31/01/2025  Shatin  Race 3

SUNSTRIDER (J168): Jumped only fairly and shortly after the start was bumped by D STAR which shifted in slightly. For a short distance near the 350 Metres was held up for clear running. Sent for sampling post-race. JUMBO FORTUNE (G195): Jumped only fairly. From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BRIGHT INHERITANCE (J215): Jumped only fairly. From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ORIENTAL SMOKE (E467): No report. SILVER UP (J078): Kicked a rail in the saddling stalls, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. When giving ground in the Home Straight lay in. After the event, L Ferraris could offer no excuse for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. D STAR (G374): Shifted in shortly after the start and was bumped. Near the 350 Metres was steadied when crowded between CIRCUIT MIGHTY and SUNSTRIDER (H Bowman) which shifted out to improve. H Bowman was severely reprimanded. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FOREVER FOLKS (G463): Jumped only fairly. K C Leung (ONLY U) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he shifted ONLY U to the inside of SILVER UP where there was not sufficient room to do so, resulting in ONLY U shifting in and crowding the running of FOREVER FOLKS which was checked and lost its rightful running. K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 19 February 2025 and to expire on Monday, 24 February 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Leung was fined $110,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 1 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very poor race riding record. PATCH OF LUCKY (J349): No report. LUCKY FIONN (J047): Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. Sent for sampling post-race. CELTIC TIMES (G230): Raced keenly in the middle stages and after the 900 Metres was steadied away from SUNDAY’S SERENADE. CIRCUIT MIGHTY (G078): Lay in when under pressure in the Home Straight. After the event, A Atzeni stated that his instructions were to hold a more forward position but despite riding his mount along in the early stages it failed to show sufficient pace to do so. ONLY U (J037): Jumped only fairly. Held up for clear running behind SILVER UP near the 400 Metres. A short distance later was shifted to the inside of SILVER UP when there was not sufficient room and was checked. K C Leung was found guilty of a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 300 Metres (see FOREVER FOLKS). SUNDAY'S SERENADE (J231): Lay in over the concluding stages. After the event, K Teetan stated that his instructions were to take up a more forward position than its most recent start. He said after commencing well SUNDAY’S SERENADE was able to hold a position behind the lead. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions and said he issued such instructions on the basis that there did not appear to be strong pace in the race. Sent for sampling post-race. SWEET SMILE (J282): When the pace steadied near the 700 Metres commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from SILVER UP. For a short distance after the 400 Metres was held up for clear running. Near the 100 Metres was steadied when disappointed for clear running between ORIENTAL SMOKE and SUNDAY’S SERENADE which lay in. As a result, SWEET SMILE was held up for clear running between the 100 Metres and the 50 Metres. FLAGSHIP WARRIOR (G452): Withdrawn on 28.1.25 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left eye injury) and replaced by Standby Declared Starter JUMBO FORTUNE. Before being allowed to race again, FLAGSHIP WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.