15/09/2021  Happy Valley  Race 2

ROYAL RACER was withdrawn on 13.9.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right front medial suspensory branch injury). Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL RACER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY DIAMOND shifted out at the start and bumped JOLLY HONOUR which in turn shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of VICTORIOUS SEEKER, resulting in both JOLLY HONOUR and VICTORIOUS SEEKER becoming badly unbalanced. FAITHFUL TRINITY and FLASH FAMOUS bumped at the start. FLASH FAMOUS was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After travelling a short distance, VICTORIOUS SEEKER shifted out and bumped SEAWEED FORTUNE. Near the 1550 Metres, VICTORIOUS SEEKER was crowded for room inside SEAWEED FORTUNE (C Y Ho) which, when being ridden along, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED IMPACT which itself shifted in. C Y Ho was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances to ensure that unnecessary pressure is not placed on other horses. Approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, FAST PACE travelled keenly outside the lead. Near the 800 Metres, VICTORIOUS SEEKER was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, FAITHFUL TRINITY was momentarily eased away from the heels of V CHEVALIERS. Passing the 50 Metres and again close to the finishing line, V CHEVALIERS raced tight inside FAST PACE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SEAWEED FORTUNE, C Y Ho stated that due to the pace of the race being moderate in the early stages, his mount raced somewhat keenly after the 1200 Metres. He said when the pace of the race increased along the Back Straight, SEAWEED FORTUNE was initially able to respond to the change in tempo satisfactorily, however, then came under heavy pressure near the 500 Metres. He said, despite being vigorously ridden prior to and rounding the Home Turn, SEAWEED FORTUNE did not respond to his riding and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He added that SEAWEED FORTUNE is well-known to have breathing issues and he felt that these issues may have resulted in the horse’s failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SEAWEED FORTUNE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. LUCKY DIAMOND and FAST PACE were sent for sampling.