28/03/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

VICTORY MASCOT was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TELECOM SUPREMO failed to muster speed. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, YOUNG HERO got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FELAROF which in turn was steadied away from the heels of COMPACT YARN (A Suborics) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Suborics was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he gives sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 1200 Metres, HEALTHY MANNER was steadied away from the heels of YOUNG HERO. Approaching the 800 Metres, TELECOM SUPREMO was shifted out into a position three wide and without cover. Near the 200 Metres, Y T Cheng (TELECOM SUPREMO) dropped his whip. Passing the 100 Metres, CASA JUNIOR got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of COMPACT YARN. Over the concluding stages, HO WONGCHOY and GLORY OF INDIA raced tight. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding out of A Suborics over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless severely reprimanded for failing to ride his mount out to the end of the race and was advised that in future he must fulfil his obligation under the Rules and continue to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the winning post wherever possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EASY GOLD, O Doleuze stated that his mount travelled well in a position behind the speed until passing the 600 Metres at which time the tempo of the race quickened. He said at this time he had to ride EASY GOLD along in an attempt to maintain its position behind COMPACT YARN, however, EASY GOLD was having difficulty in maintaining its position. He said for this reason he shifted EASY GOLD out on the Home Turn into clear running to see if the horse would respond better to his riding, however, EASY GOLD shifted out further than he had anticipated. He added he placed EASY GOLD under pressure in the Straight, however, the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. He did say that the circumstances of tonight’s race were different from its most recent start when successful in that on that occasion his mount was able to obtain a good position in a race which was more slowly run than this evening’s race. A veterinary inspection of EASY GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MOUNT VICTORY had lost its right front plate. MOUNT VICTORY, TELECOM SUPREMO and GLORY OF INDIA were sent for sampling.