09/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 4

PACKING CHAMPION and YOUNG VICTORY were slow to begin. FARM BUMPER shifted out at the start and bumped WINNER’S HEART. From the outside barriers, JAZZ STEED, HAPPILY FRIENDS and HEY PAL were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 850 Metres, PACKING CHAMPION, which was travelling keenly, got its head up and became unbalanced of its own accord. PACKING CHAMPION continued to prove very difficult to settle and approaching the 600 Metres again got its head up when awkwardly placed behind TRAVEL DATUK. Then making the turn after the 600 Metres, PACKING CHAMPION got its head on the side, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of FARM BUMPER. Approaching the 800 Metres, OVERSUBSCRIBED, which was travelling keenly, was steadied away from the heels of WINNER’S HEART (N Callan) which shifted in when not quite clear. N Callan was advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. After the 800 Metres, OVERSUBSCRIBED got its head up when awkwardly placed behind WINNER’S HEART which was steadied to allow GOUTEN OF GARO to cross. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, OVERSUBSCRIBED shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNER’S HEART, resulting in JAZZ STEED being hampered. HAPPILY FRIENDS made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly. At the entrance to the Straight, OVERSUBSCRIBED was shifted to the inside of VERY SWEET ORANGE to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, HAPPY GOOD GUYS and WINNER’S HEART raced tight. After the 200 Metres, VERY SWEET ORANGE lay in under pressure. After the 75 Metres, WINNER’S HEART and VERY SWEET ORANGE bumped. W Buick (HAPPY GOOD GUYS) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in, significantly contributing to WINNER’S HEART being unnecessarily crowded for room and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled outside VERY SWEET ORANGE which shifted out marginally when racing tight outside TRAVEL DATUK. W Buick was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 16 December 2020 and to expire on Monday, 21 December 2020 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In this incident, the Stewards had regard to the minor contribution from VERY SWEET ORANGE which was taken out by TRAVEL DATUK (C Y Ho). C Y Ho was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts form shifting ground. As a result of C Y Ho attempting to straighten his mount to prevent causing further interference to VERY SWEET ORANGE, TRAVEL DATUK was not able to be fully ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, HAPPY GOOD GUYS travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of WINNER’S HEART and OVERSUBSCRIBED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNER’S HEART, GOUTEN OF GARO and HAPPY GOOD GUYS were sent for sampling.