05/12/2007  Happy Valley  Race 4

TELECOM EMPEROR, which was fractious after being boxed, was slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, TELECOM EMPEROR will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From the outside barrier, LUCKY TYCOON was taken across behind runners. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, RACING SPIRIT failed to muster speed. Near the 1100 Metres, PRESTO was checked when crowded for room between RACING SPIRIT which shifted out slightly and HEADINGLEY (Apprentice K T Yeung) which had its head on the side and shifted in. Apprentice Yeung was severely reprimanded and told he would be expected to make a grater effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground. After the 800 Metres, GENERAL KINGY was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, LUCKY TYCOON became unbalanced when awkwardly placed inside the heels of RACING SPIRIT which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in. For some distance after the 400 Metres, RACING SPIRIT was steadied when held up and unable to improve while awkwardly placed outside SUPER GOAL MASTER and inside the heels of FLYING KENNY. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, LUCKY TYCOON was held up and unable to improve when following SUPER GOAL MASTER. When questioned regarding the poor performance of PRESTO, D Whyte said his mount showed only average gate speed, then after receiving interference at the 1100 Metres travelled further back than he had hoped. He said making the first turn PRESTO hung out noticeably while racing wide on the track. He said because of this he was required to lose further ground while bringing the horse back to a position with cover. He said along the Back Straight PRESTO continued to hang out and as a consequence of the manner in which it raced in the early and middle stages failed to finish the race off. PRESTO and GENERAL KINGY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PRESTO and GENERAL KINGY after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN WIN and SUPER GOAL MASTER were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported GOLDEN WIN had lost its left front plate.