22/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 2

Just prior to the start being effected, HIGH RETURN became fractious and turned its head to the left, resulting in the horse being slow to begin and losing ground. SURFER BOY and SPLENDID GUY bumped at the start. From a wide barrier, DEHERE’S THE LOVE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, MAKE IT, which was being steadied with a view to being shifted across behind runners, was crowded for room between SAMADHI and SOUTHERN SPRINGS which shifted out after being bumped by JADE CHRISTY. After this, SOUTHERN SPRINGS continued to be awkwardly placed outside the heels of JADE CHRISTY. Making the turn prior to the 1000 Metres, SPLENDID GUY became unbalanced after making contact with EASY TO RICH. After the 900 Metres, HIGH RETURN, which had its head on the side and was laying out, was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPLENDID GUY. Also passing the 900 Metres, MAKE IT shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOUTHERN SPRINGS and in doing so bumped DEHERE’S THE LOVE which was proving difficult to settle. After initially being shifted to the inside of OCEAN WIDE passing the 300 Metres, SURFER BOY was then directed to the outside of the heels of that horse near the 200 Metres in an endeavour to obtain clear running. After this, SURFER BOY raced in restricted room behind OCEAN WIDE and VICTORY GENERAL. Over the final 100 Metres, JADE CHRISTY got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure. Over the concluding stages, TEAM WORK, which was finishing off the race strongly, was severely checked when unable to improve after being disappointed for running between VICTORY GENERAL (Z Purton) and JADE CHRISTY (Apprentice C Y Lui), both of which shifted ground. Whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that TEAM WORK had not properly established running between VICTORY GENERAL and JADE CHRISTY, Z Purton and Apprentice Lui were nonetheless advised to make a greater effort to keep their mounts straight. Close to the finishing line, JADE CHRISTY and VICTORY GENERAL then raced tight. In the Straight, MAKE IT hung in and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, JADE CHRISTY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SAMADHI, O Doleuze stated that the horse got its tongue over the bit on a number of occasions prior to the start being effected which required rectifying. He said SAMADHI was able to obtain a good position in the race and travelled strongly until near the 400 Metres at which time he placed it under pressure to improve its position. He said SAMADHI immediately came off the bridle and then despite being ridden out in the Straight was most disappointing. He said it was expected that SAMADHI would run well tonight as the horse had previously raced well on rain affected tracks. He added he was not able to offer any excuse for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SAMADHI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The Stewards received a report from the Veterinary Officer that EASY TO RICH was found to be distressed following the race. As this is the third occasion on which EASY TO RICH had been reported to be distressed after a race, the Stewards will interview Trainer C Fownes regarding this matter prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 26 May 2013. Before being allowed to race again, EASY TO RICH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SPLENDID GUY and SOUTHERN SPRINGS had both lost their right front plate and that TEAM WORK was lame in the left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, TEAM WORK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JADE CHRISTY, EASY TO RICH and OCEAN WIDE were sent for sampling.