20/05/2020  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, N Callan expressed concern regarding the action of PING HAI GALAXY. PING HAI GALAXY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in its right front leg and as such was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, PING HAI GALAXY was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, PING HAI GALAXY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LITTLE BIRD lost its right hind plate at the start. Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, CALIFORNIA RAD was slow to muster speed. Near the 1150 Metres, WHAT A LEGEND was awkwardly placed between SHOUSON and THE RUNNER which shifted out marginally. After the 900 Metres, BEAUTY SPARK was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 500 Metres, CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT raced close to the heels of THE RUNNER. SUPER LUCKY, which was following CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 150 Metres, BEAUTY SPARK was checked out away from the heels of WINNING FEELING. At the 100 Metres, WHAT A LEGEND shifted out and bumped THE RUNNER. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was asked to ride LITTLE BIRD in a forward position behind the speed if possible. He said after beginning satisfactorily he immediately noticed a considerable number of horses, which were drawn better than LITTLE BIRD, being aggressively ridden and as he formed the view that LITTLE BIRD may be left racing wide, he elected in the early stages to follow CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT across and obtain cover. Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of LITTLE BIRD, confirmed the instructions and stated that he was satisfied with Jockey Leung’s decision to steady LITTLE BIRD in the early stages even though his instructions were for the horse to obtain a more forward position. K C Leung was told that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he gives his mounts adequate opportunity in the early stages to comply with his instructions. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE BIRD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WHAT A LEGEND and WINNING FEELING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that an endoscopic examination conducted on BEAUTY SPARK found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. GOLDEN DASH and CALIFORNIA RAD were sent for sampling.