13/02/2019  Happy Valley  Race 8

NICCONI EXPRESS began very awkwardly and shifted out towards the hindquarters of MISTER MONTE which also shifted in marginally. This resulted in NICCONI EXPRESS and MISTER MONTE bumping which caused NICCONI EXPRESS to become unbalanced and lose ground. MAGNIFICENT (Apprentice H T Mo) jumped inwards at the start and crowded RICKFIELD. Apprentice Mo will be advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to correct his mounts at the earliest opportunity. From wide barriers, NORDIC WARRIOR and SACRED IBIS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After initially being ridden along in the early stages, from a wide barrier, FLYING QUEST was shifted across behind runners passing the winning post on the first occasion after racing wide. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, NORDIC WARRIOR was awkwardly placed behind GOOD OMEN which was being restrained to obtain cover behind SARRI. Rounding the Home Turn, SARRI and NICCONI EXPRESS were taken wider by ENCOURAGING (S de Sousa) which shifted to the outside of PIKACHU to obtain clear running. S de Sousa will be advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 300 Metres, EPIC momentarily raced tight inside PIKACHU which lay in. J Moreira (NICCONI EXPRESS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GOOD OMEN, 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 Wednesday, 20 March 2019 and to expire on Sunday, 24 March 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, J Moreira was fined $60,000. Close to the finishing line, MAGNIFICENT and ENCOURAGING raced tight due to both horses shifting a minimal amount of ground. Throughout the race, PIKACHU travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of EPIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICCONI EXPRESS, ENCOURAGING and MAGNIFICENT were sent for sampling.