25/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 1

On arrival at the barriers, the left front plate worn by TOUT VA BIEN was refitted. TOUT VA BIEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. From the outside barrier, SURE GOOD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Also shortly after the start, KOWLOON PRIDE, which began awkwardly, was checked away from the heels of TOUT VA BIEN which became unbalanced and shifted out after being bumped by SUPER FIGHTER. In this incident, KOWLOON PRIDE struck the heels of TOUT VA BIEN and blundered. J Lloyd stated that after this he rode KOWLOON PRIDE along to make up lost ground, however, despite his urgings the horse failed to show early speed. He said he continued to ride KOWLOON PRIDE along in the Back Straight to have it make up ground, however, it became detached from the field. He stated it was only at the 500 Metres that KOWLOON PRIDE commenced to travel on the bit and in the Straight finished off the race well. He added KOWLOON PRIDE will be better suited in races of longer than the 1200 Metres of tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of KOWLOON PRIDE after the race did not show any significant findings. Rounding the turn at the 600 Metres, GOUF shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of OUR PEGASUS which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLDEN BAUHINIA. TOUT VA BIEN, which was following GOUF, was steadied in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, SOHNA was held up for clear running and was steadied away from the heels of TAI SING YEH. Also rounding the Home Turn, SUPER FIGHTER was steadied when crowded for room between SURE GOOD and SUCCESSFUL ERA which shifted out. Near the 200 Metres, SUCCESSFUL ERA was shifted in away from the heels of OUR PEGASUS to continue improving its position. When questioned regarding his riding of JUST RIGHT, W M Lai stated that as the horse was racing over 1200 Metres tonight, he had been instructed not to make too much use of it in the early stages. He said accordingly he rode along in the early stages to take up a forward position, but was reluctant to continue riding JUST RIGHT along in the run to the first turn to ensure he complied with his instructions. He said near the 1100 Metres OUR PEGASUS improved its position to be racing inside of JUST RIGHT and this prevented JUST RIGHT from shifting in. He added because of this JUST RIGHT was left racing three wide and without cover throughout the race. Trainer T K Ng confirmed that he had instructed W M Lai not to make too much use of the horse in the early stages due to it racing over 1200 Metres. He said he believed however that JUST RIGHT would be able to take up a forward position without having to be ridden along vigorously in the early stages. W M Lai was advised that his riding of JUST RIGHT in the early stages had come under notice and that he should ride his mounts in accordance with his instructions wherever possible. He was also advised that he should ride in such a manner so as not to cover unnecessary ground. When questioned, B Prebble stated that in the early part of the Straight he placed GOUF under pressure, however, near the 200 Metres he became concerned with its action. He said he continued to ride the horse out to the end of the race, however, GOUF was not stretching out as it should and, in his opinion, felt something was amiss with the horse.  A veterinary inspection of GOUF after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GOUF will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TAI SING YEH and DANABAA were sent for sampling.