23/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 4

BIG KAHUNA began awkwardly. In the early stages, the saddle on HAPPY ENERGY shifted backwards. Also in the early stages, LUCKY DRAGON from the outside barrier was taken across behind runners. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, PROGRESSING TIMES was crowded for room inside KING CREOLE. Also making the turn at the 600 Metres, BIG KAHUNA raced tight inside MAGI JOY which was hanging in. At the 150 Metres, FULL BLESSINGS was checked to avoid the heels of MAGI JOY (E Saint-Martin) which when being ridden along was shifted out away from the heels of THUNDER VALLEY which when giving ground also shifted out. In the circumstances, it was decided appropriate for E Saint-Martin to be severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. At the 100 Metres, BIG KAHUNA, which was hanging in and having some difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted to the outside of KING CREOLE. Z Purton (SURE HERO) said he was instructed from an awkward barrier to ride his mount quietly in the early stages and to find the fence. He said it was felt if SURE HERO were to be ridden along from its draw, it would over-race which would be detrimental to its chances. He said when being ridden quietly SURE HERO responded well to his riding in the early stages of the race, however, in his opinion the horse’s run ended short of the line. Apprentice K L Chui (FULL BLESSINGS) explained he had been instructed from a wide barrier to allow his mount to begin well and roll forward in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover. He said FULL BLESSINGS began reasonably and he allowed his mount to travel forward without riding it along in the early stages. He said making the turn at the 1000 Metres it became clear to him that he would be obliged to race wide and without cover, he therefore steadied his mount and shifted back to a position behind MAGI JOY which was worse than midfield. He said FULL BLESSINGS which was having its first start at Happy Valley was not comfortable making the turn after the 600 Metres and hung out. He said once balanced in the Straight FULL BLESSINGS responded fairly to his riding. He said after receiving interference near the 150 Metres FULL BLESSINGS continued to close the race off reasonably. FULL BLESSINGS and DAYLIGHT EXPRESS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FULL BLESSINGS and DAYLIGHT EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings. FAMAGUSTA and KING CREOLE were sent for sampling.