17/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

WIN WIN FIGHTER, which was noted to have a swollen right front leg on arrival at Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. NICE BIRDIE jumped awkwardly and then blundered shortly after. After travelling a short distance, NICE BIRDIE and V CHEVALIERS bumped, resulting in V CHEVALIERS becoming unbalanced. On jumping, HOLY POWER shifted out and made contact with the left side of its barrier. From an outside barrier, COPARTNER ERA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1000 Metres, WIN WIN FIGHTER, which raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event, shifted in slightly and then shifted out when being corrected by its rider, C Y Ho. Passing the 300 Metres, RIGHT HONOURABLE was momentarily held up when improving into a narrow run between KING’S CAPITAL and WIN WIN FIGHTER. For some distance near the 200 Metres, BEAU GOSSE was directed to the outside of HOLY POWER to continue into clear running. When questioned regarding his riding out of NICE BIRDIE over the concluding stages, C L Chau stated that when he felt NICE BIRDIE had reached the winning post, he desisted from riding it out. He added when he realized that NICE BIRDIE had not reached the finish of the race, he then recommenced riding it out to the winning post. The Stewards advised C L Chau that he must ensure he fully tests his mounts out to the finish of the race. In determining to take no action against Jockey Chau, the Stewards were mindful that NICE BIRDIE was able to hold on for second placing. After the race, M Chadwick (V CHEVALIERS) reported that his mount raced too keenly throughout the early and middle stages and as a consequence was unable to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of V CHEVALIERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Following the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on NICE BIRDIE at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of KING’S CAPITAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HOLY POWER, THE HULK and NICE BIRDIE were sent for sampling.