20/11/2024  Happy Valley  Race 3

COSMO NAVIGATOR (H156): K C Leung was found guilty of a careless riding charge for causing interference approaching the 800 Metres (see RUBY SAILING). Hampered and taken out near the 100 Metres. RUBY SAILING (H347): Bumped at the start. K C Leung (COSMO NAVIGATOR) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 800 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of RUBY SAILING, resulting in RUBY SAILING having to be checked away from the heels of COSMO NAVIGATOR. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 26 December 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 2 January 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Leung was fined $55,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his poor race riding record. Passing the 50 Metres was eased when placed in restricted room between VERBIER and COSMO NAVIGATOR which was taken out. When questioned, Z Purton stated that his mount, which is a reported "roarer”, raced keenly throughout the early and middle stages of the event and made a respiratory noise in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. Sent for sampling post-race. WINNING HEART (H065): H Bentley pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 100 Metres (see COUNTRY DANCER). Sent for sampling post-race. COUNTRY DANCER (H436): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 700 Metres made contact with the running rail when racing tight to the inside of JOYFUL FRIENDSHIP. H Bentley (WINNING HEART) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when not clear of COSMO NAVIGATOR, resulting in COSMO NAVIGATOR being taken out and crowding the running of COUNTRY DANCER which was checked. H Bentley 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. VERBIER (J187): Bumped at the start. Raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 800 Metres was steadied away from RUBY SAILING. PODIUM (H173): From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the event, M F Poon reported that his mount did not travel well during the event and may not have appreciated the "Good to Yielding” track condition. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER CHARIZZARD (J184): Sent for sampling post-race. E GLORY (H304): No report. JOYFUL FRIENDSHIP (H295): Shortly after the start was bumped. Passing the 50 Metres was checked to avoid COUNTRY DANCER. After the event, J McDonald reported that after settling back in the field his mount was under pressure from the 600 Metres and in the Home Straight was unable to make up any ground. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHEER FOR SOUTH (H178): No report. MORE RICE (H271): Shortly after the start was crowded between JOYFUL FRIENDSHIP and E GLORY which shifted out slightly. ALLOY KING (D287): No report.