16/11/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

After being loaded, CROWN WITNESS became fractious and reared. Before being allowed to race again, CROWN WITNESS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After being fractious in the barriers, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN reared as the start was effected and struck its head on the overhead bar. This resulted in Jockey T Angland being dislodged from AFFLUENCE OF RAIN. Trainer C Fownes, who was not on course for tonight’s racemeeting, will be interviewed upon his return to Hong Kong regarding the racing future of AFFLUENCE OF RAIN. In the meantime, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN will not be permitted to be entered to race. SUNNY FAY was slow to begin. GOOD BOY BOY shifted in at the start, resulting in FOREVER ELATION being taken in onto SEA THE PEARLS, causing those horses to become unbalanced. A short distance later, SEA THE PEARLS was again crowded for room between THE WAND which shifted out after being bumped on the hindquarters and FOREVER ELATION which shifted in. Near the 900 Metres, FLASHING GUY, which was racing wide and without cover, was steadied away from the heels of the riderless AFFLUENCE OF RAIN which shifted in. A short distance later, IMPECCABLE was checked to avoid AFFLUENCE OF RAIN which continued to shift in. When being checked, IMPECCABLE shifted in and made contact with CLEARLY SILVER which became unbalanced. After this, IMPECCABLE raced wide and without cover. Approaching the 700 Metres, GOOD BOY BOY became unbalanced when being checked to avoid the heels of AFFLUENCE OF RAIN. Passing the 500 Metres, CHARITY SPIRIT was checked away from the heels of CLEARLY SILVER. Near the 300 Metres, CHARITY SPIRIT was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between CLEARLY SILVER and FOREVER ELATION, both of which shifted ground. Over the concluding stages, SUNNY FAY (D Beadman) got its head on the side and shifted in towards the heels of SEA THE PEARLS. Because of this, D Beadman stopped riding and straightened SUNNY FAY. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that he had been instructed to allow FLASHING GUY to use its natural speed, from barrier 10, to take up a position which was anticipated to be forward of midfield. He said after allowing FLASHING GUY to begin, he did not ride his mount along, rather he allowed FLASHING GUY to improve its position if it was able. He said rounding the first turn near the 1000 Metres FLASHING GUY was left racing wide and as he felt he would have had to make too much use of FLASHING GUY to obtain a forward position closer to the rail, he steadied his mount to obtain a position behind IMPECCABLE. He said this resulted in FLASHING GUY racing further back in the field than had been anticipated. Apprentice Yeung was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, his riding of FLASHING GUY had come under notice and he should, wherever possible, ensure that horses ridden by him are placed in favourable positions and do not cover unnecessary ground. CROWN WITNESS and CARRY THE ZEAL were sent for sampling.