26/09/2018  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to STRATHCLYDE was replaced. ALCARI shifted out at the start and bumped SPARKLING DRAGON. SIR REDALOT began awkwardly and became unbalanced on jumping when bumped by MY CHANCE which shifted out. From the outside barrier, GOOD FOR YOU got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover. In doing so, GOOD FOR YOU bumped STARLIGHT which was also being shifted across behind runners in the early stages, resulting in STARLIGHT shifting in and bumping KING OPIE which became unbalanced. After being ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, KING OPIE was steadied passing the 1100 Metres to obtain cover. Making the turn after the 1100 Metres, EXTREMELY FUN raced tight outside the heels of SPARKLING DRAGON. STRATHCLYDE travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres. After the 600 Metres, EXTREMELY FUN was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 500 Metres, STARLIGHT commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind SIR REDALOT. G van Niekerk (STRATHCLYDE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 500 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BLOCKER DEE, resulting in that horse being taken in and causing DOUBLE VALENTINE to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. G van Niekerk was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 7 October 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 11 October 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Shortly after entering the Straight, DOUBLE VALENTINE and ALCARI bumped as DOUBLE VALENTINE improved into tight running between ALCARI and STRATHCLYDE. Over the final 200 Metres, MY CHANCE hung out and proved difficult to ride, resulting in its rider, M L Yeung, having to change his whip over into his left hand after the 100 Metres at which stage he dropped his left rein. Passing the 100 Metres, K Teetan (ALCARI) dropped his left rein. A veterinary inspection of BLOCKER DEE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of EXTREMELY FUN immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg with a small wound to the inside of the right hind pastern. Before being allowed to race again, EXTREMELY FUN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ALCARI, SPARKLING DRAGON and DOUBLE VALENTINE were sent for sampling.