12/01/2022  Happy Valley  Race 9

GALLANT CROWN lost its right hind plate on jumping. PRESENCE began only fairly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GALLANT CROWN (J Moreira) which shifted in. J Moreira was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. From wide barriers, SMOOTHIES, NEARLY FINE and PERFECT MARYKNOLL were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, CHEERFUL DAYS shifted out after racing tight outside PRESENCE. INCANTO PREPARED, which was racing outside the heels of CHEERFUL DAYS, got its head up and shifted out abruptly, resulting in INCANTO PREPARED becoming unbalanced and hampering NEARLY FINE which also became unbalanced after being bumped by INCANTO PREPARED. After this, INCANTO PREPARED travelled wide and without cover. Approaching the 1100 Metres, CHEERFUL DAYS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRESENCE, shifted out and inconvenienced INCANTO PREPARED. C Y Ho (PRESENCE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of INCANTO PREPARED, resulting in that horse being crowded for room and having to be checked when losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled inside CHEERFUL DAYS. C Y Ho was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 9 February 2022 and to expire on Sunday, 13 February 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Ho was fined $30,000. Approaching the 150 Metres, MALDIVES and PRESENCE were crowded for room inside CHEERFUL DAYS (Z Purton) which shifted in. Z Purton was reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances. Close to the finishing line, PRESENCE raced tight outside MALDIVES. A veterinary inspection of INCANTO PREPARED and SMOOTHIES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHEERFUL DAYS and GALLANT CROWN were sent for sampling.