02/03/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

SUPREME TAIJI was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot). Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME TAIJI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, SUPREME DE UNION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Over the final 200 Metres, CHARITY SPIRIT got its head on the side and lay in. C K Tong reported that rounding the Home Turn his saddle shifted to the left hand side, resulting in him experiencing difficulty in riding out SMART CHOICE in the Straight. When questioned regarding his riding of WINDICATOR POWER, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse quietly from barrier 11 in the early stages as the horse had not finished off its races of late when ridden in forward positions. He said accordingly shortly after the start he shifted WINDICATOR POWER across behind runners and allowed the horse to obtain a position closer to the fence. He said passing the 800 Metres he was some distance off SMART CHOICE, however, WINDICATOR POWER improved its position to be racing directly behind that horse near the 500 Metres. He said although there was a tight run to the inside of SMART CHOICE near the 500 Metres, he elected to shift his mount to the outside of that horse as he felt that WINDICATOR POWER’s best opportunity to obtain clear running would be to be shifted to the outside of runners rather than improving his position inside SMART CHOICE to follow BEAUTIFUL DREAMER. He added that at the entrance to the Straight he immediately shifted WINDICATOR POWER out from behind SMART CHOICE, however, a short distance later he was obliged to steady WINDICATOR POWER when disappointed for running between SMART CHOICE and SUPREME DE UNION which shifted in. He said after shifting to the outside of SUPREME DE UNION, he gave consideration to continuing to allow his mount to shift to the outside of SECRET OF WINNING, however, near the 250 Metres a run developed between MULTIPROUD and SECRET OF WINNING, therefore he rode his mount along in an endeavour to obtain this run. He stated that near the 200 Metres this run closed as a result of SECRET OF WINNING shifting in. He added he was momentarily held up for clear running passing the 200 Metres, however, near the 100 Metres he was able to shift WINDICATOR POWER out and after obtaining clear running WINDICATOR POWER then finished off the race strongly under hands and heels riding. He said he did not use the whip on WINDICATOR POWER after obtaining clear running as he felt the horse was giving of its best at this time and finishing off the race strongly. Trainer C Fownes stated that apart from WINDICATOR POWER’s first run in Hong Kong, he had been disappointed in the manner in which the horse had failed to finish off its races. He said after WINDICATOR POWER had drawn 11, he instructed Apprentice Ho to ride the horse quietly and to ensure that the horse was settled so that it was able to finish off as best as it was able. He said after viewing the video he felt that it would have been better for Apprentice Ho to shift WINDICATOR POWER to the outside of runners to ensure the horse obtained clear running rather than going between runners. He added however that he was satisfied with the manner in which WINDICATOR POWER performed tonight and it is his intention at this time to have the horse ridden in a similar manner in the future if circumstances permit. Trainer Fownes was advised that his evidence would be reported. Apprentice Ho was advised that his riding in the Straight had come under notice and that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shifted WINDICATOR POWER to the outside of runners immediately on entering the Straight rather than pursuing runs between horses. He was also advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to avail them clear running if possible and that he should at all times ride them with sufficient vigour so as to leave no room for query. A veterinary inspection of WINDICATOR POWER revealed that the horse was bleeding from an old wound to the left hind fetlock. A veterinary inspection of ARRIVED AHEAD after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, ARRIVED AHEAD will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MULTIPROUD after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. ARRIVED AHEAD, GOOD BOY BOY and JUN DAO were sent for sampling.