06/01/2010  Happy Valley  Race 4

STRIKING MASCOT was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, IMPLIED VOLATILITY became unbalanced when crowded for room between BABY WAVE and AMITYSHIP, both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 1200 Metres, BABY WAVE raced tight between ABSOLUTE HEDGE and LEO’S PRIDE which shifted out slightly. When the pace slackened near the 900 Metres, RECORD HIGH was checked away from the heels of BABY WAVE which in turn was steadied away from the heels of ABSOLUTE HEDGE. In this incident, RECORD HIGH shifted in momentarily, crowding the room of FORTUNE WARRIOR. SUGAR ON TOP, which was following RECORD HIGH, was steadied in consequence. Near the 800 Metres, BOBO WIN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUGAR ON TOP. Near the 600 Metres, BABY WAVE was shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of ABSOLUTE HEDGE. Approaching the 200 Metres, AMITYSHIP was shifted out when disappointed for running between LEO’S PRIDE and ABSOLUTE HEDGE which shifted in. After this, AMITYSHIP raced tight inside BABY WAVE which shifted in slightly. At this time, AMITYSHIP was struck over the nose by the whip of K L Chui (BABY WAVE). When questioned, Apprentice M Chadwick stated that due to the anticipated slow pace of the race and the fact that LEO’S PRIDE had drawn barrier number 1, he was instructed to obtain a forward position. He said that he was instructed to obtain the box seat if the pace of the race was excessively fast, otherwise he should maintain the advantage of barrier 1 and hold the lead. He said he rode LEO’S PRIDE along in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed and formed the view passing the winning post on the first occasion that the pace of the race would not be fast, therefore he allowed LEO’S PRIDE to remain racing on the fence in the lead. He said in the early stages LEO’S PRIDE raced a little keenly when BABY WAVE and ABSOLUTE HEDGE were racing to his outside, however, LEO’S PRIDE relaxed passing the 1000 Metres and then travelled kindly. He said he commenced to ride LEO’S PRIDE out rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse gave him the impression that it was somewhat one-paced. He added, in his opinion, LEO’S PRIDE was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. Trainer K W Lui confirmed the instructions as instanced by Apprentice Chadwick. He said although the horse raced further back at its last start when successful, he felt that it was in its best interests to be ridden in a forward position tonight given the anticipated slow pace of the race and having drawn the inside barrier. He said bearing in mind the manner in which LEO’S PRIDE raced last start and tonight, he concurred with Apprentice Chadwick that LEO’S PRIDE is one-paced and that he was disappointed with the manner in which it finished off tonight’s race. Mr Lui was advised the performance of LEO’S PRIDE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, LEO’S PRIDE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Mr Lui was also advised that the variance in form of LEO’S PRIDE in its last three starts was of concern to the Stewards and he has a responsibility to ensure that horses trained by him race consistently wherever possible. A veterinary inspection of LEO’S PRIDE and STRIKING MASCOT after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BABY WAVE after the race revealed that the horse was lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, BABY WAVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LEO’S PRIDE, RECORD HIGH and THE UNTOUCHABLELAD were sent for sampling. <7/1/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> STRIKING MASCOT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. STRIKING MASCOT was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, STRIKING MASCOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.