04/05/2011  Happy Valley  Race 1

GRAND GENERAL was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, HEALTHY CONTENDER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 400 Metres, GORGEOUS RULER was crowded for room between NOBLE TWINS and BREAKING POINT which shifted out slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LIGHTNING MOUNT. At the 200 Metres, HEALTHY CONTENDER was checked away from the heels of GORGEOUS RULER when shifting to the outside of that horse. Near the 150 Metres, HUMONGUS was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between NOBLE TWINS which shifted in and RAY’S FAVOURITE which was taken out by LIGHTNING MOUNT. No further action was taken. Passing the 100 Metres, HEALTHY CONTENDER had difficulty obtaining clear running between RAY’S FAVOURITE and GORGEOUS RULER. Over the concluding stages, HEALTHY CONTENDER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LIGHTNING MOUNT. For the majority of the race, NOBLE TWINS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of BREAKING POINT, Trainer Y S Tsui stated that as instanced in the Incidents Report, at its last start the horse proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages when having to travel wide and without cover from a wide barrier. He said because of the manner in which BREAKING POINT travelled in this race, he removed the shadow roll from the horse’s gear tonight and added a hood for the first time. He said he had not altered the track work of BREAKING POINT since its last run and the horse’s improved performance could be attributed to it being able to race in a forward position due to the better barrier and the slow pace of tonight’s race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRAND GENERAL, B Doyle stated that he had intended to take up a forward position on the horse, however, after being slow to begin GRAND GENERAL was reluctant to improve its position to the inside of BREAKING POINT travelling down the Straight the first time. He said after obtaining a position behind BREAKING POINT passing the winning post on the first occasion, GRAND GENERAL travelled better, however, in the Straight in his opinion, appeared reluctant to improve its position inside of runners and did not stretch out as he thought it would. Mr B K Ng, the trainer of GRAND GENERAL, was not able to offer any reason for the horse’s disappointing performance as it had worked well since its most recent start and a forward showing was expected. A veterinary inspection of GRAND GENERAL and GORGEOUS RULER after the race did not show any significant findings. HUMONGUS, BREAKING POINT and NOBLE TWINS were sent for sampling.