07/01/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

While in the holding stables, NOBLE MAN, which had been fractious when being transported to the course, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said NOBLE MAN had a mild abrasion to its nose and in his opinion was suitable to race. As the start was effected, THUNDER FLASH put its head up and turned to the right. As a consequence, THUNDER FLASH was slow to begin. THUNDER FLASH was then taken across behind runners from the outside barrier. When the gates opened, STREET CAT bounded in the air and lost ground. LOLLIPOP, which was standing badly, began awkwardly and lost ground. On straightening, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR, which had been awkwardly placed inside the heels of TEAM WORK, was checked and shifted out to find clear running. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, which was following, was checked in consequence. In the early part of the Straight, WILLING STORM was tightened for room inside TEAM WORK which got its head on the side and hung in. At about the 50 Metres, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR was steadied to avoid the heels of ESPERANZA (C K Tong) which shifted in when not properly clear. C K Tong was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. For the majority of the Home Straight, DIAMOND BRILLIANCE was unable to obtain clear running and because of this was not fully tested. Throughout the race, TEAM WORK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding his mount out over the concluding stages, D Whyte (HONGKONG SUPERSTAR) said after being interfered with near the 50 Metres, he was not able to resume riding HONGKONG SUPERSTAR out as he was travelling directly behind ESPERANZA and would have been placed on the heels of that runner if he had improved his position. He added he was not able to shift HONGKONG SUPERSTAR in as this would have been resulted in interference to WILLING STORM. The explanation of D Whyte was accepted. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ADAIKALI, Apprentice K C Leung said it was anticipated his mount would be able to lead the field comfortably without being ridden to do so. He said in addition he was asked to position ADAIKALI on the rail if possible. He said ADAIKALI began well, he went forward in the early stages, however, DIAMOND BRILLIANCE went forward on its inside. He said ADAIKALI was caught racing three wide into the Back Straight and he then had to make some use of his mount to go forward and cross to the rail in the lead near the 600 Metres. He said because of the use he had been required to make of ADAIKALI in the early and middle stages of the race, his mount failed to finish the race off. ADAIKALI was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ADAIKALI after the race did not show any significant findings. WILLING STORM, BEAR MACHO and NOBLE MAN were sent for sampling. <8/1/2009 Additional Veterinary Report > ADAIKALI, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. ADAIKALI was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer S Woods this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ADAIKALI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.