19/03/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

LIGHTNING SPEED was withdrawn on 18.3.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAINLAND SHUTTLE (G Mossé). Before being allowed to race again, LIGHTNING SPEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FIRST BABY began awkwardly and bumped with BOBO WIN. After this, BOBO WIN was ridden along and failed to muster speed. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, NOBLE SILENCE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of I’M NO SQUARE. On straightening, THE WORLD OF LOVE, which was initially carried wider by MASTER GUNNER (D Beadman), became unbalanced when close to the heels of BOBO WIN which was giving ground. In the circumstances, D Beadman was told to exercise greater care. At the 250 Metres, BOBO WIN, which was giving ground, was steadied away from MASTER GUNNER which shifted out. Over the final 200 Metres, ADD THE FUN raced ungenerously and on a number of occasions shifted ground. In the Straight, FIRST BABY hung in. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on HAPPY CRUSADER tonight as compared to those adopted on the horse at its most recent start when it was successful over the same course and distance, Trainer Y S Tsui said at its last run the jockey was instructed to ride the horse quietly from barrier 10 and then endeavour to improve around the field from the 600 Metres. He said whilst on that occasion the horse had been aided by the slow tempo of the race, he had anticipated the tempo of the race on that occasion to be faster than that which eventuated. He said tonight from barrier 7 he believed it was in the best interest of HAPPY CRUSADER to attempt to go forward, dictate the tempo of the race and as such have the race run to suit itself. He added whilst the horse was able to improve around the field near the 700 Metres at its most recent run, he believed HAPPY CRUSADER may not be able to adopt the same tactics on this occasion. Mr Tsui was told whilst the Stewards were aware that no two races are run the same and that the tempo of races and the positioning of horses can alter the way horses are ridden, he has an obligation to ensure wherever possible horses trained by him are ridden in a consistent manner. In the circumstances of this case, Mr Tsui was severely reprimanded and told his explanation would be reported. FIRST BABY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FIRST BABY after the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER GUNNER and ADD THE FUN were sent for sampling.