09/02/2011  Happy Valley  Race 3

TOP DRAGON was slow to begin and then after the 1200 Metres when being steadied to allow HAPPY FOREVER to cross proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of that horse for some distance. AMAZING VENTURE was crowded for room shortly after the start between MINGS` HERO and HAPPY FOREVER, both of which shifted ground. Near the 900 Metres, LOTUS LOVE became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of GILDED FLIGHT. In the early part of the Straight, LOTUS LOVE had difficulty obtaining clear running when racing tight to the inside of HAPPY FOREVER. When questioned regarding his riding of GILDED FLIGHT, Apprentice T H So stated that he had been instructed to sit behind the leaders if possible. He said shortly after the start he was racing wide, therefore he rode his mount along to clear runners to his inside to obtain a position closer to the fence. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion GILDED FLIGHT was left racing in the lead on the fence. He said having in mind his instructions were to obtain a position with cover, after the 1200 Metres he commenced to steady GILDED FLIGHT, however, GILDED FLIGHT proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. He added that GILDED FLIGHT continued to race ungenerously until passing the 900 Metres at which time HAPPY FOREVER improved to his outside. He said after this GILDED FLIGHT raced more generously, however, was still inclined to over-race. Trainer Y O Wong confirmed that he had instructed Apprentice So to obtain cover behind the leaders if possible. He said he had been disappointed with the manner in which GILDED FLIGHT had performed recently when ridden near the lead and for this reason, from barrier 4 tonight, he hoped that GILDED FLIGHT would be able to obtain a good run with cover. He said that after viewing the race, he was of the opinion that Apprentice So had erred in continuing to restrain GILDED FLIGHT after passing the 1200 Metres in an attempt to obtain cover when that horse was proving very difficult to settle. He added that, in his opinion, GILDED FLIGHT`s interests at this time would have been best served by being allowed to stride, however, he was mindful that he had instructed Apprentice So to take a sit on the horse. Apprentice So was severely reprimanded and advised that his riding of GILDED FLIGHT between the 1200 Metres until after the 800 Metres had lacked the necessary level of judgement and initiative expected of a rider. He was also advised that whilst he has an obligation to ride to his instructions wherever possible, he must adapt to the circumstances of a race as they unfold. When questioned, Y T Cheng (TOP DRAGON) stated that he had been instructed to improve his position making the turn after the 600 Metres in an endeavour to establish a winning break over the field. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY FOREVER, G Mossé stated that he was instructed to lead on the horse if possible. He said after being loaded, HAPPY FOREVER became fractious and then began awkwardly. He said due to the manner in which HAPPY FOREVER began, he momentarily lost the use of his left stirrup iron which he was able to regather passing the 1600 Metres. He said when he lost the use of his left stirrup iron, he became unbalanced in the saddle. He added that after he regained the use of his iron, he intended to shift HAPPY FOREVER behind runners, however, TOP DRAGON maintained its position to his inside in a three wide position and for this reason he was obliged to allow HAPPY FOREVER to continue forward. He said the pace of the race slackened after the 1200 Metres and HAPPY FOREVER was able to improve its position without use being made of it. He said he was able to reach the lead on the fence passing the 700 Metres and then after the 600 Metres TOP DRAGON improved to his outside. He said that when this happened, HAPPY FOREVER was reluctant to maintain its position to the inside of TOP DRAGON despite being vigorously ridden along and after this HAPPY FOREVER was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground. He added that throughout the race HAPPY FOREVER hung in and, in his opinion, was somewhat awkward in its action. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FOREVER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LOTUS LOVE after the race revealed that the horse was a “roarer”. LOTUS LOVE, CLASSIC ENERGY and MINGS` HERO were sent for sampling.