08/10/2008  Happy Valley  Race 5

AMAZING ME bounded in the air at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, OPERA MAGIC failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, SPEEDY WARRIOR and MEATH were checked when crowded for room between VINTAGE GOLD and KEY WINNER (K L Chui) which shifted in. K L Chui was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. Also shortly after the start, KAISER’S CHOIX was crowded for room inside KINGSTON WINNER. Near the 1300 Metres, REWARDING STAR was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of VINTAGE GOLD which was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of KINGSTON WINNER (W M Lai) which crossed to the lead when barely clear. After crossing to the lead near the 1200 Metres, KINGSTON WINNER was then steadied by its rider which caused inconvenience to a number of runners, the worst affected being REWARDING STAR and AMAZING ME which were checked and MEATH which was steadied. W M Lai was severely reprimanded and told in future he must not steady the tempo of races in the manner in which he did on this occasion. In the middle stages, OPERA MAGIC proved difficult to settle. Prior to straightening, REWARDING STAR was steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON WINNER. Making the Home Turn, CHATER DE LAGO bumped the running rail and became unbalanced. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied the riding of D Whyte (MEATH), 6th placegetter, did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels right to the end of the race wherever possible. Z Purton (CHATER DE LAGO) explained from an awkward draw he was instructed to take his mount back in the early stages and endeavour to find a position on the rail. He said it was felt if CHATER DE LAGO were ridden in a more forward position, it would be left racing wide. O Doleuze (AMAZING ME) reported he was concerned with the action of his mount throughout the race as it did not stride out as he thought it should. AMAZING ME was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING ME after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING ME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VINTAGE GOLD, REWARDING STAR and KINGSTON WINNER were sent for sampling.