07/12/2016  Happy Valley  Race 9

MCQUEEN began awkwardly. BASIC TRILOGY and WINNIE’S HONEY bumped at the start. From wide barriers, DIVINE BOY and DYNAMISM were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 1600 Metres, STAR MAJESTIC was steadied away from the heels of KING GENKI which shifted out. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, MCQUEEN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNIE’S HONEY. Rounding the Home Turn, WINNIE’S HONEY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BASIC TRILOGY. Passing the 150 Metres, MCQUEEN was shifted out away from the heels of BASIC TRILOGY to continue improving. When questioned, M Barzalona stated that he had been instructed to lead on PACKING DRAGON as the horse had performed best when ridden in this manner. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he shifted across to race outside KING GENKI and he expected that horse would be steadied which would allow PACKING DRAGON the opportunity to take up the running. He said he afforded the rider of KING GENKI the opportunity to steady his mount for some distance after the 1300 Metres as he did not want to ride PACKING DRAGON along at this time to clear that horse as the tempo of the race was already quick. He said he steadied PACKING DRAGON after the 1200 Metres as he was aware the race was being run at a quick tempo, however, he was unable to steady his mount sufficiently to be able to shift across to race behind KING GENKI. He added he therefore was obliged to continue to race outside KING GENKI and he attempted to steady the tempo as much as possible to allow PACKING DRAGON the opportunity to finish off the race. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to take up a forward position on KING GENKI and if the rider of PACKING DRAGON, the anticipated leader of the race, was intent on leading, he should steady KING GENKI and take a trailing position behind that horse. He said on the way to the barriers KING GENKI proved difficult to restrain and it was not until he was able to follow another horse that KING GENKI proved more manageable. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he shifted in to race on the rail and he attempted to steady KING GENKI in order to allow PACKING DRAGON to cross. He added KING GENKI is a big horse with a long stride and he was reluctant to apply too much pressure on KING GENKI to prevent that horse from losing momentum. He said although he realized that the race was being run at a fast tempo, he had hoped that PACKING DRAGON would continue forward of KING GENKI to prevent him from having to overly restrain his mount to obtain a trailing position. He said when PACKING DRAGON continued to race outside KING GENKI, he was not able to steady the horse any more than he was without breaking the horse’s stride, therefore he allowed KING GENKI to remain racing inside PACKING DRAGON. M Chadwick was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, having regard to the tempo of the race in the early and middle stages, he should have made far more endeavour to steady the tempo and attempt to obtain a trailing position behind PACKING DRAGON, particularly given his instructions. He was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to provide them with every opportunity to finish off their race. The Stewards will interview J Moreira, the rider of WINNIE’S HONEY, regarding the performance of the horse prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 11 December 2016. A veterinary inspection of BASIC TRILOGY and WINNIE’S HONEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR HEI HEI immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. WINNIE’S HONEY, SUPREME PROFIT and STAR MAJESTIC were sent for sampling. <8/12/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNIE’S HONEY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNIE’S HONEY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WINNIE’S HONEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.