12/03/2014  Happy Valley  Race 3

TERRIFIC MASTER was withdrawn on 11.3.14 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, TERRIFIC MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. OWNERS’ GLORY began awkwardly. KHARU began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. From the outside barrier, HO WONGCHOY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After initially being taken back in the early stages, FUN HEROES was left racing wide and without cover after the 1300 Metres and when proving difficult to settle was allowed to stride forward after the 1200 Metres. DRAGON KEEPER was also taken across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, HO WONGCHOY was checked away from the heels of XILAI XIANZI when proving difficult to settle. Making the turn approaching the 1000 Metres, DRAGON KEEPER got its head on the side and hung out. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, DRAGON KEEPER dipped. Passing the 500 Metres, AMBITIOUS TREASURE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of HO WONGCHOY which shifted out. The performance of DRAGON KEEPER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON KEEPER 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, H W Lai stated that in discussions with Trainer W Y So earlier today it had been decided to ride AMBITIOUS TREASURE quietly from barrier 10 as it was felt that there would be good speed in the race and that AMBITIOUS TREASURE would have to work too hard to cross runners to its inside and obtain a forward position close to the fence. He said however that prior to the race Mr So advised him that due to horses not being able to make up ground in the first two races, he was provided with the opportunity to go forward if AMBITIOUS TREASURE began well. He said he rode AMBITIOUS TREASURE along out of the barriers, however, he felt that he would have to make too much use of the horse to clear runners to his inside, therefore he elected to shift it across behind runners. Mr So confirmed that he was mindful that there were a number of runners that he expected would take up forward positions in the race and therefore he felt that whilst AMBITIOUS TREASURE may be able to cross those runners, too much use would have to be made of the horse and as such it would not be able to finish off the race. He said as he expected the race would be run at a good tempo, he felt that it would be in the best interests of AMBITIOUS TREASURE to be ridden from off the speed tonight. He said he felt that this presented the best opportunity to be able to close off the race. He said however he did advise Jockey Lai in the Parade Ring that if AMBITIOUS TREASURE began very well and he felt that he would not have to make too much use of AMBITIOUS TREASURE to cross runners to his inside, then it would be available for him to do so. Mr So and H W Lai were advised that having regard to all the circumstances, the Stewards had concerns regarding AMBITIOUS TREASURE being ridden from back in the field. Mr So was also advised to ensure that horses trained by him are ridden in a consistent manner wherever possible irrespective of where they are supported in the market or otherwise. H W Lai was also warned regarding the quality of the initial evidence that he provided at the inquiry. After the race, Z Purton stated that he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of BORN TO WIN. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, did not finish off the race as expected. A veterinary inspection of BORN TO WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HO WONGCHOY and DISTINCT COMMANDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DRAGON GLORY and OWNERS’ GLORY were sent for sampling.