31/01/2018  Happy Valley  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, Z Purton reported that GRACIOUS RYDER had been kicked by the lead pony on the way to the Start. GRACIOUS RYDER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that on examination there were no significant findings noted and as such, after the necessary consultations, was passed suitable to race. LOGAN ONE began only fairly. PEACE COMBINATION shifted out at the start and hampered WINNING SUPREME. After this, despite being hard ridden in the early stages, WINNING SUPREME was slow to muster speed and for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover. From wide barriers, ORIENTAL ELITE and GRACIOUS RYDER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 850 Metres, FIRST BEAUT and PEACE COMBINATION bumped. K Teetan (SHOWING CHARACTER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 500 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in THE HAPPY BUNCH and LOGAN ONE both being crowded for room and losing the running to which they were rightfully entitled. K Teetan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 10 February 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 15 February 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, K Teetan was fined $60,000. Passing the 75 Metres, PEARLY TREASURE got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of PEACE COMBINATION, resulting in PEARLY TREASURE being awkwardly placed behind that horse and having to be steadied and shifted back outside the heels of PEACE COMBINATION. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SHOWING CHARACTER had sustained a small wound above the left hind fetlock and that LUNAR ZEPHYR had sustained a wound over the right hind fetlock. A veterinary inspection of THE HAPPY BUNCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. WINNING SUPREME and LUNAR ZEPHYR were sent for sampling.