24/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 8

At the request of L Ferraris, CLASSIC UNICORN was inspected by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. SMART IDEA shifted out at the start and crowded A AMERIC TE SPECSO, resulting in A AMERIC TE SPECSO making contact with the hindquarters of CLASSIC UNICORN which became unbalanced. COMPASSION SUPER jumped awkwardly and then was bumped by ACT OF FAITH which shifted out. LESLIE jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 800 Metres, A AMERIC TE SPECSO was checked when crowded by COMPASSION SUPER (M L Yeung) which, after being taken in by WONDER KIT (M Chadwick), then shifted in and away from that runner before WONDER KIT was also corrected by its rider. Both M L Yeung and M Chadwick were advised to exercise more care. After the 600 Metres, CALIFORNIA CIBLE was bumped by ACT OF FAITH. A short distance later, CALIFORNIA CIBLE was steadied to avoid the heels of MAGNIAC. LESLIE was held up making the Home Turn and near the 250 Metres again became held up behind the weakening MAGNIAC and did not obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres. When placed under pressure in the Straight, SAKEWIN lay in and near the 150 Metres was inconvenienced when crowded between MAGNIAC and CALIFORNIA CIBLE, both of which shifted ground. When questioned regarding COMPASSION SUPER racing further back in the field, M L Yeung stated that with COMPASSION SUPER stepping up in grade tonight and with a strong early pace, it settled further back than what had been intended. M Chadwick (WONDER KIT) reported that his mount, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley, did not appreciate racing around the Happy Valley circuit and was inclined to shift ground throughout. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MAGNIAC, Z Purton stated that from a wide barrier he was obliged to make some use of his mount in the early stages to take up a forward position, but was able to obtain cover behind SAKEWIN near the 700 Metres. He said after the 500 Metres when SAKEWIN commenced to give ground, he was obliged to shift to that runner’s outside in an endeavour to improve, however, MAGNIAC did not respond to his riding and when he was concerned there might be something amiss with the horse, he desisted from riding it out to the finish of the event when not in a competitive position. Trainer J Richards advised that MAGNIAC had pleased him leading into tonight’s event and in particular had barrier trialed well on 12 May 2023 at Sha Tin. Mr Richards stated that whilst he agreed with the views offered by Jockey Purton, MAGNIAC was still disappointing. A veterinary inspection of MAGNIAC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MAGNIAC, a last start winner and favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MAGNIAC 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 CALIFORNIA CIBLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAGNIAC, MAGIC PHOENIX and WONDER KIT were sent for sampling.