29/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 1

SOLAR WONDER began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped PERFECT TEN. VICTORY MASCOT and SKY EAGLE were slow to begin. From wide barriers, DALKAN and REDOUTE STAR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, MR MARFACH was steadied away from the heels of SUISSE D’OR. From the 1600 Metres until after the 1000 Metres and in particular passing the 1100 Metres, NICKU was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPREME TYCOON. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SOLAR WONDER shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICKU. Near the 700 Metres, DALKAN was steadied when attempting to improve into tight running between SKY EAGLE and MASTER DREAMER (W M Lai) which shifted in. W M Lai was advised that whilst he had previously been racing in a one-off position, MASTER DREAMER had shifted out to allow tight running for DALKAN to his inside. He was further advised to ensure that in similar circumstances he does not apply unreasonable pressure to other runners. Approaching the 600 Metres, VICTORY MASCOT and INDUSTRIAL LEGEND bumped as VICTORY MASCOT attempted to shift to the outside of MASTER DREAMER. Approaching the 400 Metres, PERFECT TEN and SUPREME TYCOON bumped. At the entrance to the Straight, NICKU and SOLAR WONDER bumped. Near the 250 Metres, DALKAN and SUPREME TYCOON, which was giving ground, bumped as DALKAN improved between that horse and SKY EAGLE. In this incident, DALKAN became unbalanced. Throughout the race, MR MARFACH travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of MR MARFACH after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MR MARFACH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MR MARFACH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPREME TYCOON, Y T Cheng stated that he was able to obtain a forward position as instructed and after the 1800 Metres shifted in to race outside the leader, SUISSE D’OR. He said SUPREME TYCOON travelled comfortably throughout the run until near the 600 Metres at which time the horse came under pressure. He said despite being vigorously ridden along SUPREME TYCOON weakened badly in the Straight and was disappointing. He added that he had ridden SUPREME TYCOON in track work in the lead up to tonight’s race and this work had, in his opinion, been satisfactory. Trainer C H Yip stated that he was not able to offer any reason for the disappointing performance of SUPREME TYCOON. He said the horse had worked well in the lead up to tonight’s race and was stepping up in distance to 2200 Metres, a distance at which the horse had previously performed well. He said SUPREME TYCOON was able to be ridden in a forward position tonight as anticipated and at this time he was at a loss to explain the horse’s below par performance. He added that he had advised the connections of both SUPREME TYCOON and INDUSTRIAL LEGEND, which he had engaged in this same race, that he anticipated their horses would perform well and advised the Stewards that he had preferred the chances of SUPREME TYCOON over INDUSTRIAL LEGEND albeit that he felt INDUSTRIAL LEGEND would race very well tonight. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME TYCOON after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPREME TYCOON, a favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME TYCOON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPREME TYCOON, INDUSTRIAL LEGEND and SOLAR WONDER were sent for sampling.