21/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

BOBO WIN was slow to begin. ZEPHYRUS began awkwardly and then bumped REGENCY KINGDOM shortly after the start. When DR WELL was steadied near the 1000 Metres to allow JOLLY WONGCHOY to cross, SURE GOOD, which was following, was checked off the heels of that horse. REGENCY KINGDOM, which was following, shifted out when checked as a consequence. Near the 450 Metres, SURE GOOD and REGENCY KINGDOM bumped as SURE GOOD shifted out from behind DR WELL to improve its position. Rounding the Home Turn, ZEPHYRUS was held up for clear running behind DR WELL. In the early part of the Straight, ZEPHYRUS raced tight inside DR WELL which shifted in. Throughout the race, CLOVIS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (DR WELL) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on the horse and if the pace was sufficient, to race outside the leader which was anticipated to be KARBRIDGE. He said he was also instructed that if the tempo of the race was quick, he should steady and allow horses to cross. He said from the 1200 Metres he felt that the tempo of the race was going to be fast, therefore he elected to steady DR WELL to allow JOLLY WONGCHOY, which was improving to his outside, to cross and provide DR WELL with cover. When questioned, D Whyte (SPIRIT OF LO PAN) stated that his mount, which was laying in, became unbalanced in its action when crossing a mark on the track near the 200 Metres. He said for this reason he momentarily stopped riding SPIRIT OF LO PAN and allowed the horse to regain its balance before commencing to ride it out hands and heels to the end of the race. He said after the winning post SPIRIT OF LO PAN again became unbalanced in its action and shifted in abruptly. A veterinary inspection of KARBRIDGE and JOLLY WONGCHOY after the race did not show any significant findings. CHATER DE LAGO and REGENCY KINGDOM were sent for sampling.