15/04/2012  Happy Valley  Race 10

HOT SHOT shifted in at the start and bumped HOLIDAY SUN. After the 200 Metres, MR BOND was awkwardly placed outside the heels of OUTDOOR PEGASUS which shifted out under pressure. Passing the 200 Metres, EMPEROR CLAUDIUS got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in its rider, M Du Plessis, having to stop riding and straighten the horse. Throughout the race, OUTDOOR PEGASUS travelled wide and without cover. The performance of BULLISH CHAMPION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH CHAMPION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH CHAMPION and OUTDOOR PEGASUS after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been instructed to allow his mount to shift over gradually in the early stages and obtain the lead if possible. He said it was explained to him that BULLISH CHAMPION appreciates being able to dictate the tempo and for this reason he should allow the horse to obtain the lead rather than allowing another horse to improve its position around BULLISH CHAMPION. He said in accordance with his instructions, he shifted BULLISH CHAMPION across in the run to the winning post on the first occasion and after the 1200 Metres was able to obtain the lead on the rail. He said when he was able to obtain the lead, he attempted to steady the tempo on BULLISH CHAMPION, however, FORTUNE RED PEPPER improved its position to be racing outside BULLISH CHAMPION. He said he therefore allowed BULLISH CHAMPION to maintain its position to the inside of that horse in accordance with his instructions, however, in doing this, this resulted in the tempo of the race in the middle stages being faster than he had hoped. He said because of the tempo of the race, BULLISH CHAMPION was not able to close off the race in the Straight and weakened thereafter. K C Ng was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible he should be aware of the tempo of races to ensure that horses ridden by him are able to finish off their races. When questioned regarding his riding of FORTUNE RED PEPPER, C W Wong advised that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on FORTUNE RED PEPPER due to the horse’s light weight. He said he was further instructed to obtain the lead if possible, however, if another horse led the race, he should sit to its outside. He said after being slow to begin, he rode FORTUNE RED PEPPER along to make up lost ground. He said passing the 1200 Metres he was able to improve his position around EMPEROR CLAUDIUS and race outside BULLISH CHAMPION. He said when he did this, he attempted to steady the tempo of FORTUNE RED PEPPER, however, the horse raced keenly and because of this he was not able to steady the tempo as much as he would have liked. He said after the 800 Metres he looked to his inside to see if it was available to him to obtain a position behind BULLISH CHAMPION as he was aware that the tempo of the race had been strong. He said however that FORTUNE RED PEPPER was travelling too keenly at this time and he was not able to shift it behind BULLISH CHAMPION. He added at the 500 Metres FORTUNE RED PEPPER came under pressure and in the Straight gave ground. C W Wong was severely reprimanded for his ride on FORTUNE RED PEPPER and advised that his failure to attempt to adequately restrain the horse to prevent it running at a fast tempo had come under notice. He was advised that he must ensure that he rides his mounts in such a fashion so as to leave no room for query and to ensure that they are able to finish off their races. C W Wong was further advised that the Stewards had cause to speak to him on a number of occasions last season regarding his riding of horses in races and he must ensure that he rides his mounts with the appropriate level of judgement. HELENE SPIRIT and MILITARY ATTACK were sent for sampling.