06/02/2022  Happy Valley  Race 10

ENSURED began only fairly. EXCEPTIONAL NICE began awkwardly, shifted in and brushed the hindquarters of INTREPID WINNER. STORM LEGEND and MAJESTIC VICTORY bumped at the start. After this, STORM LEGEND was steadied and shifted across behind runners. GOD OF DRAGON and RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages from wide barriers. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, CINQUANTE CINQ commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind HIT THE SHOT. Also approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MAJESTIC VICTORY was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind RISE BRETHREN. At the entrance to the Straight, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE improved into tight running between CINQUANTE CINQ and MAJESTIC VICTORY. RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE was then crowded for room passing the 300 Metres when MAJESTIC VICTORY got its head on the side and lay in before being corrected and shifting out. RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE was then held up for clear running and near the 250 Metres was checked away from the heels of HIT THE SHOT. CINQUANTE CINQ had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 100 Metres, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of INTREPID WINNER which shifted out marginally. Near the 100 Metres, GOD OF DRAGON was shifted to the inside of RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE. A Badel (RISE BRETHREN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HIT THE SHOT, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. A Badel was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 12 February 2022 and to expire on Thursday, 17 February 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Badel was fined $90,000. Over the concluding stages, ENSURED raced in restricted room inside the heels of MEANINGFUL STAR. A veterinary inspection of MAJESTIC VICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAVVY KINGMAN and MEANINGFUL STAR were sent for sampling.