18/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 1

CARE FREE MIDAS was withdrawn on 17.2.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAVERICK (P H Lo). MAVERICK was subsequently withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial amount of mucopus in trachea on scoping after track work). Before being allowed to race again, CARE FREE MIDAS and MAVERICK will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ELECTRONIC MASTER, which was standing badly, began awkwardly, shifted out, bumped the hindquarters of FISHKING EXCELLENT and as a consequence lost ground. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LUCKY MONEY STAR failed to muster speed. At the 1300 Metres, TELECOM GOGO was steadied away from the heels of FISHKING EXCELLENT (C K Tong) which shifted in when not properly clear. C K Tong was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. Some inconvenience was caused to GENERAL POWER which was following. At the 900 Metres, LUCKY MONEY STAR was steadied away from the heels of GENERAL POWER. Prior to straightening, GENERAL POWER was steadied when crowded for room between DIAMOND PRINCE which commenced to give ground and ELECTRONIC MASTER which was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of WHATAFANTASY. Near the 250 Metres, WHATAFANTASY, which was improving into running on the inside of SAVUTE, became unbalanced when crowded for room by SAVUTE which shifted in after H W Lai, its rider, commenced to ride his mount along with the whip. H W Lai was severely reprimanded and told he would be expected to show greater consideration to his fellow riders. In the Straight, FORTUNE WARRIOR hung in. For the major part of the race, DIAMOND PRINCE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FISHKING EXCELLENT, C K Tong explained it was anticipated SAVUTE would lead the race and he was instructed to race to the outside of that horse. He said FISHKING EXCELLENT travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, did not respond to his riding in the Straight. He said in his opinion FISHING EXCELLENT might not have been suited by the manner in which the race was run. He was not able to offer any other explanation. FISHKING EXCELLENT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FISHKING EXCELLENT after the race did not show any significant findings. ELECTRONIC MASTER and TELECOM GOGO were sent for sampling.