16/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

LEADER was withdrawn on 15.1.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore capped elbow) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SOU MA TAM (G Boss). Before being allowed to race again, LEADER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THUNDER VALLEY, which was difficult to load onto the transport vehicle from Sha Tin, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at Happy Valley. The Veterinary Officer reported the horse had sustained abrasion wounds to the right hip and the left inner thigh and in his opinion was suitable to race. MAINLAND MASTER was examined on arrival at the course by the Veterinary Surgeon who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TERTIARY CHAMPION was slow to begin and shortly after the start was hampered when OCTAGONAL CANYON shifted out. TATTENHALL DELIGHT, which was restless in the barrier, was crowded for room on jumping between SOU MA TAM and THUNDER VALLEY which shifted in. FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly. Apprentice K L Chui (THUNDER VALLEY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in SOU MA TAM being taken across the rightful running of TATTENHALL DELIGHT which was checked and in turn taken in onto TERTIARY CHAMPION which also lost its rightful running and was severely checked. In the circumstances, Apprentice Chui was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday 3 February 2008 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday 27 January 2008. In addition, Apprentice Chui was fined $20,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, FRIENDSHIP got its head up when being checked away from the heels of POS TRUMPS. Near the 900 Metres, MAINLAND MASTER proved difficult to settle and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ACTIVE VALOUR. THUNDER VALLEY, which was following, was checked in consequence and TATTENHALL DELIGHT, which was following THUNDER VALLEY, also was checked away from the heels of that horse. At the same point, SOU MA TAM was checked away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON which was also awkwardly placed close to the heels of FRIENDSHIP. For some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, TATTENHALL DELIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THUNDER VALLEY. Passing the 600 Metres, OCTAGONAL CANYON was crowded for room inside MAINLAND MASTER which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Shortly after straightening, OCTAGONAL CANYON and MAINLAND MASTER bumped due to both horses shifting ground. Passing the 200 Metres, MAINLAND MASTER was momentarily steadied away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON which shifted out. Near the 100 Metres, DIVINE TOUCH attempted to savage ASIAN CITRUS when that horse shifted in slightly. DIVINE TOUCH then shifted out and was steadied away from the heels of ASIAN CITRUS. Mr A Lee, trainer of DIVINE TOUCH, was advised as this was the first occasion on which DIVINE TOUCH had been reported for attempting to savage another runner, a warning would be placed on that horse and should it re-offend, consideration would be given to further action being taken. G Boss, 6th placegetter, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the end of the race where possible. Throughout the race, GENERAL KINGY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding THUNDER VALLEY being ridden back in the field tonight, Apprentice K L Chui said he was instructed to ride the horse in about midfield or slightly worse as from barrier 11 it was felt the horse, which last raced over 1400 Metres and had not started for 107 days, would not have sufficient speed to be able to cross runners on its inside and would therefore be left racing wide throughout the event. He said in accordance with these instructions, he took hold of THUNDER VALLEY in the early stages, shifted in and was able to obtain a position with cover in midfield. DIVINE TOUCH and TERTIARY CHAMPION were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DIVINE TOUCH after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, TERTIARY CHAMPION was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of TERTIARY CHAMPION was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, TERTIARY CHAMPION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. POS TRUMPS and ASIAN CITRUS were sent for sampling.