12/12/2007  Happy Valley  Race 5

PLEZAYRE and TRAVEL CONSULTANT were slow to begin. SPEED FIGHTER began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped FRIENDSHIP. With the intention of being ridden quietly, THUNDER FLASH was taken across behind runners at the start. At the 500 Metres, TRAVEL CONSULTANT was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of FLYING SPRINTER. Throughout the race, FRIENDSHIP travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Y T Cheng (TRAVEL CONSULTANT) said after travelling in a rearward position, on straightening he commenced to ride his mount along vigorously hands and heels. He said TRAVEL CONSULTANT responded well and commenced to make ground. He said at the 200 Metres he pulled the whip on TRAVEL CONSULTANT, however, shortly afterwards stopped riding with the whip and shifted to the inside of PLEZAYRE to continue going forward. He said after this he again hit TRAVEL CONSULTANT with the whip on one occasion and then rode out hands and heels in the run to the line. Y T Cheng was reminded of his obligation to ensure where possible his mounts are fully tested. When questioned, E Saint-Martin (FLYING SPRINTER) said he had been instructed to ride the horse behind the speed in what he anticipated would be somewhere around midfield. He said FLYING SPRINTER began well, he initially did not ride along to allow horses with superior speed on his inside to go forward. He said after the 900 Metres he rode along in an endeavour to hold his position, however, FLYING SPRINTER did not respond to his riding and travelled further back than was intended. SUPER HONEY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPER HONEY after the race did not show any significant findings. NIRVANA and WINE WIN were sent for sampling.