Recap by phillip woo

Punted late, Modest Gentleman settled in the box seat and led near the 100m marker for a maiden win in Hong Kong at his 20th local start. He relished the return of blinkers and a step back in distance after filling the frame in two of four other starts this term. After suffering interference at the jump and biding his time in third last, Happy Tango ran on nicely near the inside to grab second. It was a good effort in defeat. August Moon ran on steadily for third after settling one of the rail in midfield. He's building towards a win at the Valley. Multimore stayed on all right for fourth after settling one-out, one-back from the widest draw. It was an okay effort with the move to a 10-pound claimer. After copping a bump at the start, favourite Happy Horse held a narrow lead one off the fence from 750m out and grudgingly gave way. He had an excuse. Magic Traveller made some ground without threatening from the rear of the field. Goodmanship was badly held up and hampered 100m out after a patient ride towards the rear. Fingers Crossed was stopping 100m out after vying for the lead.

Racing Incident Report

Race One : (325) - PATERSON HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1000Meters

Horse No 1 HAPPY HORSE (H061) H Bowman Crowded on jumping.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 3 MULTIMORE (D443) E C W Wong In the early part of the Home Straight lay in.

When questioned regarding his riding from the 600 Metres and the reason his mount lost its position behind the leaders, Apprentice E C W Wong stated that when MODEST GENTLEMAN improved to his inside and shifted out slightly, MULTIMORE had a tendency to lay out and as a result he was cautious not to allow his mount to shift out.

He said as a consequence he did not ride MULTIMORE along through that section of the race to ensure his mount maintained its position on the track which resulted in MULTIMORE losing some ground after the 500 Metres.

After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that MULTIMORE had an epiglottic entrapment.

Apprentice E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 50 Metres (see GOODMANSHIP).

Horse No 4 MAGIC TRAVELLER (H102) M Chadwick Jumped only fairly.

Horse No 6 GOODMANSHIP (E208) K Teetan Bumped heavily on the hindquarters on jumping and became unbalanced.

Apprentice E C W Wong (MULTIMORE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 50 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of GOODMANSHIP, resulting in GOODMANSHIP having to be checked.

Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 17 January 2024 at Happy Valley.

In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very good race riding record.

K Teetan, the rider of 7th placegetter, GOODMANSHIP, was reminded of his obligation to ensure he rides his mounts out to the finish of the race.

However, the Stewards elected not to take any action against Jockey Teetan due to the interference suffered by GOODMANSHIP near the 50 Metres.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Horse No 7 HAPPY TANGO (D075) L Hewitson Severely checked at the start when crowded between GOODMANSHIP and HAPPY HORSE which was taken out by FINGERS CROSSED when that runner shifted out despite the efforts of its rider.

After the race, L Hewitson stated that the intention was to settle in a more forward position, but after having to severely check his mount at the start settled further back than intended.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 8 MODEST GENTLEMAN (G352) A Atzeni Jumped only fairly.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 9 PERFECT ROCK (G175) H T Mo From the 650 Metres raced wide and without cover.