25/02/2015  Happy Valley  Race 9

After entering the track, K Teetan was momentarily dislodged from ALBICELESTE which became fractious. On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to FAY CHOY HONG KONG was refitted. VICTORY MASTER was slow to begin. WILLIE INVICTUS began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CHATER DREAM was slow to muster speed and passing the winning post on the first occasion was steadied to obtain cover behind NOBLE DELUXE. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, FORMULA WON was steadied away from the heels of TRUMP which was racing tight inside BULLISH BOY which was steadied away from the heels of WONDERFUL MOMENTS (N Rawiller) which shifted in when not properly clear. N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, NOBLE DELUXE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of REGENCY KING. Passing the 1300 Metres, TRUMP was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BULLISH BOY which shifted in. Near the 1100 Metres, REGENCY KING was taken into a position three wide and without cover by BULLISH BOY which shifted out. After this, REGENCY KING continued to race wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, TRUMP, which was over-racing, got its head up when awkwardly placed behind WONDERFUL MOMENTS. FORMULA WON and WILLIE INVICTUS were hampered in consequence. Near the 900 Metres, REGENCY KING got its head up when over-racing and awkwardly placed outside the heels of BULLISH BOY. Rounding the Home Turn, TRUMP was awkwardly placed inside the heels of NOBLE DELUXE. Approaching the 200 Metres, TRUMP was shifted out away from the heels of BULLISH BOY to obtain clear running. Then after the 150 Metres, TRUMP raced in restricted room between BULLISH BOY and NOBLE DELUXE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of UNIVERSAL UNION, J Moreira stated that, from a wide barrier, he shifted his mount across behind runners in the early stages hoping to obtain a position in about midfield. He said after UNIVERSAL UNION was left racing wide in the early stages, he steadied the horse in order to obtain cover, however, this resulted in it settling further back in the field than had been intended. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion UNIVERSAL UNION travelled keenly and took some time to settle. He said near the 1000 Metres UNIVERSAL UNION got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed behind CHATER DREAM and inside the heels of ALBICELESTE and for this reason he had to ride his mount after the 1000 Metres in order to hold his position. He said after this UNIVERSAL UNION travelled only fairly and became unbalanced in its action making the turn after the 500 Metres. He added in the Straight UNIVERSAL UNION did not finish off the race. .A veterinary inspection of UNIVERSAL UNION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of UNIVERSAL UNION a favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, UNIVERSAL UNION 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 REGENCY KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNIVERSAL UNION, FAT CHOY HONG KONG and WONDERFUL MOMENTS were sent for sampling.