23/06/2021  Happy Valley  Race 7

TELECOM SMART began only fairly. ALL FOR SOUTH (M F Poon) shifted out at the start and bumped RHAPSODY. ALL FOR SOUTH and RHAPSODY were then crowded for room a short distance after the start inside STANLEY PARK (Apprentice C L Chau) which when being ridden along shifted in. Apprentice Chau was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. In this incident, ALL FOR SOUTH shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of HONG KONG BET which became unbalanced. After the race, M F Poon reported that it was intended for ALL FOR SOUTH to be ridden in a forward position and lead if possible, however, after being crowded for room on jumping, this resulted in ALL FOR SOUTH racing further back in the field than had been intended. From the outside barrier, SHOUSON was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After travelling a short distance, SMART LEADER and JOLLY GOOD HEART bumped. Near the 1100 Metres, GREEN AEON raced tight inside STANLEY PARK which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, ALCARI was awkwardly placed outside the heels of STOICISM when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. Also making the turn near the 1050 Metres, GREEN AEON was steadied away from the heels of STANLEY PARK which, when inclined to lay in, shifted in when being ridden along. Apprentice Chau was reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 700 Metres, STOICISM was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 550 Metres, GREEN AEON was momentarily crowded for room between RHAPSODY and SMART LEADER which got its head on the side and lay out. Approaching the 500 Metres, ALCARI was momentarily awkwardly placed behind FAMILY FOLKS. Rounding the Home Turn, SHOUSON raced tight outside GREEN AEON which got its head on the side and shifted out. Passing the 150 Metres, TELECOM SMART raced close to the heels of FAMILY FOLKS when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of STANLEY PARK immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a laceration to the right hind fetlock and to the back of the right front knee. A veterinary inspection of GREEN AEON and ALL FOR SOUTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAMILY FOLKS, JOLLY GOOD HEART and HONG KONG BET were sent for sampling.