12/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

VITALITY EXPRESS began only fairly and then shortly after the start raced in restricted room between ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER and ANTIPASTO. From outside barriers, THE UNTOUCHABLELAD and HOLIDAY SUN were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after entering the Straight, VITALITY EXPRESS was steadied away from the heels of ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER when held up for clear running behind that horse. Passing the 250 Metres, HOLIDAY SUN was steadied when disappointed for running between STRAWBERRY and ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER. After this, HOLIDAY SUN was not able to obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres. Then over the concluding stages, HOLIDAY SUN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VITALITY EXPRESS. Because of this, HOLIDAY SUN was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, ANTIPASTO travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards interviewed Apprentice K C Leung regarding him dropping his whip passing the 300 Metres on STRAWBERRY. Apprentice Leung had been spoken to on two occasions this season and had been penalized during the most recent season for dropping his whip. Apprentice Leung was advised that the number of occasions on which he has dropped his whip during races is unacceptable and that should he offend again within a reasonable period of time, disciplinary action may be taken. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WIN PRACTITIONER, C K Tong stated that the horse did not proceed down to the barriers as strongly as it had when he had previously ridden the horse. He said WIN PRACTITIONER began only fairly, he rode the horse aggressively in the early stages in an attempt to take up a more forward position, however, WIN PRACTITIONER was obliged to race towards the rear of the field. He said passing the 800 Metres he rode WIN PRACTITIONER along in an attempt to improve its position to the inside of BULLISH CASH so as to obtain a position closer to YUE LU TREASURE. He said however despite being ridden along, WIN PRACTITIONER was not able to improve its position and then in the Straight when placed under full pressure was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. C K Tong was unable to explain the disappointing performance of WIN PRACTITIONER. When questioned, M Guyon (KING OF SCOTS) stated that he was instructed to obtain the lead on KING OF SCOTS which was having its first race start at Happy Valley tonight. He said after obtaining the lead in the early stages, KING OF SCOTS did not settle properly when STRAWBERRY improved to his outside. He said, in his opinion, KING OF SCOTS did not appreciate being ridden in the lead tonight and may be better suited being ridden with cover. A veterinary inspection of WIN PRACTITIONER and KING OF SCOTS after the race did not show any significant findings. FEARLESS and VITALITY EXPRESS were sent for sampling.