23/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

WINE WIN was a little slow to begin and bumped with LE ROSSIGNOL. SOLAR MIGHTY began awkwardly and lost ground. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, COUNTRY MAGIC was steadied and MASTER GREEN which made the turn awkwardly and was proving difficult to settle checked when awkwardly placed between WINE WIN which shifted in slightly and FLYING SPRINTER which got its head on the side and shifted out. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Passing the 800 Metres, SOLAR MIGHTY became unbalanced, bumped the running rail and was checked when awkwardly placed tight inside the heels of MASTER GUNNER (M Nunes). As the Stewards were satisfied SOLAR MIGHTY had contributed to this incident, no action was taken, however, M Nunes was advised to ensure he left comfortable racing room for runners to his inside. At the 700 Metres, COUNTRY MAGIC was left racing without cover. Making the Home Turn, MASTER GUNNER was crowded for room inside FLYING SPRINTER which at this time was steadied away from the heels of WINE WIN which commenced to give ground. SOLAR MIGHTY, which was following, was steadied in consequence. On straightening, MASTER GREEN, which was endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running, bumped with THE WORLD OF LOVE and was steadied. Also on straightening, SOLAR MIGHTY was steadied and shifted to the outside of FLYING SPRINTER to obtain clear running. When questioned, W M Lai (LE ROSSIGNOL) said he had been instructed from a wide barrier to take the horse across behind runners and to ensure he found the rail. He said it was explained to him that LE ROSSIGNOL is a light-mouthed horse which can prove difficult to settle and hang out. He said after beginning well he endeavoured to take LE ROSSIGNOL across behind runners, however, approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres the horse was reluctant to shift in. He said when he endeavoured to shift LE ROSSIGNOL to the fence on entering the Back Straight, the horse was some three lengths behind SOLAR MIGHTY. He said he ensured LE ROSSIGNOL was properly balanced and after the 700 Metres rode along in an endeavour to join onto the field. He said LE ROSSIGNOL travelled comfortably although it did race with its head up. He said rounding the Home Turn he remained on the inside and on straightening immediately commenced to ride his mount along. He said LE ROSSIGNOL responded to his riding, however, had in his opinion a tendency to hang out and as the horse was finishing the race off strongly when being ridden out hands and heels, he only waved the whip at it as he felt it might shift out if the whip was used. Mr C Fownes, trainer of LE ROSSIGNOL, confirmed the riding instructions issued. He explained LE ROSSIGNOL was having its first start for his stable and had been dropped back in distance considerably to 1200 Metres. He said prior to joining his stable he was aware LE ROSSIGNOL was a horse which could race ungenerously and hang badly, he therefore decided to remove the blinkers and tongue tie which the horse had previously raced in and endeavour to start a fresh with the horse. He said during track work when ridden by G Boss and working upsides another horse LE ROSSIGNOL hung out and proved difficult to control. He said he had engaged W M Lai to ride LE ROSSIGNOL tonight as G Boss had not been able to make the horse’s weight. Mr Fownes added in future he will continue to have LE ROSSIGNOL not pressed to go forward, however, from a more favourable draw the horse could travel in a more forward position than it did tonight. W M Lai was told his riding out of LE ROSSIGNOL in the Home Straight had come under notice and he should ensure he rides his mounts out in a manner which is not open to query. Mr Fownes was told whilst his explanation would be reported, he has a responsibility to ensure that the riders of the horses trained by him ride their mounts out fully where possible. LE ROSSIGNOL was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. WINE WIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LE ROSSIGNOL and WINE WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. HARB was sent for sampling.