02/04/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

EASY was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (respiratory disease). Before being allowed to race again, EASY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, GRAND STORE was bumped by BEAUTIFUL DREAMER which drifted in after being bumped by ADAIKALI. From the outside barrier, DIM SUM was taken across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, CHATER POWER was checked when crowded for room between CANNONISE and HIGH POINT, both of which shifted ground. No action was taken. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, CANNONISE got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HIGH POINT. Near the 200 Metres, CHATER POWER was checked when disappointed for running between DIM SUM and WARRIOR (D Whyte) which at this time got its head up when giving ground and shifted in. D Whyte was reprimanded and told he would be expected to make a greater effort to protect his fellow riders. Over the concluding stages, DIM SUM hung out. In the Straight, HIGH POINT hung in. Throughout the race, GRAND COMMANDS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble (SUPERIOR UNIT) said it was felt WARRIOR which had drawn to his inside would lead the race and it was hoped that SUPERIOR UNIT would be able to obtain a position in front of midfield. He said he had ridden SUPERIOR UNIT in an official barrier trial after the Stewards had directed the horse to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial due to it hanging out and proving difficult to ride and in that trial SUPERIOR UNIT had performed satisfactorily. He said tonight SUPERIOR UNIT showed good gate speed and was able to go forward and cross to the rail in the lead shortly after the start. He said after this he steadied SUPERIOR UNIT and obtained a position with cover behind GRAND STORE. He said SUPERIOR UNIT travelled comfortably in the race and responded strongly to his riding in the Home Straight. He said at the instruction of the owner he carried the whip in the left hand due to the horse’s history of hanging out. Mr D J Hall, trainer of SUPERIOR UNIT, confirmed the riding instructions issued to B Prebble. He said prior to arriving in Hong Kong SUPERIOR UNIT had travelled in a forward position in its races, however, after it arrived in Hong Kong, he had hoped to have the horse become more settled in its races. He said for this reason he had previously instructed the riders of SUPERIOR UNIT to have the horse balanced in the hope that it would close its races off, however, when being ridden in this manner SUPERIOR UNIT had hung out and proved difficult to control. He said in the horse’s most recent barrier trial he had asked B Prebble to allow the horse to travel where it was and on that occasion the horse trialed nicely. He said following this trial and a subsequent riverside gallop, it was decided the horse may be better suited ridden more prominently in an endeavour to have it race more tractably. When questioned, Mr Hall said in view of the recent track work and barrier trial of SUPERIOR UNIT, he believed the horse would perform well tonight, however, he did not believe at this stage of its career that SUPERIOR UNIT would be able to beat WARRIOR and that he had advised the connections of SUPERIOR UNIT accordingly. Mr Hall was told there have been instances where horses trained by him have come under the notice of the Stewards for the manner in which they have been ridden and perform. He was told in no uncertain terms that he has a responsibility to ensure where he can that there is no room for query in respect of the manner in which horses trained by him perform or are ridden. He was further advised that the matter remains open for the Stewards to revisit at any time in the future should they consider the circumstances appropriate. When questioned regarding the poor performance of WARRIOR, D Whyte explained all the horse’s previous races had been down to straight 1000 Metre course at Sha Tin. He said tonight WARRIOR having its first start at Happy Valley did not handle the track. He said WARRIOR did not begin as well as it normally does and was crossed by SUPERIOR UNIT shortly after the start. He said after this WARRIOR did not feel comfortable amongst runners on the rail and did not relax. He said WARRIOR felt uncomfortable making the turns and in the Straight gave ground. WARRIOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of WARRIOR after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of WARRIOR was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, WARRIOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards will afford W M Lai the opportunity to explain his riding of CANNONISE in the early stages at the Sha Tin racemeeting to be held next Sunday 6 April 2008. SUPERIOR UNIT and DIM SUM were sent for sampling.