16/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 1

GALLANT HUSSAR, SPICY FRUITY and HOT SUN were all slow to begin. Approaching the 800 Metres, GALLANT HUSSAR and SPICY FRUITY raced tight inside HOT SUN which, after initially shifting in of its own accord, itself raced tight inside MOUNT SURPLUS which shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of JUST RIGHT. In this incident, MOUNT SURPLUS blundered. Making the first turn, SPICY FRUITY was steadied when crowded for room between OPTIC KING an GALLANT HUSSAR which shifted out when close to the heels of KING’S CHOICE. Near the 550 Metres, CHAIN WIN got its head up. WING MASTER hung in in the Straight. When questioned, Apprentice K C Leung stated that he had been instructed to ensure JUST RIGHT began well, to take up a forward position if possible, but not to ride the horse vigorously in the early stages to do so as it was felt that if the horse were to be ridden in this manner, it would be unable to finish off. He said JUST RIGHT began well, he rode along to take up a forward position as instructed, but was mindful not to make too much use of JUST RIGHT in the early stages. He said he observed PERFECT ATHLETE being vigorously ridden along to his inside approaching and passing the 800 Metres and he felt that he would have to unduly pressure JUST RIGHT in order to cross that horse to race outside CHAIN WIN. He said therefore he elected to remain racing in a three wide position outside PERFECT ATHLETE. Trainer T K Ng confirmed the instructions given to Apprentice Leung and advised that he had instructed him to have the horse racing where it was comfortable which it was hoped would be in a forward position. He did say he specifically advised Apprentice Leung not to make too much use of JUST RIGHT in the early stages so as to ensure the horse would be able to finish off the race tonight. The Stewards advised Apprentice Leung that whilst he must be mindful of his instructions, he should, wherever possible, avoid covering unnecessary ground. He was further advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, JUST RIGHT’s interests would have been better served if he had shown more endeavour to shift in to a position to be racing outside CHAIN WIN. When questioned, C W Wong (PERFECT ATHLETE) stated that he had been instructed to lead on the horse tonight if possible. He said PERFECT ATHLETE began awkwardly, he then rode his mount aggressively hands and heels in an endeavour to take up a forward position, however, CHAIN WIN, which was drawn to this inside, showed more speed. He said he continued to ride aggressively in the early stages to maintain a position to the outside of that horse’s hindquarters and so as to ensure that JUST RIGHT, which was racing to his outside, was not able to cross PERFECT ATHLETE. CHAIN WIN and GALLANT HUSSAR were sent for sampling.