02/04/2025  Happy Valley  Race 6

VIVA GRACIOUSNESS (J079): When questioned, Z Purton was unable to offer any explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. Trainer A S Cruz stated that, in his opinion, VIVA GRACIOUSNESS races best when able to dictate in front and this was the only explanation he could offer for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of VIVA GRACIOUSNESS was considered disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, VIVA GRACIOUSNESS 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. FOREMOST TEDDY (J058): Bumped at the start. HAPPY DAILY (E294): Held up making the Home Turn. Approaching the 200 Metres was again held up for clear running behind THE HEIR and did not obtain clear running until approaching the 150 Metres. For a short distance near the 100 Metres HAPPY DAILY then raced tight between THE HEIR and RED MAJESTY. SMART FIGHTER (H278): Trainer P F Yiu stated that from the outside barrier he had instructed M Chadwick to go forward as he felt that it was a disadvantage from the outside barrier with the rail in the C+3 position to go back as it would be difficult to make up ground from back in the field. RED MAJESTY (E028): Held up for clear running between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres. THE HEIR (H459): Near the 200 Metres was bumped heavily on the hindquarters by COURIER MAGIC and became badly unbalanced. After the event, B Avdulla reported that he was instructed to take up a forward position. Trainer C Fownes confirmed the instructions issued. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the right hind cannon. TOP TIME (K006): K De Melo pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 350 Metres (see SANTORINI). Sent for sampling post-race. AMAZING AWARD (J236): After the 200 Metres shifted in to obtain a narrow run between FOREMOST TEDDY and TOP TIME and as a result made contact with FOREMOST TEDDY and had difficulty obtaining clear running for some distance thereafter. GOR MO TUEN (J434): Slow to begin. Near the 350 Metres was steadied and shifted to the outside of SANTORINI to avoid that runner. SANTORINI (J076): Bumped at the start. K De Melo (TOP TIME) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out to the outside of FOREMOST TEDDY when not clear of SANTORINI, resulting in SANTORINI having to be checked when it lost its rightful running between SOARING BRONCO and TOP TIME. K De Melo was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Sunday, 13 April 2025 at Sha Tin. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very good race riding record. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SOARING BRONCO (J162): Sent for sampling post-race. COURIER MAGIC (H290): In the early stages raced keenly and near the 1200 Metres was steadied away from RED MAJESTY. Held up making the Home Turn. B Thompson (COURIER MAGIC) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he endeavoured to force a run between SMART FIGHTER and THE HEIR where there was not sufficient room to do so, resulting in COURIER MAGIC having to be severely checked when disappointed for this run and also making heavy contact with THE HEIR, resulting in THE HEIR becoming badly unbalanced. B Thompson was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 and to expire on Thursday, 17 April 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his good race riding record. COMET SPLENDIDO (G071): Withdrawn on 31.3.25 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever) and replaced by Standby Declared Starter FOREMOST TEDDY. Before being allowed to race again, COMET SPLENDIDO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.