21/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 2

MUSTANG was slow to begin. In the early stages, both WIN A DOZEN and MAGIC KING proved difficult to settle. Over the concluding stages, MAGIC KING was steadied away from the heels of WIN A DOZEN which shifted out slightly. When questioned, W M Lai (TRANSCENDENCE) stated that his mount threw its head in the air at the start, resulting in him becoming unbalanced in the saddle. He said because of this TRANSCENDENCE lost considerable ground at the start. He said his mount travelled well throughout the race at the rear of the field, on entering the Straight he immediately placed TRANSCENDENCE under hard hands and heels riding and the horse responded fairly to his riding. He said inside the 100 Metres as TRANSCENDENCE was making some ground, he commenced to use the whip on the horse. W M Lai was told his explanation would be noted, however, he should at all times ensure he gives his mounts sufficient rein at the start so as to afford them every opportunity to begin with the field. When questioned regarding his riding on HIGH LUCK, D Beadman stated that he was instructed to ride the horse where it was comfortable and it was anticipated that this would be behind midfield. He said after beginning well, he elected to steady HIGH LUCK passing the 1100 Metres to allow STAR OF FAME to cross as he felt this would provide him with a good horse to follow through the race. He said making the first turn HIGH LUCK became awkward in its action and was somewhat reluctant to stretch out fully. He said when racing inside DESCARTES along the Back Straight, HIGH LUCK was reluctant to maintain its position and for this reason he was unable to follow STAR OF FAME as he had intended. He said HIGH LUCK continued to prove somewhat hesitant to improve its position inside of DESCARTES rounding the Home Turn and then in the Straight wanted to lay in under pressure which resulted in him having to stop riding and straighten his mount on a number of occasions. He said despite the fact that HIGH LUCK lay in in the Straight, the horse was still able to finish off the race satisfactorily. STAR OF FAME and WIN-A-LOT were sent for sampling.