28/10/2020  Happy Valley  Race 6

Prior to leaving the Parade Ring, HAPPY ICHIBAN became fractious, reared over and fell heavily, resulting in C Y Ho being dislodged. HAPPY ICHIBAN was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who said that the horse was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, HAPPY ICHIBAN was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY ICHIBAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. C Y Ho was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. FEARLESS FIRE shifted out at the start, resulting in V CHEVALIERS and DIONYSUS COLLIN being crowded for room inside MALDIVES. After this, MALDIVES was steadied to obtain cover. After being steadied in the early stages to obtain cover, AMAZING LUCK shifted in and bumped V CHEVALIERS passing the winning post on the first occasion and then was left racing wide and without cover after the 1100 Metres. Despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, KING’S RACE failed to muster speed. After the race, K Teetan stated that KING’S RACE did not travel well at any stage of the race. A veterinary inspection of KING’S RACE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. After the 1200 Metres, FEARLESS FIRE, which was travelling keenly, got its head up when awkwardly placed behind SHANGHAI GRACE. After this, FEARLESS FIRE continued to travel keenly and again got its head up when travelling close to the heels of SHANGHAI GRACE near the 1000 Metres. After the 1000 Metres, V CHEVALIERS shifted out away from the heels of KING’S RACE, resulting in DIONYSUS COLLIN being taken wider and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of FAITHFUL TRINITY after the 1300 Metres, V Borges explained that he was instructed to obtain a forward position on FAITHFUL TRINITY. He said he was told by the trainer not to become engaged in a speed battle if another horse was intent on leading and it was acceptable for him to take a trailing position in those circumstances. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages, he was able to obtain the lead after the 1600 Metres. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he maintained the position in the anticipation that FAITHFUL TRINITY would be able to lead outright. He said approaching the 1300 Metres REGENCY MASTER was ridden along to clear runners to its inside and as he anticipated that that horse would continue on into the lead, he elected to allow REGENCY MASTER to cross FAITHFUL TRINITY and to take the position behind that horse. V Borges stated that although the tempo of the race was only moderate at this time, he was concerned that if he allowed his mount to maintain its position inside REGENCY MASTER, FAITHFUL TRINITY and REGENCY MASTER may become engaged in a speed duel and as this would be contrary to his instructions, he made the decision to allow that horse to cross FAITHFUL TRINITY passing the 1200 Metres. Mr W Y So, the trainer of FAITHFUL TRINITY, confirmed his instructions since taking over the horse had been consistent, that being to lead if possible, however, he also confirmed that he advised Jockey Borges to take a trailing position rather than have to ride his mount hard to either lead or maintain the lead. He said because of the tempo of the race in the early stages, he was of the view that Jockey Borges had erred in allowing REGENCY MASTER to cross FAITHFUL TRINITY near the 1200 Metres. He said, given the sectionals of the most recent race that the horse was successful in, he was of the opinion that Jockey Borges would not have had to make significant use of FAITHFUL TRINITY to maintain his position inside REGENCY MASTER. V Borges was severely reprimanded regarding his riding of FAITHFUL TRINITY after the 1300 Metres and advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had erred in failing to maintain his position inside REGENCY MASTER given the tempo of the race at the relevant time. He was told that whilst he had been given the option to obtain a trailing position rather than engage in a speed battle in the lead, they were not the circumstances of the race at the relevant stage and that he must ensure that he rides his mounts with sufficient judgement so that they are given every opportunity to finish off the race in the best possible position. A veterinary inspection of FAITHFUL TRINITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, M Chadwick was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of CALIFORNIA LEGEND. He said the horse was able to obtain a forward position without having to be ridden along, but after travelling satisfactorily throughout the middle stages came under pressure passing the 400 Metres and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY MASTER, V CHEVALIERS and PLAY WISE were sent for sampling.