27/02/2008  Happy Valley  Race 4

PURE ALPHA bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. On jumping, EMBRACES was bumped by SAMMY'S FORTUNE. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, BARRACUDA failed to muster speed. Near the 1600 Metres, EMBRACES was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SAMMY'S FORTUNE. Near the 1500 Metres, SOMETHING SPECIAL was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of EMBRACES which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SAMMY'S FORTUNE. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY HEROES was crowded for room outside SAMMY'S FORTUNE which got its head up and shifted out when being checked to avoid the heels of EMBRACES which at this time when proving difficult to settle got its head up and was checked to avoid the heels of PURE ALPHA. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, EMBRACES was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SAMMY'S FORTUNE. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, BARRACUDA was steadied away from the heels of EMBRACES. Prior to straightening, PURE ALPHA was tightened for room inside VINCERE. The performance of BARRACUDA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, BARRACUDA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Apprentice K T Yeung (SOMETHING SPECIAL) explained when his mount was struck with the whip shortly after straightening, it immediately commenced to hang out. He said because of this he changed the whip into his left hand after the 200 Metres and then for a short distance rode his mount out with the whip. He said because SOMETHING SPECIAL was continuing to hang out, he put the whip away and rode his mount out hands and heels in the run to the line in an endeavour to keep the horse straight. When questioned regarding the poor performance of HAPPY HEROES, G Boss said the horse was not suited by the slow tempo of tonight's race. He said because of this he endeavoured to improve his position around the field from the rear after the 700 Metres. He said HAPPY HEROES responded only fairly to his riding and in the Straight was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. He added HAPPY HEROES felt as though it did not appreciate the seven-day backup. HAPPY HEROES was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY HEROES after the race did not show any significant findings. ROMANTIC GREEN and WONG'S FAVOURITE were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 28 February 2008) Trainer C H Yip reported to the Stable Veterinary Surgeon this morning that FRONTIER was sore in its right front tendon. Before being allowed to race again, FRONTIER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.