01/06/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that OCEAN WIDE had lost its right front plate. This plate was reset and the horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FAST FORWARD began awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of REGENCY WINNER, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. SUPREME FAY FAY was slow to begin. From wide barriers, DOUBLE LUCK and MAELSTROM were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metres, FAST FORWARD lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position inside OCEAN WIDE. Near the 150 Metres, SUPREME FAY FAY was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE WAND which shifted out. For the majority of the race, RARE TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of D Whyte (THE WAND), 6th placegetter, 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 regarding the performance of THE WAND, D Whyte stated that the horse was most disappointing. He said that his mount travelled well throughout the race when following the eventual winner, GURUS DREAM, however, after being shifted away from the fence rounding the Home Turn, THE WAND came under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and then did not finish off the race as strongly as it did at its first race start in Hong Kong. Trainer C Fownes advised that due to having drawn the outside barrier and carrying top weight, it had been decided to ride OCEAN WIDE from the rear as he felt that there was good speed in the race. He said that if OCEAN WIDE were to be ridden to obtain a forward position, the horse may be caught wide and consequently would not be able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of THE WAND after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was not able to be scoped. THE WAND, GURUS DREAM and SHAHJEE were sent for sampling.