15/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

GRACYTOM was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, YOUNG HERO was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, REDOUTE’S FORTUNE raced tight inside EASY GOLD (O Doleuze) which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. A short distance after this, REDOUTE’S FORTUNE clipped the heels of EASY GOLD and blundered when crowded for room inside that horse which shifted in further after being steadied to avoid the heels of MING HOI TREASURE (M L Yeung) which shifted in when not properly clear. GRACYTOM, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Whilst the Stewards found that no individual rider was fully to blame for this incident, nonetheless both O Doleuze and M L Yeung were severely reprimanded and told that they must make more of an attempt to protect their fellow riders than they did on this occasion. After the 1100 Metres, GRACYTOM commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of REDOUTE’S FORTUNE. After the 1000 Metres, LORD DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of MING HOI TREASURE which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DYNAMIC CROSS (H W Lai) which steadied the tempo after obtaining the lead. REDOUTE’S FORTUNE and GRACYTOM, which were following LORD DRAGON, were checked in consequence. H W Lai was severely reprimanded and warned against the practice of abruptly steadying the tempo of races. He was further advised that should he offend again in a similar manner in the future, action may be taken. When LORD DRAGON shifted out away from the heels of MING HOI TREASURE, it bumped EASY GOLD on a number of occasions, causing both horses to become unbalanced. REDOUTE’S FORTUNE and GRACYTOM continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance after this. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LORD DRAGON, D Beadman stated that the horse, which was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight and was also racing over the 1650 Metres for the first time, settled comfortably in the early stages, however, when the pace slackened after the 1000 Metres commenced to over race and proved very difficult to settle. He said it was not until after the 900 Metres that LORD DRAGON commenced to travel more kindly. He said that he placed LORD DRAGON under pressure at the entrance to the Straight, however, the horse did not quicken and finished off the race only moderately. He added, in his opinion, the principal reason for tonight’s disappointing performance was the manner in which the horse over-raced in the middle stages when attempting the 1650 Metres for the first time. A veterinary inspection of VILASOL and LORD DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. LORD DRAGON, HO HO LIFE and CONNOISSEUR’S PICK were sent for sampling.