04/05/2011  Happy Valley  Race 3

MACASSAR stood flat-footed at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, MACASSAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY AMBASSADOR raced in restricted room between JOLLY WONGCHOY and LET’S GOAL which got its head on the side and shifted out. After the 1200 Metres, BRILLIANT CHARIOT was left racing wide and without cover and near the 1000 Metres was allowed to improve its position into the lead. Near the 950 Metres, HOME WITH GLORY was checked away from the heels of MACASSAR. After the 800 Metres, MY WAY was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been instructed to either lead on JOLLY WONGCHOY or if another horse wanted to take up the lead, he should sit behind that horse. He said he rode JOLLY WONGCHOY along in the early stages to lead the race on the fence after passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said when SHINY DAY improved its position in advance of JOLLY WONGCHOY after the 1200 Metres, he elected to allow that horse to cross to the fence as JOLLY WONGCHOY was having its first start since February. He added he allowed SHINY DAY to cross JOLLY WONGCHOY in anticipation that that horse would maintain the lead which would provide JOLLY WONGCHOY with the “box seat” behind that horse. He said however that the rider of SHINY DAY subsequently allowed BRILLIANT CHARIOT to assume the lead near the 800 Metres which resulted in JOLLY WONGCHOY racing further back in the field than had been intended. He said irrespective of this, JOLLY WONGCHOY was disappointing in that it failed to respond to his riding at any time in the Straight and was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY WONGCHOY after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was not able to be scoped. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY MASTER had lost its right front plate. HAPPY AMBASSADOR and COMPACT YARN were sent for sampling.