14/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 3

HAPPY CHA CHA, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. MARVELLOUS and STEEL NERVES bumped at the start. MARVELLOUS then shifted in and bumped MASTER RIO which in turn shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of WIN-A-LOT. When caught wide passing the 1000 Metres, STEEL NERVES got its head up when being steadied to obtain a position with cover. Near the 900 Metres, PLENTIFUL bounded in the air, lost balance and as a result lost a considerable amount of ground. TREASURE RAIDERS, which was following, was checked in consequence. In the circumstances, the racing manners of PLENTIFUL were considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, PLENTIFUL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. Near the 300 Metres, A WALK IN THE PARK hung in badly, resulting in JOLLY BIRD, which was commencing to weaken, being steadied when crowded for room. Near the 200 Metres, TREASURE RAIDERS (Z Purton) was checked when crowded for room between MASTER RIO which shifted in slightly and JOLLY BIRD which shifted out when weakening. The Stewards were of the belief that no jockey was careless, therefore no action was taken. Z Purton was reminded of his obligation to continue to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race wherever possible. Near the 50 Metres, A WALK IN THE PARK and KEEP GOING brushed as a result of both horses shifting ground. A short distance later, A WALK IN THE PARK and STAR OF FAME made heavy contact as A WALK IN THE PARK was shifted out and STAR OF FAME shifted ground inwards. As a result of this bump, both A WALK IN THE PARK and STAR OF FAME became unbalanced. When questioned regarding JOLLY BIRD being ridden forward tonight, W Pike stated that he had been instructed to be positive on the horse out of the barriers and take up a forward position if possible. He said that when he rode the horse at its first start this season, it was his opinion that JOLLY BIRD did not appreciate racing amongst horses and it was felt that by going forward tonight, the horse would race more genuinely. Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions issued to W Pike and said that, in his opinion, there did not appear to be a lot of speed in the race and he felt that JOLLY BIRD would be able to obtain a forward position without too much use being made of the horse. When questioned, Apprentice K C Leung (MASTER RIO) stated that he was instructed to ride the horse in 3rd or 4th position. He said rounding the turn at the 1000 Metres he obtained a position one out one back behind JOLLY BIRD, however, his mount was proving difficult to settle. He said he believed the pace of the race was genuine at this stage of the race and when A WALK IN THE PARK improved its position around him, he was reluctant to ride MASTER RIO along to stay on the back of JOLLY BIRD as his mount continued to prove difficult to settle. He said as a result of this A WALK IN THE PARK was able to shift in in front of MASTER RIO approaching the 600 Metres. He said then passing the 600 Metres when A WALK IN THE PARK shifted out, he attempted to improve his position inside of that horse, however, MARVELLOUS shifted away from the fence into the run that he intended to obtain and as a result of this MASTER RIO was not able to obtain the position inside A WALK IN THE PARK. Apprentice Leung was advised that he should have made more effort to hold his position on the back of JOLLY BIRD prior to the 600 Metres, thus preventing A WALK IN THE PARK from shifting in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of STEEL NERVES, a last start winner, D Whyte stated that at its most recent run, the horse was able to obtain a good run throughout without use being made of it. He said tonight in the early stages he was caught wide, the horse then proved difficult to settle when being shifted in to obtain cover and then did not travel for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of STEEL NERVES after the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER RIO, WIN-A-LOT and STAR OF FAME were sent for sampling.