16/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 5

From the outside barrier, NATURAL FLAME was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. VAUGIRARD, which was slow to begin, was steadied away from the heels of EIGHT PLUS NINE shortly after the start when that horse shifted in after being bumped by MALAYAN BRIGHT. Rounding the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SOU MA TAM and EIGHT PLUS NINE were steadied when racing tight between FLORAL PICASSO and SUPER PLUS. Near the 50 Metres, SUPER PLUS was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between ELEGANT WIN and EASY, both of which shifted ground. Throughout the race, both SOU MA TAM and EIGHT PLUS NINE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W C Marwing (CHATER POWER) stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse in 5th or 6th position with cover if possible. He said he had to make some use of CHATER POWER in the early stages to clear KINGIFLY to his inside to avoid being left racing three wide. He said after clearing KINGIFLY and obtaining a position one off the fence, he steadied his mount to allow FLORAL PICASSO to shift in to his outside and provide him with cover. He said when he did this, CHATER POWER proved very difficult to settle and raced too fiercely. He said for these reasons CHATER POWER was then not able to finish off its race. When questioned, H W Lai (KINGIFLY) said that he had been instructed to ride the horse behind the leaders. He said he rode his mount vigorously hands and heels in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, CHATER POWER, which had drawn to his outside, showed more speed. He said he continued to ride KINGIFLY along in the run to the first turn to obtain a position inside CHATER POWER, however, that horse was able to cross KINGIFLY. He added KINGIFLY was then taken back through the field when CHATER POWER steadied to allow horses to its outside to cross and for these reasons KINGIFLY raced much further back than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of EIGHT PLUS NINE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of KINGIFLY after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KINGIFLY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EASY, VAUGIRARD and ELEGANT WIN were sent for sampling.