03/02/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

BLADE FORCE began awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted out. Soon after the start, GALAXY TREASURE was checked when crowded for room between CHARMGOLD which shifted out and ONE WEE ACORN which shifted in after being bumped by SEA PRINCE which itself shifted in at the start. Near the 900 Metres, SEA PRINCE was steadied away from the heels of BLADE FORCE (G Cheyne) which shifted in. ONE WEE ACORN, which was following SEA PRINCE, was obliged to steady away from the heels of that horse and as a consequence shifted out, resulting in ONE WEE ACORN racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the event. G Cheyne was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he leaves sufficient racing room for his fellow riders in similar circumstances. Near the 250 Metres, INVESTAR got its head on the side and became very awkward in its action. When questioned, J Victoire (SOU MA TAM), which was having its first start for Trainer K W Lui, stated that from barrier 11 tonight, he was instructed not to go forward on the horse as it was believed that too much use would have to be made of it to cross runners drawn to its inside and therefore would not be able to finish off the race. He stated that in accordance with his instructions, he did not ride SOU MA TAM along in the early stages, but rather allowed horses drawn to his inside to improve their positions before commencing to shift across behind runners shortly after the start. He said making the first turn SOU MA TAM was left racing in a three wide position outside ONE WEE ACORN, therefore he elected to allow that horse to improve its position and obtained cover behind it passing the 900 Metres. When questioned regarding his handling of PERFECT SPRINT, which was having its first start in Hong Kong tonight, G Mossé stated that the horse was agitated in the Parade Ring, on the way to the Start and behind the barriers. He said due to PERFECT SPRINT’s pre-race manners, he had been instructed to ride the horse patiently and to ensure that it did not over-race. He said it was felt that if use was made of PERFECT SPRINT in the early stages, having in mind the horse’s temperament prior to the race, it would not settle and consequently would not be able to finish off the race. He said that PERFECT SPRINT began well, he immediately took hold of the horse to ensure that it settled. He said he initially intended to obtain a position behind ONE WEE ACORN, however, PERFECT SPRINT took some time to come back to get into a position to shift across behind that horse. He said when PERFECT SPRINT was in a position to do so, MERRY WAY, which had initially drawn to his outside, improved to be racing to his inside approaching the first turn, therefore he was not able to shift in behind ONE WEE ACORN. He said he observed SOU MA TAM being ridden along and shifting in to his outside, therefore he elected to allow SOU MA TAM to cross PERFECT SPRINT near the 1000 Metres so as to provide PERFECT SPRINT with cover. He said near the 800 Metres PERFECT SPRINT commenced to travel kindly with him and although a gap opened up between his mount and the runner in front, he was reluctant to ride PERFECT SPRINT along as he felt that to do so may result in the horse commencing to race fiercely. He said he commenced to improve his position on PERFECT SPRINT passing the 600 Metres and rode the horse vigorously from the 500 Metres and in the Straight it finished off the race strongly. Trainer A Lee confirmed that PERFECT SPRINT had proved difficult to settle and had become very agitated in the Parade Ring. He said due to PERFECT SPRINT’s pre-race manners, he felt that it was not in the best interests of the horse to make use of it in the early stages as, in his opinion, it was clear that it would have proved difficult to settle. He said he stressed to Jockey Mossé the importance of having PERFECT SPRINT travel kindly so that it would be able to finish off the race tonight. He added having in mind PERFECT SPRINT’s behaviour prior to the race, he was satisfied with the manner in which Jockey Mossé was able to get the horse settled and to close off the race tonight. G Mossé was advised that his riding of PERFECT SPRINT in the early and middle stages of the race had come under notice and that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should not have allowed PERFECT SPRINT to get as far out of its ground as it did tonight. He was further advised that he should at all times ride his mounts in such a fashion so as to leave no room for query. Mr Lee was advised that his explanation would be reported. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LOYAL ARMY, W C Marwing stated that he was instructed to lead tonight if possible as the horse’s connections believed that runners being ridden on the speed were suited on tonight’s track. He said although LOYAL ARMY was able to dictate the race at its own tempo, the horse was disappointing in that it failed to close off the race. He said having in mind the way LOYAL ARMY raced tonight, he now believed that the horse is best suited when held up behind the speed if possible. A veterinary inspection of LOYAL ARMY and INVESTAR after the race did not show any significant findings. NUGGET WARRIOR and MERRY WAY were sent for sampling.