14/04/2021  Happy Valley  Race 7

WOOD ON FIRE began awkwardly, then shifted in and brushed JOYFUL UNION. HIGH RISE SOLDIER was crowded for room on jumping between MCLUCKY and STANLEY PARK, both of which shifted ground. SHOUSON stumbled at the start. Shortly after the start, IMA SINGLE MAN was crowded for room between KAI XIN DRAGON and BEAUTY SPARK (C Wong) which, when being ridden along, got its head on the side and shifted in. In this incident, KAI XIN DRAGON became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by IMA SINGLE MAN. C Wong was reprimanded and told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have done more than he did on this occasion to prevent his mount from shifting ground. He was further told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent causing interference to other runners in similar circumstances. From the outside barrier, DAILY BEAUTY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1050 Metres, KAI XIN DRAGON got its head up when awkwardly placed behind JOYFUL UNION. Approaching the 1000 Metres, WOOD ON FIRE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of MCLUCKY (Apprentice C L Chau) which shifted in when not quite clear. Apprentice Chau was advised to ensure that he gives sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. JOYFUL UNION, which was following WOOD ON FIRE, was inconvenienced in consequence. Throughout the race, AQUILA travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of AQUILA immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, AQUILA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of IMA SINGLE MAN and SHOUSON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOUNG LEGEND and MCLUCKY were sent for sampling.