 Metres was hampered when taken in by SOLAR GOGO which hung in despite the efforts of its rider. Approaching the 200 Metres VIVA CHALEUR then became held up for clear running between SOLAR GOGO and THE AZURE and made contact with SOLAR GOGO on a number of occasions before obtaining clear running near the 200 Metres. D STAR (G374): Near the 1200 Metres became unbalanced when bumped by ESCAPE ROUTE which was taken out by DURHAM STAR (L Hewitson) when that runner shifted to the outside of VIVA CHALEUR. L Hewitson was severely reprimanded and advised he must ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. Near the 700 Metres was steadied when crowded by SOLAR GOGO (C L Chau) which lay in as its rider commenced a forward move. C L Chau was reprimanded and advised he would be expected to make a greater effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. A Atzeni (ESCAPE ROUTE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of DURHAM STAR, resulting in DURHAM STAR being taken in and crowding the running of D STAR which was checked when it lost its rightful running and also contributing to TRADITION being checked to avoid the heels of THE AZURE. A Atzeni was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 4 December 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. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY TOUCH (J203): Crowded near the 1400 Metres. Near the 250 Metres raced tight to the inside of THE AZURE which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. Sent for sampling post-race. DURHAM STAR (E082): Crowded over the concluding stages. SUPER TREASURE (J211): No report. SOLAR GOGO (H390): Hung in in the Home Straight and near the 200 Metres shifted in, made contact with VIVA CHALEUR and became unbalanced. SUPER BEN (J148): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. AMAZING AWARD (J236): Raced tight over the concluding stages. TRADITION (J111): Over the concluding stages was steadied when crowded between THE AZURE and AMAZING AWARD. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on TRADITION at the request of Trainer Y S Tsui. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. FIREFOOT (J183): Sent for sampling post-race. THE AZURE (J227): K C Leung pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 1400 Metres (see VIVA CHALEUR). In the early part of the Home Straight lay in before being corrected by its rider. After the event, K C Leung stated that whilst his instructions were to be more forward due to the expected lack of early speed, he did not anticipate leading the event. He said when THE AZURE jumped well, he was able to cross to the front. Trainer F C Lor confirmed the instructions issued.