09/04/2008  Happy Valley  Race 1

MASTER YING was withdrawn on 7.4.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter NOT QUITE PERFECT (D Whyte). Before being allowed to race again, MASTER YING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PROGRESSING TIMES was a little slow to begin and then shortly afterwards lost further ground after being buffeted between BATURO and LUCKY WORLD, both of which shifted ground. DASHING WINNER, which was standing awkwardly, was slow to begin. Approaching the 900 Metres, AURELIAN became unbalanced when bumped by TELECOM PERFECT. After the 900 Metres, HAPPY ASH was steadied when awkwardly placed while racing tight inside NOT QUITE PERFECT. For some distance after the 900 Metres, BATURO and DASHING WINNER became unbalanced when racing tight inside the heels of K-JACK (Apprentice K T Yeung) which was being steadied to obtain a position behind NOT QUITE PERFECT as that horse itself steadied. Whilst the Stewards accepted there were some circumstances in this incident, nonetheless Apprentice Yeung was told he should make a greater effort to protect his fellow riders. Near the 800 Metres, TELECOM EMPEROR shifted wider on the track in an endeavour to improve and raced wide without cover. At the 250 Metres, SOU MA TAM was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running inside LUCKY WORLD which was giving ground. When questioned regarding the poor performance of LUCKY WORLD, Y T Cheng said his mount sweated up badly prior to the race, however, this is not unusual for this horse. He said in the early stages he allowed LUCKY WORLD to travel forward, gradually crossed to the lead and was able to do so without having to make use of his mount. He said on straightening when placed under pressure LUCKY WORLD did not respond to his riding and gave ground. LUCKY WORLD was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY WORLD after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the performance of MAINLAND MASTER, E Saint-Martin said the horse’s action felt satisfactory during the preliminary and in the early stages of the race. He said approaching the turn at the 600 Metres MAINLAND MASTER commenced to hang in as it did at its last start. He said rounding the Home Turn MAINLAND MASTER continued to hang in and was difficult for him to ride while giving ground. He said after straightening the action of MAINLAND MASTER caused him concern and because of this he did not ride his mount out in the Straight. MAINLAND MASTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, MAINLAND MASTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings, however, it was noted the horse had lost its left front plate. The performance of MAINLAND MASTER was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, MAINLAND MASTER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. K-JACK and HAPPY ASH were sent for sampling.