23/10/2011  Happy Valley  Race 10

CHEER was withdrawn on 22.10.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right fore tendon) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter OUTDOOR PEGASUS (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, CHEER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TURF EXPRESS was crowded for room shortly after the start between MILITARY MOVE and HANDSOME ZULU which shifted out. From the outside barrier, RIDE WITH THE WIND was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 150 Metres, FUN RIDER shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MILITARY MOVE. A short distance later, FUN RIDER, which became unbalanced, was steadied when crowded for room between ABSOLUTE HEDGE and MILITARY MOVE which shifted in when checked away from the heels of HAPPY TUMBLER which, after initially being directed in by OUTDOOR PEGASUS, then got its head on the side and shifted in away from that horse. FLEET COMMAND, which was following FUN RIDER, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. In the circumstances, no further action was taken. When questioned, Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of HAPPY GUYS, said that he had observed that the majority of today’s races had been won by horses coming from off the speed and wide. He said that from barrier 11 he asked Jockey H W Lai to position HAPPY GUYS in a midfield position if possible and to make his run on the outside of runners in the Straight He said he felt that this would provide HAPPY GUYS with the best opportunity of finishing off its race. He said although the horse had previously been successful when ridden in forward positions, he believed that, given the pattern of racing today, it would not have been in HAPPY GUY’S best interests to be ridden in a forward position. Mr Yiu was advised that the tactics adopted on HAPPY GUYS had come under notice and he should ensure that, wherever possible, horses trained by him are ridden in a consistent manner. When questioned regarding his riding of PACKING OK, J Lloyd stated that prior to entering the Parade Ring today to receive his instructions, he anticipated that PACKING OK would be ridden in a forward position. He said even though Mr J Moore, the trainer of PACKING OK, was not present at today’s racemeeting, it had been relayed to him that PACKING OK should be ridden towards the lead. He said however that the owner of PACKING OK was adamant that the horse should be ridden in 4th or 5th position and should not under any circumstances be ridden towards the lead. He said that he advised the owner that the race would likely be run at a slow tempo and that such tactics would likely result in PACKING OK being left racing wide given the makeup of the field. He said despite this the owner was insistent that PACKING OK be ridden in 4th or 5th position and to ensure the horse was able to come wider in the Straight. He said accordingly he attempted to obtain cover on PACKING OK in the run to the winning post on the first occasion, however, it was not possible for him to obtain cover in 4th or 5th position as he was asked. He added that even though the opportunity was available for him to continue on outside the lead given the slow sectionals of the race, in normal circumstances he would have done this, however, he believed he was obligated to ride the horse to the owner’s wishes and as such he allowed PACKING OK to remain racing in a three wide position without cover in about 4th position. The Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a date to be fixed at which time Mr J Moore, the trainer of PACKING OK, and the owner of the horse will be required to be in attendance. After the race, T Angland (RIDE WITH THE WIND) reported that the horse was inclined to hang out throughout the race and shortly after entering into the Straight he noticed that the bit had pulled through the mouth of RIDE WITH THE WIND. A veterinary inspection of RIDE WITH THE WIND after the race did not show any significant findings. HANDSOME ZULU, OUTDOOR PEGASUS and HAPPY TUMBLER were sent for sampling.