03/06/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE was withdrawn on 2.6.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BRILLIANT ONE (C K Tong). Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When WELL NOTED was initially being loaded into the stalls, the left leg of B Doyle became trapped against the back gate of the stall. B Doyle dismounted WELL NOTED prior to remounting the horse when he was satisfied he was able to fulfil his riding engagement. NATURAL FLAME began awkwardly, resulting in B Prebble, its rider, becoming unbalanced. Shortly after the start, NATURAL FLAME lost further ground after becoming unbalanced when bumped by VALUE CHOICE which was carried out by RARE TREASURE. In this incident, VALUE CHOICE also lost ground. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TEAM WORK took time to muster speed. Making the Home Turn, VALUE CHOICE was carried wider by RARE TREASURE which shifted out to obtain clear running. Shortly after straightening, NATURAL FLAME was steadied when disappointed for running between MY TIME and WELL NOTED which shifted out. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, BRILLIANT ONE had difficulty obtaining clear running. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE had difficulty obtaining clear running. J Lloyd (VALUE CHOICE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of EIGHT PLUS NINE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be checked. J Lloyd was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 14 June 2009 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting next Sunday 7 June 2009. When questioned, J Lloyd said he had been instructed to ride his mount in front of midfield if possible. He said shortly after the start VALUE CHOICE was inconvenienced and lost ground and then despite being ridden along was not able to obtain a position in front of midfield. He said entering the Back Straight when travelling three wide he endeavoured to steady VALUE CHOICE to obtain a position with cover. He said when he did this VALUE CHOICE commenced to over-race and would not settle for him. He said after the 800 Metres TEAM WORK went forward and crossed to race in a three wide line and he then approaching the turn at the 600 Metres commenced to allow VALUE CHOICE to improve its position. After viewing the official videos of the race, J Lloyd conceded it would have been better for him to allow VALUE CHOICE to stride forward after entering the Back Straight rather than restraining his mount. J Lloyd was told to ensure he rides his mounts to advantage at all stages of the race. K T Yeung (GILDED FLIGHT) said he had been instructed to have his mount travel in 2nd or 3rd position if possible from the inside barrier. He said in accordance with those instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages of the race and about 50 Metres after the start he gave it a slap down the shoulder with the whip to ensure it obtained a forward position. He said making the turn at the 1000 Metres he attempted to steady GILDED FLIGHT to allow LONGWAH RISING to cross to lead on the fence, however, GILDED FLIGHT travelled keenly and held the lead. When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick (COUNTRY MAGIC) said he had been instructed to be as prominently positioned as possible without making too much use of his horse. He said COUNTRY MAGIC began only fairly, he rode along in the initial stages, however, a number of runners to his inside showed superior speed. He said it became apparent to him shortly after the start that he would be left racing wide on the track and therefore approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres he elected to steady his mount and take it back to a position with cover at the rear He said in his opinion he would have been required to make too much use of COUNTRY MAGIC to obtain a more forward position which would have been contrary to his riding instructions. LONGWAH RISING and COUNTRY MAGIC were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, LONGWAH RISING was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of COUNTRY MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. RARE TREASURE, GILDED FLIGHT and EVER BEAUTY were sent for sampling.