07/09/2016  Happy Valley  Race 5

HELEN'S CHOICE lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between GLOBE TROTTER and GOLDEN GLORY which shifted out. In this incident, GLOBE TROTTER became unbalanced when bumped by HELEN'S CHOICE and racing tight inside YO-YO DA. When being steadied to obtain a position with cover, SHARP HUNTER was crowded for room shortly after the start between VICTORY MARVEL and LONDON MASTER, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barriers, WINNING STAR and ROYAL SPIRIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. J Moreira (GLORY HORSIE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of YO-YO DA, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 18 September 2016 and to expire on Thursday, 22 September 2016 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, J Moreira was fined $60,000. After the 800 Metres, SHARP HUNTER shifted out away from the heels of VICTORY MARVEL when proving difficult to settle. After this, SHARP HUNTER continued to prove difficult to settle Approaching the 700 Metres, ROYAL SPIRIT momentarily raced tight between SHARP HUNTER and VICTORIUS which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. Rounding the Home Turn, ROYAL SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of YO-YO DA. The performance of HELEN'S CHOICE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HELEN'S CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Apprentice K K Chiong stated that prior to the 500 Metres SUPREME FLIGHT was in a position racing behind the leader GOLDEN GLORY which showed far superior speed in the early stages and was able to cross SUPREME FLIGHT. She said after the 500 Metres she observed that LONDON MASTER was laying out and therefore she positioned SUPREME FLIGHT to take advantage of a run which she anticipated would develop between LONDON MASTER and GOLDEN GLORY. She said rounding the Home Turn LONDON MASTER did shift out which momentarily provided a run between that horse and GOLDEN GLORY, however, before SUPREME FLIGHT was able to improve into this position, LONDON MASTER then shifted in, resulting in SUPREME FLIGHT being disappointed for the run. She added SUPREME FLIGHT was then not able to improve to the outside of LONDON MASTER due to GLORY HORSIE laying in and therefore she was again disappointed for running between those horses. She said she was therefore obliged to shift to the outside of GLORY HORSIE and it was only after the 200 Metres that SUPREME FLIGHT was able to obtain clear running. After viewing the videos, Apprentice Chiong was advised that her explanation was accepted. When questioned regarding the performance of YO-YO DA, N Callan stated that he had ridden the horse in some of its work leading up to tonight's race including in a barrier trial. He said based on the manner in which the horse had been working, it was anticipated that YO-YO DA would run well. He added it was also felt that YO-YO DA would be able to obtain a good trailing position behind what was anticipated to be good speed and this would suit the horse. He said in the early stages he was able to obtain a forward position and although the horse encountered interference near the 900 Metres, it was able to recover from this and travelled strongly in the middle stages. He added after coming under pressure after the 500 Metres YO-YO DA did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. He said although YO-YO DA did not feel sore after the race, it did not appear to be stretching out comfortably. A veterinary inspection of YO-YO DA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its right hind plate (near the 400 Metres) and had sustained wounds to the back of its right hind leg. The performance of YO-YO DA, which finished near the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, YO-YO DA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of VICTORIUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORIUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of, GOLDEN GLORY and HELEN'S CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY MARVEL and SHARP HUNTER were sent for sampling.