20/04/2022  Happy Valley  Race 8

At the time of declaration, K C Leung notified probable overweight of 2 lbs in respect of JOLLY HONOUR’s allocated weight of 116 lbs. K C Leung then weighed in an additional 1 lb overweight, resulting in Jockey Leung weighing in 3 lbs over the horse’s allocated weight. Jockey Leung was fined the sum of $7,500. On arrival at the Start, A Badel expressed concern regarding the action of WIN CHARM. WIN CHARM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that in his opinion the horse had a restricted action in both front legs and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, WIN CHARM was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, WIN CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BULLETPROOF, which proved difficult to load, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again. As the start was effected, BULLETPROOF kicked out, resulting in the horse beginning awkwardly and losing ground. MR ALDAN and AMAZING NEWS bumped on jumping. From the outside barrier, JOLLY HONOUR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, JOLLY HONOUR raced tight outside the heels of PACKING FAMOUS which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DRAGON PRIDE. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, BULLETPROOF, which had been vigorously ridden along to improve its position, was steadied away from the heels of DRAGON PRIDE which was racing tight inside BLISSFUL STAR. Approaching the 1300 Metres, AMAZING NEWS shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARIZARD. After the 400 Metres, AMAZING NEWS was awkwardly placed behind BIG TWO. Then rounding the Home Turn, AMAZING NEWS shifted out which resulted in LUCKY MISSILE racing tight inside PACKING FAMOUS. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he was instructed if BIG TWO did not begin well, to shift his mount across behind runners in the early stages, however, if the horse began with the field, it was available to him to take up a forward position. He said BIG TWO began well in tonight’s race and he was able to take up a forward position without having to make use of his mount in the early stages. He said after shifting BIG TWO in to race outside the lead after passing the winning post on the first occasion, the horse travelled keenly in the early and middle stages and would not relax. He added that, in his opinion, BIG TWO would be better suited being able to be ridden with cover. PACKING FAMOUS and BIG TWO were sent for sampling.