21/11/2007  Happy Valley  Race 2

ABLE STANDARD was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, TREASURE RAIDERS was checked when crowded for room between SUDDEN SPLENDOR and TRIUMPH which on jumping was carried wider by PACIFIC ALLIANCE. In the early stages, TRIUMPH travelled wide and without cover and near the 1300 Metres was steadied to a position behind WEALTHY TREASURE. After the 900 Metres, RAIN CHECK was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside GOOD VIEW SUCCESS. An inquiry into the reason for Apprentice C W Wong being dislodged from TRIUMPH near the 700 Metres was adjourned until a date to be fixed as Apprentice Wong was taken to hospital and was not able to attend the inquiry. The Stewards directed that the entry of TRIUMPH not be accepted for further races until such time as this inquiry is concluded. The Veterinary Officer reported he examined TRIUMPH following the running of the race. He said there were no significant findings. When Apprentice Wong was dislodged from TRIUMPH, SUDDEN SPLENDOR, which was following, was hampered and checked severely. Inconvenience was also caused to THAT’S IT and PACIFIC ALLIANCE, both of which were checked. Prior to straightening, WEALTHY TREASURE, which was giving ground, was steadied after becoming unbalanced when awkwardly placed between I’M NO SQUARE and DECAGONAL. After the 100 Metres, TREASURE RAIDERS, which was closing the race off fairly, was steadied away from the heels of RAIN CHECK. Because of this, TREASURE RAIDERS was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Apprentice K L Chui (GOOD VIEW SUCCESS) was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, S K Sit (PACIFIC ALLIANCE) said he had been instructed to ride the horse at the rear, find the rail, remain racing on the rail until after straightening and endeavour to find runs towards the inside in the Home Straight. He said in accordance with those instructions on jumping he steadied PACIFIC ALLIANCE, shifted to the rail and had the horse which has a history of hanging out travelling comfortably. He said in the Back Straight he followed THAT’S IT. He said near the 700 Metres his mount received interference, was checked and as a consequence was not able to improve its position. He said PACIFIC ALLIANCE made the Home Turn awkwardly and was inclined to hang out, then in the Home Straight when being ridden out finished the race off strongly. Mr S Woods, trainer of PACIFIC ALLIANCE, confirmed the riding instructions issued to S K Sit and said he was satisfied with the riding of PACIFIC ALLIANCE. He said more recently when use had been made of PACIFIC ALLIANCE to go forward, the horse had failed to finish its races off, therefore he was happy to see the horse finish the race off in the manner in which it did tonight. He said in the future it would be his intention to have the horse ridden in a similar manner in races that are run to suit. S K Sit and Mr Woods were told their explanations would be reported. WEALTHY TREASURE and SUDDEN SPLENDOR were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WEALTHY TREASURE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, SUDDEN SPLENDOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had bled from both nostrils. RAIN CHECK, I’M NO SQUARE and SIXTY SECONDS were sent for sampling.