04/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

Whilst in the holding stalls, MAGIC SWEEP had its right hind plate refitted. MAGIC SWEEP began awkwardly and bounded in the air. MANY GAINS began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, HANDSOME TARGET was crowded for room between AMO and MANY GAINS. At the 800 Metres, MANY GAINS was steadied away from the heels of LONGWAH RISING. After the 800 Metres, CLASSIC NAVIGATOR got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MI REILLY. After the 500 Metres, HANDSOME TARGET lost ground behind LONGWAH RISING which in turn lost ground when being carried back by AMO which commenced to give ground and shifted in slightly. On straightening, VICTORY CONQUEROR, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of CLASSIC NAVIGATOR. Near the 200 Metres, HANDSOME TARGET, which was being shifted out, was steadied away from the heels of AMO. Y T Cheng (FLY HIGH) said he had been instructed to ride his mount from barrier 9 at the rear, ensure it was settled and then in the Home Straight make his run towards the inside as it was believed this was the best section of tonight's track. He said FLY HIGH began well, he immediately took hold of his mount to take it back, however, was not able to obtain a position on the fence in the early stages and travelled in a three wide position. He said FLY HIGH travelled very keenly and proved difficult for him to settle when racing wide on the track, he therefore took his mount back further approaching the turn at the 600 Metres and shifted to the rail to ensure he was able to make his run on the inside as instructed. He said he placed FLY HIGH under pressure on straightening and his mount closed the race off strongly in the Straight. Before concluding this matter, the Stewards will interview Trainer L Ho. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung (AMO) said he had been instructed to give his mount a good warm up prior to the race, have it begin well and then travel in a handy position. He said in accordance with his instructions, after beginning well he then rode his mount along to ensure it obtained a forward position. He said entering the Back Straight he was travelling in a four wide position, he therefore continued forward to race outside the lead, however, was not able to obtain cover when travelling three wide. He said AMO travelled keenly along the Back Straight and in the Home Straight gave ground. Trainer Y S Tsui will be interviewed in relation to this matter. When questioned regarding the poor performance of NORTH HILL, G Mossé said he rode his mount in a rearward position, the same when it was successful at it most recent start. He said due to the tempo of tonight’s race being slower than when NORTH HILL last raced, his mount did not relax and proved difficult for him to settle and as a consequence NORTH HILL failed to finish the race off tonight. NORTH HILL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NORTH HILL after the race did not show any significant findings. M Du Plessis (HAR HAR CHARMS) reported his mount led easily, however, when placed under pressure after straightening gave ground quickly. He said the manner in which HAR HAR CHARMS gave ground caused him concern and therefore he did not ride his mount right out to the end of the race. HAR HAR CHARMS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of HAR HAR CHARMS after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, HAR HAR CHARMS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, B Prebble (MAGIC SWEEP) reported his mount felt short in its action. MAGIC SWEEP was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MAGIC SWEEP after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MAGIC SWEEP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LONGWAH RISING, MI REILLY and FINGERS CROSSED were sent for sampling.