21/01/2015  Happy Valley  Race 2

As the start was effected, HAY GO LUCKY lifted its front feet off the ground and began only fairly and then was steadied away from the heels of GRIMMY shortly after the start due to both horses shifting ground. After this, HAY GO LUCKY was taken across behind runners and then near the 900 Metres shifted in and became unbalanced. A veterinary inspection of HAY GO LUCKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HAY GO LUCKY, which was detached from the field throughout the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAY GO LUCKY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. OPTIMISM shifted in and bumped THUNDER DASH on jumping. MI SAVVY began awkwardly. SUMARAND DRAGON was hampered on jumping when SEA RUBY began awkwardly and shifted in. Shortly after the start, DIAMOND KING was steadied when crowded for room between GENEROUS BOBO and OPTIMISM, both of which shifted ground. Near the 1000 Metres, OPTIMISM got its head on the side, shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SEA RUBY. ALL FRIENDS, which was following, got its head up when being steadied in consequence. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, EXCELLENT FORTUNE was crowded for room inside ALL FRIENDS which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. DIAMOND KING, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Near the 450 Metres, GRIMMY, which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, was taken wider by ALL FRIENDS which shifted out to improve. Passing the 300 Metres, THUNDER DASH was bumped by OPTIMISM which was taken in by ALL FRIENDS. Near the 250 Metres, GENEROUS BOBO was shifted to the inside of SNITZEL KID after being disappointed for running between that horse and SEA RUBY. For some distance after the 200 Metres, SUMARAND DRAGON was held up for clear running after being unable to improve into tight running between ALL FRIENDS and GRIMMY. At the 150 Metres, THUNDER DASH was shifted to the inside of SEA RUBY to obtain clear running after that horse shifted out. Then passing the 100 Metres, THUNDER DASH was shifted in away from the heels of SEA RUBY and over the concluding stages was awkwardly placed inside the heels of that horse. The Stewards questioned K C Leung, the rider of the second placed, SNITZEL KID, regarding his riding over the final 50 Metres. K C Leung stated that he had been riding SNITZEL KID vigorously from after the 200 Metres as he was aware that the ultimate winner GENEROUS BOBO was improving to his inside. He said approaching the 50 Metres when riding out SNITZEL KID strongly, he became aware that GENEROUS BOBO had gained an advantage over SNITZEL KID. He said inside the final 30 Metres he commenced to sit up on SNITZEL KID as he felt that he had reached the concluding stages of the race and that GENEROUS BOBO was maintaining its advantage over SNITZEL KID. He added when he became aware that he had misjudged the distance to the winning post, he then recommenced riding SNITZEL KID out to the end of the race. Having in mind the finishing margin of a half length between SNITZEL KID and GENEROUS BOBO, the Stewards were satisfied that K C Leung’s riding inside the final 30 Metres had not affected his finishing position, however, he was severely reprimanded for an error of judgement which had the potential to lead to a significant breach of the Rules. He was advised to ensure that, wherever possible, he rides his mounts out all the way to the end of the race. GENEROUS BOBO and SNITZEL KID were sent for sampling.