16/09/2015  Happy Valley  Race 7

On arrival at the Start, PEARL WIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer and after the necessary consultations was passed suitable to race. GRAN BOLIVAR began awkwardly and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. ANDNOWURMINE began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped PEARL WIN. A short distance later, ANDNOWURMINE was steadied away from the heels of HELLA HEDGE (G Mosse) which shifted in. G Mosse was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground in similar circumstances. From the outside barrier, FUNNY BUDDIES was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the turn approaching the 1000 Metres, FANTASTIC FEELING raced tight between GRACE HEART and REGENCY HO HO which got its head on the side and lay in. FUNNY BUDDIES brushed the running rail rounding the Home Turn. When questioned, K C Ng stated that, from barrier 9, he had been asked to ride PEARL WIN where he was able to obtain cover. He said he had noted that PEARL WIN had begun well in a number of its races, therefore he asked connections if the horse began well, was it available for him to lead. He said it was explained to him that PEARL WIN races best when ridden with cover and therefore he was asked if at all possible to get a trailing position behind other runners irrespective of how the horse began tonight. He said as he anticipated, PEARL WIN began very well, however, having in mind the explicit instructions, he commenced to shift PEARL WIN across to obtain cover. He said as BESPOKE COLLARS was positioned immediately to his inside approaching the 1100 Metres, he was obliged to steady PEARL WIN to shift in behind that horse and this resulted in PEARL WIN racing behind midfield. He added in the Straight PEARL WIN was inclined to lay in under pressure and therefore passing the 150 Metres he allowed PEARL WIN to shift towards the inside of LET ME DO rather than improve into a run which was to the outside of that horse and inside ANDNOWURMINE. He said LET ME DO subsequently shifted in over the concluding stages which resulted in PEARL WIN being awkwardly placed behind that horse close to the finishing line. K C Ng was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, there was no evidence to support his contention that PEARL WIN was laying in in the Straight. He was also advised that he must ride his mounts in such a manner so as to ensure that they are positioned to obtain clear running and that his riding is not open to query. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PEARL WIN was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, PEARL WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REGENCY HO HO, M Chadwick stated that based on the horse's trial in the lead up to tonight's race and the manner in which the horse had been working, he considered it to be a strong chance in the race. He said REGENCY HO HO began well and he was able to take up a forward position without having to make use of the horse. He said REGENCY HO HO travelled very well in the early and middle stages and he therefore expected the horse to quicken well when asked rounding the Home Turn. He added after the 400 Metres REGENCY HO HO got its head on the side and lay out and then in the early part of the Straight was inclined to shift in when placed under pressure. He said after this REGENCY HO HO did not stretch out and he was particularly concerned by the manner in which the horse weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY HO HO immediately following the race revealed the horse to be a "roarer". The performance of REGENCY HO HO was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY HO HO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HO LEE HORSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRACE HEART and HELLA HEDGE were sent for sampling.