13/02/2008  Happy Valley  Race 7

At the 400 Metres, LHOJONG became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of YOUNG HERO. HAIL THE STORM, which was following, was steadied in consequence. At the 250 Metres, AMPLE GAINS, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted to the outside of FAT DRAGON. For some distance after this, AMPLE GAINS continued to race in restricted room between FAT DRAGON and YOUNG HERO. At the 50 Metres, FAT DRAGON got its head up and raced ungenerously when carried wider by NILOMETER. Near the winning post, LHOJONG improved close to the heels of NILOMETER and because of this was not ridden right out to the end of the race. Apprentice C W Wong (WINNING REWARD) explained after he was unable to obtain a position in midfield with cover in the early stages due to WINNING REWARD over-racing, he approaching the winning post on the first occasion allowed his mount to stride forward and cross to race outside FAT DRAGON. He said he believed FAT DRAGON would shift to the fence behind the leader which would enable him to travel in a two wide position. He said FAT DRAGON was not able to shift to the fence and as a consequence WINNING REWARD was obliged to race three wide outside that horse. He said after the 1200 Metres he noted FAT DRAGON was over-racing and felt if he went forward with that horse, it would improve with him towards his inside. He said as a consequence WINNING REWARD travelled three wide and without cover throughout. O Doleuze (HAIL THE STORM) said from a wide barrier he was instructed to ride the horse in a position with cover. He said therefore in the early stages he restrained his mount, however, had to go back to the rear of the field to ensure he had cover. He said HAIL THE STORM travelled comfortably throughout the race, after straightening commenced to close the race off strongly, however, over the final 200 Metres was not able to obtain clear running and as a consequence was not fully tested. Mr C Fownes, trainer of HAIL THE STORM, confirmed it was his intention to have the horse from an awkward barrier ridden quieter than it had been at its two most recent starts. He said HAIL THE STORM had been out of form and because of this at its two most recent starts he had asked the jockey to ride the horse along to obtain a forward position in an endeavour to have the horse switched on. He said the performances of HAIL THE STORM had improved when being ridden in this manner. He said tonight he felt had HAIL THE STORM been able to obtain clear running in the Home Straight, the horse would again perform well. He said now HAIL THE STORM has shown it has regained its form, the horse will be ridden where it is comfortable in its future races. G Mossé (YOUNG HERO) explained the horse travelled in a more forward position than is usual tonight in a slowly run race. He said YOUNG HERO travelled keenly in the run and as a consequence failed to finish the race off and was disappointing. HAIL THE STORM and YOUNG HERO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAIL THE STORM and YOUNG HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. JOY AND FUN, CALIFORNIAMOUNTAIN and ROCKET WIN were sent for sampling.