25/09/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

After being loaded, GRIFFINDOR reared on a number of occasions and momentarily got its right front leg over the front gate. GRIFFINDOR then continued to be fractious in the barriers and again reared and got its front feet over the front gates. This resulted in the front gates of its stall being released and GRIFFINDOR exiting the stalls riderless. GRIFFINDOR then completed a circuit of the course before being recaptured. GRIFFINDOR was withdrawn by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice. Before being allowed to race again, GRIFFINDOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From wide barriers, NOBLE DE BEST and ALWAYS SOMETHING were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. ONE OF A KIND was shifted out in the early part of the Straight to obtain clear running. HOLY MAC, which was racing to the outside of ONE OF A KIND, was obliged to shift out as a consequence. Passing the 200 Metres, ONE OF A KIND was directed out away from the heels of HORSE APLENTY which shifted out, resulting in HOLY MAC being further inconvenienced. Passing the 150 Metres, SPIRIT SOARING and HORSE APLENTY bumped. When questioned, C O’Donoghue stated that he had been instructed to be positive on HORSE APLENTY in the early stages. He said it was anticipated that BULLISH BOY would lead and it was hoped that HORSE APLENTY may be able to obtain a position to the outside of that horse. He said it was explained to him that HORSE APLENTY had become unbalanced in its action previously and he should be aware of this when riding it tonight. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode HORSE APLENTY along vigorously in the early stages and as anticipated BULLISH BOY was also ridden along to assume the lead. He said despite riding HORSE APLENTY along, the horse was slow to muster speed and he was not able to cross SPIRIT SOARING to his inside which was being urged to obtain a forward position. He added he remained racing outside of SPIRIT SOARING rather than continuing to push his mount along passing the winning post on the first occasion in the hope that that horse would be steadied by its rider which would allow HORSE APLENTY to improve its position gradually. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion HORSE APLENTY became unbalanced in its action as Mr Y S Tsui, the horse’s trainer, had indicated in his early advice to him. He said he continued to race outside and behind SPIRIT SOARING until the 1200 Metres at which time he allowed his mount to work its way forward outside SPIRIT SOARING. He added at all times he was asking HORSE APLENTY to improve its position, but he did not feel that the horse was travelling well enough to be ridden forward of SPIRIT SOARING and cross that horse which was travelling easily to his inside. He said because of this HORSE APLENTY remained racing wide and without cover throughout the race. C O’Donoghue was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible, he should avoid covering unnecessary ground. BULLISH BOY and RED DANCER were sent for sampling.