12/07/2017  Happy Valley  Race 4

WONDERFUL TIGER was slow to begin. MANFUL STAR stumbled at the start and then a short distance later was crowded for room inside FOX SUNTER which was taken in by GOOD COMPANION. HAPPY SOUND shifted in at the start, resulting in FUNNY BUDDIES being hampered. From wide barriers, STARLIGHT and EMPIRE STAR were steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being ridden along to obtain the lead, HAPPY SOUND travelled keenly and proved difficult to settle for some distance in the early and middle stages. Rounding the Home Turn, FUNNY BUDDIES was bumped by GOOD COMPANION which raced tight outside TRAVEL SUCCESSOR which was taken out by HAPPY SOUND (M L Yeung) which got its head on the side and lay out. M L Yeung was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground wherever possible. Approaching the 100 Metres, HAPPY SOUND shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of TRAVEL SUCCESSOR. Close to the finishing line, FUNNY BUDDIES was shifted out away from the heels of GOOD COMPANION which raced tight outside FOX SUNTER. Throughout the race, FUNNY BUDDIES travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of EMPIRE STAR over the concluding stages, C Y Ho stated that he had been required to ride his mount continuously throughout the race to ensure that it was able to be as competitive as it could. He said in the early part of the Straight he shifted EMPIRE STAR to the outside of runners and immediately commenced to place the horse under pressure including using the whip on the horse whilst at times riding it along vigorously hands and heels. He said EMPIRE STAR worked home satisfactorily in the Straight and as the horse was giving its all, he did not believe that it was necessary to use the whip vigorously over the concluding stages. C Y Ho was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he rides his mounts out with sufficient vigour all the way to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY HONEY immediately following the race found that horse to have a small amount of blood at the right nostril. An endoscopic examination of REGENCY HONEY deemed that horse not to have bled. STARLIGHT and FOX SUNTER were sent for sampling.