19/09/2007  Happy Valley  Race 4

SPECIAL DAYS was slow to begin. MARVELLOUS and FEEL-SO-GOOD began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, HAPPY KID was checked when crowded for room between TRIUMPH which shifted out slightly and FEEL-SO-GOOD which at this time had its head on the side and was carried in by PALIO KING (P H Lo). P H Lo was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to exercise greater care. At the 1100 Metres, HAPPY KID got its head on the side, shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of MARVELLOUS. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, TRIUMPH and MARVELLOUS were severely checked when crowded for room between THE ONLY ONE which shifted out when being straightened to relieve pressure it had been applying to SUPREME GOLD on its inside and FEEL-SO-GOOD which when racing tight inside PALIO KING was carried in slightly by that horse. Even though the incident was one of significance, in the circumstances the Stewards did not consider it appropriate for any action to be taken. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, K-JACK, which was awkwardly placed between PALIO KING and MARVELLOUS, was checked to avoid the heels of THE ONLY ONE which at this time lost ground. Also in this incident, PALIO KING was steadied away from the heels of THE ONLY ONE. After the 200 Metres, K-JACK, which was closing the race off, was steadied and shifted out to continue going forward. In the Straight, SUPREME GOLD hung in. P H Lo said he was instructed to ride the horse in a position with cover. He said PALIO KING began well, he immediately endeavoured to obtain a position with cover, however, because there were a number of runners on his inside, he was held wide. He said making the turn at the 1000 Metres interference occurred on his inside and he was unable to shift in. He said after entering the Back Straight he shifted to a position following FEEL-SO-GOOD, then after the 700 Metres when that horse went forward, he shifted across to follow THE ONLY ONE. He said as a consequence he travelled in a midfield position. M Nunes (K-JACK) explained he had previously ridden the horse over the same course and distance in a rearward position and on that occasion the horse closed the race off strongly. He said therefore tonight from a wide barrier he was instructed again to allow the horse to settle in the early stages in the hope that it would finish the race off. He said in his opinion the performance of K-JACK tonight was again good and he believes the horse is not suited when too much use is required to be made of it to obtain a more forward position. MARVELLOUS, CHINA HERO and FEEL-SO-GOOD were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported TRIUMPH had sustained a cut to its right hind cannon.