18/05/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

Just prior to the start being effected, MY MATE ADRIC turned its head to the left. Shortly after entering the Straight, OTTIMO was checked when disappointed for running between FLORA DANICA and MY MATE ADRIC which shifted in slightly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLORA DANICA, M Du Plessis stated that the horse travelled well as it did at its most recent start when it raced well. He said however that the tempo of tonight’s race was much quicker than that of the most recent race. He said FLORA DANICA travelled well until approaching the Home Turn, however, when placed under pressure in the Straight weakened out of the race markedly. A veterinary inspection of FLORA DANICA after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, O Doleuze (GO LUCKY GO) reported that the horse did not stretch out at any stage of the race and in the Straight felt awkward in its action. A veterinary inspection of GO LUCKY GO after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding out in the Straight, Apprentice C Y Ho (BOUNCER) stated that shortly after the Straight, he struck the horse with the whip in the left hand. He said he was then obliged to shift BOUNCER to the inside of FLORA DANICA near the 200 Metres to continue improving when that horse commenced to give ground. He said he recommenced riding BOUNCER out with the whip, however, over the final 50 Metres he put the whip away and rode BOUNCER out hands and heels to the line. Apprentice Ho was advised that his explanation would be accepted, however, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shown more vigour than he did in his riding out of BOUNCER over the concluding stages. He was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. CROWN WITNESS and OTTIMO were sent for sampling.