29/04/2020  Happy Valley  Race 5

HERO STAR shifted out at the start and bumped VICTORY MASTERY. LADY FIRST shifted out at the start and bumped SKY SHOW. After this, despite being ridden along, LADY FIRST failed to muster speed. From a wide barrier, AMAZING was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1050 Metres, DIAMOND RHYME was steadied away from the heels of SMART OF YOUTH which was taken in by WINNER’S HEART (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Wong was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. After the 800 Metres, WOOD ON FIRE got its head on the side and lay out and then raced wide and without cover as a result of SMART OF YOUTH shifting away from the rail inside WOOD ON FIRE. When questioned regarding his riding of THE ONE, H T Mo stated that he was asked to attempt to obtain a forward position on the horse from the outside barrier as THE ONE’s best performance in a race to date had been when it was able to obtain a prominent position over the course and distance earlier this season. He said THE ONE began very awkwardly and got its head up and consequently lost ground. He said, given his instructions, he rode his mount vigorously in the early stages to make up lost ground and making the turn after the 1000 Metres obtained a midfield position outside TRAVEL DATUK but without cover. He said when TRAVEL DATUK maintained its position, he was left racing three wide and without cover and after the 700 Metres commenced to improve his position outside the heels of WOOD ON FIRE. He said at this stage WOOD ON FIRE shifted out which resulted in THE ONE being taken wider still and continuing to have to race without cover. H T Mo was told that, given the manner in which THE ONE began tonight, he should have attempted to find cover on THE ONE rather than riding his mount aggressively in order to take up a more forward position which resulted in the horse having to race very wide and without cover. He was told that, wherever possible, he must attempt to ride to instructions, however, if circumstances dictate that he is not able to do so, he must ride his mount in such a manner to ensure that it can finish off its race as best as it is able. A veterinary inspection of WINNER’S HEART, HERO STAR, WOOD ON FIRE and THE ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WOOD ON FIRE, SKY SHOW and SMART OF YOUTH were sent for sampling.