14/09/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

NOBLE DELUXE was slow to begin. In the early and middle stages, OTTIMO travelled wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres was allowed to stride into a more forward position. Approaching the winning position on the first occasion, NOBLE DELUXE improved into tight running between VERY WELL and SLEEP WELL. SLEEP WELL then got its head up for some distance when being steadied by its rider to prevent it shifting in, causing interference to NOBLE DELUXE. Passing the 600 Metres, VERY WELL was steadied away from the heels of GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. NOBLE DELUXE, which was following, blundered when being checked away from the heels of VERY WELL. Passing the 400 Metres, NOBLE DELUXE was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. GREAT ACHIEVEMENT had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 200 Metres, NOBLE DELUXE was shifted out across the heels of VERY WELL to obtain clear running. In the Straight, OWNERS’ GLORY got its head on the side and hung in and then over the final 100 Metres was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not properly tested. When questioned, G Cheyne (MY WHISKY) stated that he had been under firm instructions to obtain the lead on that horse and not to allow the other anticipated speed horse, CROWN WITNESS, to lead and dictate the race. He said he had to make some use of MY WHISKY in the run to the winning post on the first occasion to obtain a forward position and then after passing the winning post on the first occasion had to continue to ride MY WHISKY along in an endeavour to clear HOLIDAY SUN to his inside. He added that after crossing to the fence near the 1300 Metres, he continued to allow MY WHISKY to stride along so as to indicate to the rider of CROWN WITNESS of his intention to lead the race. He said passing the 1200 Metres CROWN WITNESS steadied the tempo, however, after being bumped by that horse prior to the 1200 Metres MY WHISKY took some time to relax. He said that after the 1100 Metres he was able to get MY WHISKY to relax once CROWN WITNESS discontinued to contest the lead. M Chadwick explained that as is usual he was instructed to lead on CROWN WITNESS. He said that CROWN WITNESS began only fairly and he had to ride the horse along from the outside barrier to take up a forward position. He said after shifting in to race outside MY WHISKY approaching the 1300 Metres, he allowed CROWN WITNESS to continue on for a short distance to ascertain whether it was the intention of MY WHISKY’s rider to hold the lead. He said after the 1200 Metres it became apparent to him that MY WHISKY would not relinquish the lead and therefore he elected to steady CROWN WITNESS as the horse had done more work than he had hoped in the early stages. He added that although CROWN WITNESS settled well for him after the 1200 Metres, the early sectional of the race was quite fast and for this reason the horse was then not able to finish off the race. When questioned, D Whyte stated that approaching the winning post on the first occasion I SMELL MONEY became badly unbalanced and appeared to him to become disunited in its action. He said as this occurred prior to any shadows cast by the winning post, he apportioned the manner in which I SMELL MONEY became unbalanced to the fact that the horse was resenting the kickback. He said for this reason after the winning post on the first occasion he shifted I SMELL MONEY out wide and the horse then commenced to travel more kindly. He said he shifted I SMELL MONEY back in approaching the 1000 Metres to follow OTTIMO, however, I SMELL MONEY again got its head up and was reluctant to stretch out. He added for this reason he again shifted I SMELL MONEY out passing the 1000 Metres in another attempt to have the horse travel more kindly. He said after these incidents occurred, I SMELL MONEY, despite being ridden along, did not travel well and despite being placed under pressure failed to stretch out. It was noted that at its only other two race starts at Happy Valley, I SMELL MONEY had jumped a shadow at the winning post on one occasion and became badly unbalanced in its action passing the winning post at its only other race start at Happy Valley. Trainer J Size advised the Stewards that given I SMELL MONEY’s history at Happy Valley, it was his intention not to return the horse to this venue in the near future. Mr Size was advised that the Stewards would not permit I SMELL MONEY to race at Happy Valley until it had undertaken a satisfactory number of official barrier trials at the venue. Mr Size was further advised that prior to being permitted to race again at Sha Tin, I SMELL MONEY would have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CROWN WITNESS and I SMELL MONEY after the race did not show any significant findings. CROWN WITNESS, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT and VERY WELL were sent for sampling.