25/01/2017  Happy Valley  Race 1

After being loaded, A FAST ONE became fractious in the gates. After standing correctly prior to the start being effected, A FAST ONE then sat down as the gates opened, resulting in D Whyte being dislodged. As the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was solely attributable to A FAST ONE’s barrier manners and that there were no external influences, A FAST ONE was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, A FAST ONE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. DOUBLE MASTER and NOBLE BUDDIES bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, NOBLE BUDDIES, which was being steadied, was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of KIM GLORY. PERFECT SMART and TELECOM BOOM were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After travelling a short distance, GIDDY GIDDY got its head on the side and bumped HIGHLAND DRAGON which was in turn taken out onto DOUBLE MASTER. Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, POWER DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DOUBLE MASTER. NOBLE BUDDIES lost its right front plate approaching the 500 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, PERFECT SMART was awkwardly placed behind KIM GLORY. Near the 100 Metres, KIM GLORY was inconvenienced when momentarily crowded for room between DOUBLE MASTER and POWER DRAGON which shifted in. Close to the finishing line, PERFECT SMART shifted out away from the heels of KIM GLORY and bumped GLORY HORSIE which, when under pressure in the Straight, lay in. Throughout the race, GLORY HORSIE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of RUGBY DIAMOND, Trainer W Y So stated that at its last start over 1200 Metres at Sha Tin the horse had weakened out of the race after travelling keenly when its rider, Z Purton, attempted to steady the horse after it obtained the lead. He said it seemed to him that RUGBY DIAMOND had resented being steadied and therefore after consulting Jockey Purton he elected, after the horse barrier trialed as required, to drop it back in distance and allow it to race freely in the lead. He added it was felt that the shorter distance of tonight’s race at Happy Valley would allow the horse to be ridden in this manner but still be able to finish off the race A veterinary inspection of GLORY HORSIE and DOUBLE MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GIDDY GIDDY, RUGBY DIAMOND and ALL TIMES LUCKY were sent for sampling.