21/11/2018  Happy Valley  Race 1

TORNEY was withdrawn on 20.11.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, TORNEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THE JOY OF GIVING shifted out at the start and bumped COME ON WONGCHOY. LITTLE FANTASY began awkwardly. From wide barriers, MAGIC POWER and MI BLANCO were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 450 Metres, TRAVEL AMBASSADOR and SMART BABY raced tight as both horses improved between PROUD SKY and GENTLEMEN which was giving ground. Approaching the 300 Metres, TRAVEL AMBASSADOR was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE JOY OF GIVING when being shifted to the outside of that horse. Passing the 200 Metres, PROUD SKY was steadied when disappointed for running between COME ON WONGCHOY and GLORIAM (U Rispoli) which shifted out. After this, PROUD SKY was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. U Rispoli was advised that as the Stewards were satisfied that PROUD SKY had not properly established running between COME ON WONGCHOY and GLORIAM as that horse shifted out under pressure, they had elected not to proceed to a charge of careless riding, however, he was severely reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he must stop riding and straighten his mounts. Passing the 150 Metres, LITTLE FANTASY was checked when crowded for room between AMAZING GOLD (K C Leung) which initially shifted out and SMART BABY (Z Purton) which shifted in. K C Leung and Z Purton were advised that whilst their individual shifts were not significant, nonetheless they must ensure that they make every effort to prevent their mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, GENTLEMEN travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of GENTLEMEN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GENTLEMEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, S de Sousa was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of THE JOY OF GIVING. He said the horse travelled extremely well throughout the race and he expected it to quicken well when placed under pressure, however, THE JOY OF GIVING responded only fairly in the Straight and did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of THE JOY OF GIVING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MI BLANCO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE JOY OF GIVING, SMART BABY and TRAVEL AMBASSADOR were sent for sampling.