15/11/2017  Happy Valley  Race 5

CONFUCIUS SPIRIT began awkwardly and then, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from the outside barrier, PEARL WARM WARM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ACCESSION YEARS and LOVE CHUNGHWA were checked shortly after the start when crowded for room between SECRET AGENT which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by ACCESSION YEARS and EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. Passing the 300 Metres, LOVE CHUNGHWA raced tight between DR RACE and SHOW MISSION when improving between those horses. Approaching the 200 Metres, MANFUL STAR was directed out across the heels of runners in front to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, BORN DRAGON, which was giving ground, was checked when crowded for room between RESPECT which shifted out marginally and PEACE ON EARTH (M L Yeung) which got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly. In the circumstances, the Stewards were satisfied that M L Yeung had taken sufficient measures to prevent PEACE ON EARTH from shifting in, nonetheless he was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. Near the 175 Metres, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT shifted in and bumped PEACE ON EARTH. When questioned, C Schofield stated that it was intended for BORN DRAGON to lead but likely to sit outside EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which was felt would lead the race from its inside barrier. He said on jumping BORN DRAGON was crowded for room between RESPECT and PEACE ON EARTH, both of which shifted ground. He said this resulted in BORN DRAGON not being able to be as prominent as he had hoped in the early stages. He said when this occurred, MANFUL STAR and RESPECT, which were racing either side of BORN DRAGON, were able to obtain a forward position and he did not believe that it was available to him to continue to ride forward in an attempt to race near the lead. He said he therefore elected to steady his mount and obtain cover. He said when he did this, BORN DRAGON commenced to race ungenerously passing the 1100 Metres, got its head up and then shifted out abruptly approaching the 1000 Metres which resulted in the horse racing very wide. He added as BORN DRAGON was racing in a four wide positon on entering the Back Straight, he allowed his mount to improve in the hope that it would obtain a position closer to the rail, however, he was only able to obtain a position three wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of LOVE CHUNGHWA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT and SHOW MISSION were sent for sampling.