17/04/2013  Happy Valley  Race 1

LITTLE WIND was withdrawn on 15.4.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPER HORSE. Before being allowed to race again, LITTLE WIND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. YOUNG TALENT was crowded for room at the start between WIN IT and VERY WELL which shifted out. RISING POWER began awkwardly. From wide barriers, SUPER TIGER and SUPER HORSE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, RECORD HIGH failed to muster speed and then in the Straight gave ground. When being steadied to shift across behind runners in the early stages, RISING POWER got its head up on a number of occasions. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOLDWEAVER was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT MOMENT (Apprentice K C Ng) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Ng was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in future. Near the 1400 Metres, RISING POWER got its head up when momentarily racing in restricted room inside HOLY MAC. After this, RISING POWER continued to prove difficult to settle and raced with its head up on a number of occasions. Passing the 450 Metres, YOUNG TALENT was momentarily crowded for room inside PERFECT MOMENT which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. Throughout the race, GOLDWEAVER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performances of GOLDWEAVER and RECORD HIGH, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDWEAVER and RECORD HIGH will both 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, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he had been instructed to lead on HEART WOOD if possible. He said he had ridden the horse in a piece of work in the lead up to tonight’s race and on that occasion the horse had travelled keenly. He said after having to be ridden along to clear horses to his inside in the early stages, he was able to cross over to the rail in the lead after the 1400 Metres. He said he steadied HEART WOOD after obtaining the lead, however, the horse raced keenly. He added that approaching the 800 Metres HEART WOOD continued to travel on the bridle, however, he was unaware that he had established a margin over the remainder of the field. He said whilst he felt that the tempo he set on HEART WOOD increased slightly at this time, he attributed this to the manner in which HEART WOOD was racing. Apprentice Lui was told that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that he had made an effort to rate HEART WOOD well in front, nonetheless he should, wherever possible, ride his mounts in such a manner to ensure that they are given their best opportunity to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT MOMENT and YOUNG TALENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HOLY MAC and WIN IT were sent for sampling.