17/10/2007  Happy Valley  Race 8

Prior to leaving the holding stalls, CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon. He said the horse had a mild abrasion to the right hind fetlock, however, in his opinion was suitable to race. CONGRATS bounded in the air at the start, on landing became unbalanced, knuckled and lost ground. SIR GALAHAD and NOBLE CONQUEROR were slow to begin. Approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres, CONGRATS, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNING REWARD. On straightening, WIN AGAIN became unbalanced when crowded for room inside NOBLE CONQUEROR. Shortly after straightening, FLYING BISHOP and GREAT ACHIEVEMENT bumped. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, CONGRATS had difficulty obtaining clear running. Over about the final 200 Metres, WINNING REWARD had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not fully tested. After the 200 Metres, THISTLE KING became unbalanced. When questioned regarding his riding at the 500 Metres, C K Tong (FLYING BISHOP) said he was aware a runner had commenced to improve towards his outside, however, he was unaware which horse it was. He said he was caught unaware at the speed NOBLE CONQUEROR improved around him approaching the 400 Metres and because of this when he attempted to shift out from behind WIN AGAIN to avoid being pocketed, he was not able to do so and as a consequence he lost ground. C K Tong was told in similar circumstances he would be expected to be more alert to horses improving around him and ride his mounts in a manner to ensure where possible they are afforded clear running. When questioned, Apprentice K L Chui (CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN) said he had been instructed to lead if possible, however, he was not to make use of his mount to do so. He said CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN began well, he rode along in the early stages to go forward and looked to his inside to ensure he was clear of runners before shifting across to the fence. He said as he did this THISTLE KING which was travelling to his outside went forward of him, then approaching the winning post on the first occasion was ridden along in an attempt to clear him. He said after passing the winning post on the first occasion THISTLE KING commenced to shift in which resulted in there being insufficient room for him to maintain the lead inside that horse. He said for him to have maintained the lead would have in his opinion required him to ride his mount along vigorously passing the winning post on the first occasion which would have been contrary to his instructions. NOBLE CONQUEROR and CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN were sent for sampling.