Racing Incident Report – Happy Valley, February 25, 2026

A review of incidents from the races held at Happy Valley on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, has revealed several notable occurrences involving various horses and jockeys. These incidents ranged from bumping and crowding to veterinary concerns, impacting the performance of several contenders.

Incident Details

Horse No. 1 – Country Dancer

Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle reported that after travelling a short distance, Country Dancer shifted in and made contact with Rich Horse after being bumped by Chill Master. Further along the racecourse, near the 350-meter mark, Country Dancer attempted to improve between Chill Master and Rich Horse but found insufficient room. Shortly after, My Flying Angel shifted out, causing Rich Horse to move outwards and Country Dancer to be checked and blunder when making contact with Chill Master. Stewards determined there wasn’t adequate space for Jockey McMonagle to improve at that point and advised him to exercise more caution in similar situations. A post-race veterinary inspection revealed a laceration to the horse’s right front fetlock.

Horse No. 2 – Top To Sky

K C Leung, the jockey, noted that Top To Sky lay in near the 600-meter mark, making slight contact with Lucky Generations. Leung also reported his opinion that the horse would perform better stepping up in distance to 1400 meters. A veterinary examination following the race did not reveal any significant findings.

Horse No. 5 – Chill Master

C L Chau, riding Chill Master, reported that the horse was crowded shortly after the start by Oriental Surprise, which shifted in slightly. Near the 350-meter mark, Chill Master became unbalanced when bumped by Country Dancer.

Horse No. 7 – Rich Horse

M F Poon, jockey of Rich Horse, stated the horse jumped only fairly and became unbalanced when bumped by Country Dancer after a short distance. Rich Horse raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

Horse No. 8 – You’remyeverything

K Teetan, riding You’remyeverything, experienced a moment of crowding near the 400-meter mark when My Flying Angel (ridden by A Badel) shifted in. A Badel was advised to exercise more care.

Horse No. 9 – Lucky Generations

E C W Wong, jockey of Lucky Generations, reported the horse became unbalanced on jumping when bumped by Taihang Scenery, which had shifted in. During the middle stages of the race, Lucky Generations raced keenly. Near the 600-meter mark, contact was made with Top To Sky whereas racing tight to the inside of that runner. The horse was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No. 10 – Taihang Scenery

L Hewitson, riding Taihang Scenery, stated that the horse shifted in at the start and was bumped. Approaching the first turn, Taihang Scenery raised its head and shifted out, making contact with Sonic Boom. The horse then raced ungenerously for some distance before weakening in the home straight. Hewitson believes the horse would be better suited over 1000 meters. A post-race veterinary inspection, including an endoscopic examination, revealed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. The horse’s performance was considered disappointing compared to previous starts. Taihang Scenery will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and undergo a veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. The horse was also sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No. 11 – Oriental Surprise

Z Purton, jockey of Oriental Surprise, stated that, from a wide barrier, his instructions were to take up a forward position. Trainer D A Hayes confirmed these instructions. The horse was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No. 12 – Sonic Boom

H Bentley, riding Sonic Boom, reported making contact with Taihang Scenery, which had shifted out, near the 1000-meter mark on the first turn. The horse raced keenly during the middle stages of the race.