17/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 9

FAMILY FOLKS was slow to begin. JUNEAU FLASH and ACE ONE bumped at the start. ARMOUR EAGLE jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. EXCELLENT PEERS was slow to begin and then from a wide barrier was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 600 Metres, NICCONI COUNTY commenced to over-race and was steadied to avoid SON PAK FU. Near the 200 Metres, TELECOM SPEED raced tight between GOLDEN LINK and JUNEAU FLASH which shifted out. Also near the 200 Metres, EXCELLENT PEERS was steadied when briefly crowded between FAMILY FOLKS and ARMOUR EAGLE, both of which shifted ground slightly, Over the final 200 Metres, GOLDEN LINK lay in under pressure and proved difficult to ride out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BRAVE STAR, C Y Ho stated that whilst he was able to obtain a forward position with cover, BRAVE STAR did not travel strongly and making the Home Turn dipped on a number of occasions. He added that as a result BRAVE STAR lost confidence and failed to finish the race off from that point. Trainer K W Lui stated that BRAVE STAR had pleased him in its work since running second on 19 April 2023 and could only concur with the views offered by Jockey Ho. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BRAVE STAR, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BRAVE STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of NICCONI COUNTY and JUNEAU FLASH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BRAVE STAR, SUPERB CAPITALIST and ALLGREEKTOME were sent for sampling.