05/03/2008  Happy Valley  Race 1

Before leaving the holding stalls, GOOD TOUCH had its right front plate reset. GOOD TOUCH was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. WIKI WIKI began awkwardly, became unbalanced and lost ground. CHOICE AND CHANCE began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped HAPPY ENERGY. As a result, CHOICE AND CHANCE became unbalanced and lost a considerable amount of ground. MONTY began awkwardly. Near the 900 Metres, HOT SUN was steadied when crowded for room between DIVINE TOUCH and GOOD TOUCH which shifted ground while hanging out. Approaching the 600 Metres, MONTY, which was hanging in away from SURE HERO, was steadied. At the 200 Metres, MONTY was checked and blundered when disappointed for running between KINGSTON WINNER and DIVINE TOUCH (Apprentice K T Yeung) which got its head on the side and shifted out away from CHOICE AND CHANCE which improved to its inside. As the Stewards were satisfied MONTY had not established rightful running, no action was taken, however, Apprentice Yeung was nonetheless told to exercise care. At the 150 Metres, WIKI WIKI, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted to the inside of SILLY BOY to continue going forward. Apprentice C W Wong (GOOD TOUCH) said throughout the race his mount hung out badly. He said he endeavoured to prevent it from shifting wider on the track, however, was unable to do so. GOOD TOUCH was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of GOOD TOUCH after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GOOD TOUCH was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, GOOD TOUCH will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. When questioned regarding the poor performance of FUN, G Mossé explained in his opinion the horse was not suited by the drop back in distance to the 1000 Metres of tonight's race. He said FUN is best suited when able to obtain the lead, however, because of the pace of tonight's race he was not able to cross runners to his inside. He said after the 700 Metres he was left racing three wide and without cover. Apprentice K T Yeung said the intention had been to lead if possible. He said in the early stages he was carried wider by GOOD TOUCH which was hanging out and as such he was not able to cross to race on the fence. He said at the 700 Metres he steadied his mount to come back behind GOOD TOUCH in the hope of being able to obtain the position on the rail, however, runners to his inside held their ground and as a consequence he raced away from the fence. He said DIVINE TOUCH travelled only fairly making the turn, got its head on the side and was inclined to hang out. He said in the Straight DIVINE TOUCH did not respond to his riding. FUN and DIVINE TOUCH were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FUN and DIVINE TOUCH after the race did not show any significant findings. RACING SPIRIT and WIKI WIKI were sent for sampling.