20/03/2019  Happy Valley  Race 4

On arrival at the Start, Z Purton expressed concern regarding the action of HAPPY WARRIOR. HAPPY WARRIOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race. THE FULL BLOOM was checked on jumping when crowded for room between CHIU CHOW KID and SPARKLING SWORD which shifted out abruptly. CALIFORNIA LEGEND was crowded for room on jumping between PERFECT TO PLAY and COMPASSION STAR, both of which shifted ground. A short distance after the start, CROWN AVENUE raced tight between CHIU CHOW KID and MEDIC DRAGON which shifted in. From the outside barrier, ASSOCIATION FANS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Rounding the Home Turn, SPARKLING SWORD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HINYUEN SWIFTNESS. When questioned, Apprentice H T Mo stated that he was instructed to attempt to lead on HINYUEN SWIFTNESS, however, if another rider was intent on leading, it was acceptable for him to take a trailing position behind that horse. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount hard for a considerable distance in the early stages. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion it was apparent to him that COMPASSION STAR and CALIFORNIA LEGEND were being ridden along to lead and given that he had ridden HINYUEN SWIFTNESS for some distance in the early stages, he did not believe it would be in the best interests of the horse to continue to ride it along as both CALIFORNIA LEGEND and COMPASSION STAR were showing more early speed. He said he therefore elected to take a trailing position behind COMPASSION STAR. He said the tempo of the race in the early stages was particularly fast and he was of the view that if he continued to ride his mount along, HINYUEN SWIFTNESS would not be able to finish off the race. He added after being crossed by COMPASSION STAR near the 1200 Metres, that horse opened up a margin over both HINYUEN SWIFTNESS and CALIFORNIA LEGEND. He said as he had ridden his mount for some distance in the early stages, he was reluctant to again ride it along to prevent CALIFORNIA LEGEND from crossing HINYUEN SWIFTNESS after the 1100 Metres and therefore he took a trailing position behind that horse which was further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said HINYUEN SWIFTNESS came under pressure near the 600 Metres and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of HINYUEN SWIFTNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHIU CHOW KID and COMPASSION STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT TO PLAY and HAPPY WARRIOR were sent for sampling.