07/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 1

After arriving at the Start, it was noted GRAND GENERAL had lost its left front plate. GRAND GENERAL was replated and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SOU MA TAM began awkwardly and lost ground. Shortly after the start, GRAND GENERAL was checked and SUPER SPECIAL hampered when crowded for room between PALIO KING and TRIUMPHANT GLORY which on jumping shifted in abruptly. From the outside barrier, GENERAL KINGY was taken back and then in the early stages travelled without cover. When questioned, D Whyte (MAGIC KING ) said Mr A Schutz, trainer of the horse, had initially requested him to ride the horse in a rearward position as it had performed well when ridden in this manner previously. D Whyte said he requested that he be permitted to ride MAGIC KING in a forward position due to the composition of the field. He said Mr Schutz then agreed to him riding the horse in a forward position on the proviso that MAGIC KING began well. He said otherwise MAGIC KING should be ridden in a rearward position. Mr Schutz confirmed the discussion with D Whyte prior to the race. He said MAGIC KING can be tardy at the start and when this occurs he believes the horse is best suited being ridden quietly. He said the horse performed strongly from the rear in its recent runs. He confirmed E Saint-Martin who rode MAGIC KING at its most recent start had ridden the horse in accordance with the riding instructions issued to him and that he was satisfied with the manner in which it had been ridden on that occasion. He said the decision to engage D Whyte to ride MAGIC KING tonight was made at the request of the owner. When questioned regarding the poor performance of KING'S CHOICE, H W Lai said due to the horse being taken on in the lead by PERFECT ATHLETE, the tempo of the race was quicker than he would have liked. He said as a consequence KING'S CHOICE was not able to close the race off. Mr L Ho, trainer of KING'S CHOICE, said he had restricted KING'S CHOICE to light work in the stables area in the lead up to the race in an endeavour to ensure it was fresh to run the 1000 Metres of tonight's race. KING'S CHOICE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of KING'S CHOICE after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT ATHLETE, MAGIC KING and SUPER SPECIAL were sent for sampling.