08/07/2015  Happy Valley  Race 2

Whilst in the Parade Ring, Apprentice K C Ng was dislodged from TO-KALON after the horse stumbled. TO-KALON then entered the track and galloped some distance before being recaptured. TO-KALON was returned to the Start and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, TO-KALON was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, TO-KALON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. AMERICAN FAME and OPTIMISM began only fairly. From a wide barrier, DIAMOND ANGEL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. T H So (MASSIVE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ALWAYS WONDERFUL, causing that horse to be hampered when checked away from the heels of MASSIVE. In considering all the circumstances, the Stewards decided to exercise their discretion provided to them by the Rules of Racing to defer Jockey So’s suspension from riding in races to commence on Sunday, 6 September 2015 and to expire on Monday, 14 September 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).  In this time, the first three racemeetings of the 2015/2016 racing season will be conducted. Approaching the 900 Metres, WINNING BOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASSIVE. After the 800 Metres, KING TAI SING proved difficult to shift over to race directly outside HELEN’S CHOICE despite the efforts of its rider to have his mount do so. Then making the turn near the 550 Metres, KING TAI SING raced with its head on the side and lay out. GREAT SPEED travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres. At the entrance to the Straight, OPTIMISM raced tight inside ALWAYS WONDERFUL. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of OPTIMISM, N Callan reported that he was asked to have the horse slightly more forward than is usual due to it having drawn the inside alley. He said he was able to obtain a position in about midfield in the early stages, however, after making the first turn near the 900 Metres OPTIMISM commenced to get its head on the side and was inclined to lay away from the rail. He added after placing OPTIMISM under pressure rounding the Home Turn, the horse then did not respond to his riding thereafter and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of OPTIMISM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of KING TAI SING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ALWAYS WONDERFUL immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg with a superficial abrasion on the left hind leg and also to be distressed. Before being allowed to race again, ALWAYS WONDERFUL will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNING BOY and IDYLLIC WIND were sent for sampling. <9/7/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>OPTIMISM, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. OPTIMISM was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a bad action and to be stiff in all four legs. Before being allowed to race again, OPTIMISM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING TAI SING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. KING TAI SING was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, KING TAI SING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.