19/05/2021  Happy Valley  Race 8

TRANSCENDENT and SPECIAL M were crowded for room on jumping between STOICISM and MEHBOOB which got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly. EIGHT TRIGRAMS began only fairly and then despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages failed to muster speed. Then passing the 1100 Metres, EIGHT TRIGRAMS was steadied and shifted across behind runners which resulted in the horse racing back in the field. Near the 650 Metres, SPECIAL M was momentarily crowded for room inside MEHBOOB which was racing tight inside STOCK LEGEND (A Badel) which shifted in. A Badel was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances and told to ensure that he does not place undue pressure on other horses. H Bentley (ALCARI) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 550 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of STOICISM, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. H Bentley was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 2 June 2021 and to expire on Monday, 7 June 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Bentley’s good race riding record. When STOICISM was checked, MOMENTUM GALAXY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. MOMENTUM GALAXY then continued to race very close to the heels of STOICISM and approaching the 400 Metres shifted out away from the heels of that horse. MOMENTUM GALAXY then raced very close to the heels of MEHBOOB and STOICISM and passing the 400 Metres stumbled. TRANSCENDENT, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. After the race, it was reported that STOICISM had sustained a minor laceration to the left front pastern. Over the concluding stages, AURORA PEGASUS was awkwardly placed inside the heels of THE RUNNER which shifted in under pressure. Throughout the race, THE RUNNER travelled wide and for the majority of the race without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of STOCK LEGEND, A Badel stated that, in his opinion, the horse’s failure to finish off the race tonight was attributable to the fact that it was required to race wide and without cover throughout the race. He said STOCK LEGEND did not travel strongly at any stage of the race and after coming under pressure rounding the Home Turn then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of STOCK LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of STOCK LEGEND, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STOCK LEGEND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, C Schofield was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of SPECIAL M which he was riding for the first time tonight. He said SPECIAL M travelled well throughout the early and middle stages and after having some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight did not respond to his riding over the final 200 Metres and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL M immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MOMENTUM GALAXY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STOICISM, TRANSCENDENT and ALCARI were sent for sampling.