Recap by phillip woo

Wonder Years came from a detached spot following his usual tardy start to overhaul Jubilation in the final few strides. It was his fourth win and his third victory over Happy Valley's 2,200m. Jubilation did everything right but get the win after settling better than midfield on the fence and hitting the lead 150m out. He is racing very well at both tracks this season. Super Hong Kong ran on nicely to fill a placing after travelling one off the rail in midfield. It was a welcome return to form on his fourth start this term. AI One grudgingly gave way after circling the field from behind midfield to find the front 800m out. He has not disgraced himself in any of his three races this season. Punted late, Flying Silver stayed on to finish the next best after his prominent run one off the fence. It was a better effort fifth up this term. Kasa Papa received a patient ride third last and made some ground late without threatening the placegetters. It was a typical effort despite his sharp rise in trip. Vincy made a mild bid after biding his time one from the rear. Favourite Kyrus Unicorn was on his tippy toes 150m out. He is not genuine.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three : (207) - STIRLING CASTLE HANDICAP - Class 4 - 2200Meters

Horse No 1 DARCI JOY (E161) Y L Chung Brushed the running rail after the 600 Metres.

Bumped on the hindquarters passing the 100 Metres.

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

Horse No 2 SUPER HONG KONG (D241) M Chadwick Jumped awkwardly and then was bumped shortly after the start.

Horse No 5 MANAGEMENT FOLKS (E496) B Avdulla Jumped only fairly.

Near the 1200 Metres was steadied when momentarily crowded by AI ONE (K Teetan) which shifted in before being corrected by its rider.

K Teetan was advised to exercise more care.

Crowded passing the 100 Metres.

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

Horse No 6 WONDER YEARS (G001) K De Melo Slow to begin.

When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance, Trainer D J Whyte stated that at its last race start WONDER YEARS was disadvantaged by having to race wide and without cover.

He added tonight WONDER YEARS was advantaged by the strong early pace which allowed the horse to make a long sustained run from the back of the field and finished the race off strongly.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 7 KYRUS UNICORN (D267) Z Purton When questioned, Z Purton stated that his instructions were to settle where comfortable but had not anticipated leading tonight.

He said in the early stages KYRUS UNICORN raced keenly, refused to settle and as a result he was obliged to lead.

He added that when AI ONE improved forward and pressured his mount from the 800 Metres, he was obliged to make use of KYRUS UNICORN from that point and in the Home Straight it failed to respond to his riding and gave ground.

Trainer D J Hall confirmed that the instructions were not to lead tonight's event.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

The performance was considered to be disappointing as compared to its recent starts.

Before being allowed to race again, KYRUS UNICORN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 8 VINCY (B213) L Hewitson From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Near the 25 Metres was bumped on the hindquarters by DARCI JOY and then could not be ridden out to the finish when held up between AI ONE and FLYING SILVER.

Horse No 9 AI ONE (E139) K Teetan When questioned regarding the tactics adopted, K Teetan advised that his instructions were to hold a handy position in the early stages and if circumstances permitted to make a mid-race move entering the Back Straight.

He said whilst he was aware that the pace of the event was being run inside of standard, as his mount is one-paced and to comply with his instructions, he shifted out near the 1000 Metres to commence a forward move and eventually crossed to lead.

Trainer K H Ting confirmed the instructions issued and stated that they were issued on the basis that AI ONE had won when ridden in a similar manner on 3 May 2023.

Horse No 10 SUNNY BABY (E166) M L Yeung Passing the 100 Metres was checked when crowded between DARCI JOY (Apprentice Y L Chung) which shifted out and MANAGEMENT FOLKS which was taken in after being crowded by KASA PAPA (C L Chau).

Both Apprentice Chung and C L Chau were reprimanded and advised they must stop riding and straighten their mounts sooner than what they did on this occasion.

After the race, M L Yeung advised that from a wide barrier he was instructed to go forward on SUNNY BABY.

Trainer D A Hayes confirmed the instructions issued.

Horse No 11 JUBILATION (G029) A Badel The start was delayed when JUBILATION proved difficult to load into the starting gates.

Before being allowed to race again, JUBILATION will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.

Sent for sampling post-race.