01/04/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

As the start was effected, KING’S STEED lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, OPTIMISM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being ridden along in the early stages from the outside barrier, NAUGHTY BABY was steadied and shifted across behind runners after travelling a short distance when left racing wide. Near the 900 Metres, KING’S STEED got its head up. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, OPTIMISM got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned regarding his riding of GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS in the early part of the Straight, H W Lai stated that it was his intention to try and shift to the outside of runners in the Straight to make the horse’s finishing run. He said after riding his mount along vigorously prior to the 400 Metres and rounding the Home Turn, he commenced to attempt to shift to the outside of SECRET AGENT. He said however when it became apparent to him near the 250 Metres that he was going to have to shift CITY POWER out in an endeavour to improve to the outside of SECRET AGENT, he directed GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS back to the inside of SECRET AGENT and outside MI SAVVY after which the horse closed off the race strongly. He said at no stage did he have to stop riding GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS as the horse was improving behind SECRET AGENT. H W Lai was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, it was of concern to the Stewards that he had neglected to position GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS to improve between SECRET AGENT and MI SAVVY earlier than he did given that at all relevant times there was a clear run between those horses. He was severely reprimanded and advised that he must ride his mounts in such a manner so as to ensure that they are not open to query. BALTIC WARRIOR, LYRIC ACE and GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS were sent for sampling.