Recap by phillip woo

Debutant Fast Serve rushed to the front 800m out and showed plenty of heart to repel a challenge from late-fancied favourite Sergeant Pepper. He lived to two smart trial wins at Happy Valley. Sergeant Pepper had his chance following his box-seat run but found one too good. He is always a chance over 1,000m at Happy Valley when he draws a decent gate. Punted late, Hearty Wish came from midfield to take third. He has had a good campaign, and barrier two was ideal for him. Lucky Gor ran on steadily to narrowly miss a placing after his wide trip without cover better than midfield. It was a good effort on his comeback from a tendon injury. Strive For Glory came up one-paced after his one-out, one-back run. He performed OK on his return to Class Four after winning and placing second in the cellar grade. I Give ran on steadily from behind midfield without ever looking a threat. He ran all right on his first visit to Happy Valley but Class Five beckons. Savvy Delight never landed a blow after getting caught very wide without cover behind midfield.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (743) - STANLEY GAP HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1000Meters

B Avdulla, the rider of HAPPY HORSE, was reprimanded for weighing in following the race 3 lbs overweight after having declared 2 lbs overweight at the time of weighed-out.

In assessing this matter, the Stewards took into consideration that this was the first occasion that Jockey Avdulla had returned overweight in Hong Kong.

INNOCONSTRUCTION, which was fractious in the barriers, jumped awkwardly and lost ground.

HAPPY HORSE jumped only fairly.

Shortly after the start, FAST SERVE and HEARTY WISH became unbalanced when crowded for room between I GIVE and SERGEANT PEPPER which shifted out.

In this incident, I GIVE was bumped on the hindquarters by FAST SERVE and became unbalanced.

Also shortly after the start, GOOD VIEW GLORY was steadied when crowded between MULTIMORE and LUCKY GOR, both of which shifted ground.

Near the 800 Metres, HAPPY HORSE commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from I GIVE for some distance thereafter.

Approaching the first turn after the 600 Metres, I GIVE was inclined to lay in and crowded HEARTY WISH.

When being corrected by its rider, A Badel, I GIVE then ran out across the heels of LUCKY GOR and as a result was checked.

In this incident, HAPPY HORSE, which was positioned to the outside of I GIVE, was hampered as a consequence.

The racing manners of I GIVE were considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, I GIVE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend in Hong Kong.

After the 500 Metres, I GIVE shifted back in, resulting in INNOCONSTRUCTION being steadied.

Approaching the 200 Metres, I GIVE was steadied and shifted to the outside of HEARTY WISH to secure clear running.

Near the 150 Metres, INNOCONSTRUCTION was eased and shifted to the inside of I GIVE to obtain clear running.

Over the concluding stages, GOOD VIEW GLORY raced tight to the inside of STRIVE FOR GLORY.

LUCKY GOR raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

A veterinary inspection of INNOCONSTRUCTION immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer??which had previously been reported.

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

FAST SERVE and SERGEANT PEPPER were sent for sampling.