17/04/2011  Happy Valley  Race 9

JACOBEE was crowded for room at the start between CHATER WAY and KING AL AKBAR, both of which shifted ground. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, OPERATION SECRET raced in restricted room inside JACKPOT DELIGHT which itself raced tight inside CHATER WAY which was taken in slightly by OUTDOOR PEGASUS. OUTDOOR PEGASUS was then shifted out by its rider to relieve the tightening. No further action was taken. Near the 1100 Metres, EL MORRO became unbalanced. Passing the 1100 Metres, SAPELLI was momentarily crowded for room inside OPERATION SECRET which was taken in by CHATER WAY which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. Shortly after entering the Straight, SAPELLI was checked when disappointed for running inside EL MORRO (Apprentice C Y Ho) which shifted in. As the Stewards could not be satisfied that SAPELLI had fully established running to the inside of EL MORRO, no further action was taken, however, Apprentice Ho was severely reprimanded and advised that he should ensure that he is sufficiently clear of other runners when shifting ground. Near the 200 Metres, OUTDOOR PEGASUS got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. JACOBEE, which was shifting to the outside of the heels of that horse when closing off the race strongly, became unbalanced when steadied away from the heels of OUTDOOR PEGASUS. JACOBEE then had some difficulty obtaining clear running between OUTDOOR PEGASUS and CERISE CHERRY and over the concluding stages shifted in and inconvenienced OUTDOOR PEGASUS. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied the riding of G Cheyne (OPERATION SECRET), 6th placed, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed not to ride KING AL AKBAR along in the early stages as the horse can over-race if made use of to obtain a forward position. He said it was anticipated that CERISE CHERRY may lead the race which would allow KING AL AKBAR the opportunity to sit off that horse if the tempo of the race was genuine. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he was left racing wide and without cover, therefore he allowed the horse to improve its position to be racing outside OUTDOOR PEGASUS. He said when OUTDOOR PEGASUS and EL MORRO, which was racing to the inside of OUTDOOR PEGASUS, were steadied, he allowed KING AL AKBAR to stride into the lead. He said that after obtaining the lead, he was able to run the race at a relatively slow tempo as evidenced by the slow overall time. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had been instructed to position OUTDOOR PEGASUS in 3rd or 4th position with cover if possible from the outside barrier. He said OUTDOOR PEGASUS began somewhat awkwardly, he attempted to obtain cover behind runners approaching the winning post on the first occasion, however, due to the tempo of the race in the early stages, he was not able to do so and consequently travelled outside of EL MORRO near the 1300 Metres. He said after obtaining the position outside EL MORRO, he steadied OUTDOOR PEGASUS to allow KING AL AKBAR to shift across OUTDOOR PEGASUS and provide his mount with cover. He said however, EL MORRO, which was racing to the inside of OUTDOOR PEGASUS, was also steadied which allowed KING AL AKBAR to obtain the position on the rail which resulted in OUTDOOR PEGASUS not being able to obtain cover in the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EL MORRO, Apprentice Ho stated that, in his opinion, the horse had travelled too keenly when stepping up to the 1650 Metres of today’s race. He said because of this EL MORRO was not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SAPELLI and EL MORRO after the race did not show any significant findings. JACOBEE, CERISE CHERRY and LITTLE DREAMS were sent for sampling.