14/01/2009  Happy Valley  Race 1

MAINLAND MASTER was withdrawn on 12.1.09 by order of the Stewards (owner's membership suspended) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ACTIVE VALOUR (B Prebble). After arriving at the saddling stalls, SILVER WRAITH had its right front plate reset. SILVER WRAITH was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SILVER WRAITH, which was standing with its head turned to the left, was slow into stride. FIRST DEGREE began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped OPTIC KING which in turn shifted ground and bumped with HAPPY SUNDAY which itself became unbalanced and shifted out after being bumped on the hindquarters by SILVER WRAITH. From the outside barrier, TELECOM EMPEROR was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, SILVER WRAITH was awkwardly placed inside HAPPY SUNDAY which was hanging in. Commencing to make the turn at the 600 Metres, PLEASURE PLEASURE got its head up and shifted out slightly when racing tight inside the hindquarters of ACTIVE VALOUR which also shifted in slightly. As a consequence, PLEASURE PLEASURE was severely checked and TELECOM EMPEROR which was following was checked. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, ACTUARIAL TALENT was checked severely and blundered when tightened for room inside KING CREOLE which initially got its head on the side and shifted in away from OPTIC KING (C K Tong) as that horse was being steadied and then was carried in slightly by OPTIC KING. When ACTUARIAL TALENT checked, ACTIVE VALOUR, which was following, was checked in consequence and inconvenience was caused to PLEASURE PLEASURE. In the circumstances, no action was taken, however, C K Tong was told to ensure he does his utmost to leave sufficient racing room for other runners where possible. After the 600 Metres, SILVER WRAITH was checked to avoid the heels of OPTIC KING which lost further ground. Also after the 600 Metres, ACTUARIAL TALENT shifted out and blundered after striking the heels of KING CREOLE. Rounding the Home Turn, ACTUARIAL TALENT was crowded for room inside ACTIVE VALOUR which was racing tight inside SILVER WRAITH which in turn was racing tight inside HAPPY SUNDAY. After the 100 Metres, OPTIC KING was checked when crowded for room between SILVER WRAITH which shifted in and ACTIVE VALOUR which when closing the race off was carried out by PERFECT ATHLETE (C W Wong) which shifted when giving ground. In the circumstances, C W Wong was severely reprimanded and told to exercise care. After the 50 Metres, when PERFECT ATHLETE was shifted in to relieve pressure it was applying to its outside, some inconvenience was caused to ACTUARIAL TALENT which as a result was momentarily steadied. Throughout the race, SUPER RED travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W M Lai (PLEASURE PLEASURE), which was having its first start since it had been transferred to the stable of Mr T K Ng, explained it was felt the early stages of the race would be run at a strong tempo and as PLEASURE PLEASURE was dropping back in distance to 1000 Metres tonight, the horse would not have sufficient pace to take up a forward position without being caught wide. He said because of this he was asked to allow runners which had drawn to his inside to go forward in the early stages and then shift across and race as close as possible to the rail. He said because of the manner in which the race was run PLEASURE PLEASURE travelled in a rearward position. He said after being checked at the 600 Metres PLEASURE PLEASURE then shifted away from the rail and in the Straight closed the race off strongly despite having some difficulty obtaining clear running. HAPPY SUNDAY and FIRST DEGREE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SUNDAY after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, FIRST DEGREE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, FIRST DEGREE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING CREOLE and TELECOM EMPEROR were sent for sampling.