01/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

HOLD HANDS began awkwardly. At the entrance to the Straight, HANNAH KING PRAWN shifted out and bumped FORTUNE RED PEPPER. When questioned regarding his riding of JUGGERNAUT today, G Mossé stated that he had been instructed, from the inside gate, to ride the horse positively in the early stages as it was anticipated that only WEI HAI INVINCIBLE would challenge for the lead. He said however if the pace in the early stages of the race was too strong, he had the option to steady his mount and allow other horses to cross in front of JUGGERNAUT. He said accordingly in the early stages he rode his mount along in an endeavour to secure the lead. He said after he did this, JUGGERNAUT proved difficult to settle and would not relax, particularly when WEI HAI INVINCIBLE improved to be racing outside of JUGGERNAUT. He said passing the 1200 Metres he was able to settle JUGGERNAUT somewhat albeit that the horse continued to race keenly. G Mossé said due to the manner in which JUGGERNAUT raced in the early and middle stages, the horse was not able to finish off the race and conceded that JUGGERNAUT’s early sectionals were too fast. Trainer S Woods confirmed the instructions given to G Mossé and advised that whilst he preferred JUGGERNAUT to lead, he had the option to hand up the lead should another runner be intent on leading. He said whilst there were a number of runners likely to go forward in today’s race, principally WEI HAI INVINCIBLE, he felt G Mossé would be able to ride JUGGERNAUT in such a fashion that he would be able to hold the lead without too much use being made of it, having in mind JUGGERNAUT had drawn barrier 1 today. G Mossé was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his riding in the early stages lacked the necessary judgement expected of a rider of his standing and he should at all times be mindful of the pace that he is setting on horses he rides. A veterinary inspection of JUGGERNAUT after the race did not show any significant findings. MELLIFLUOUS and HANNAH KING PRAWN were sent for sampling.