18/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

After arriving at the Start, SPEEDY WARRIOR, which bumped a rail when leaving the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said in his opinion the horse was suitable to race. ABLE DRAGON was slow to begin. After the 700 Metres, ABLE DRAGON was bumped and carried wider by MASTER GUNNER which shifted away from the rail. Shortly after straightening, ELFHELM was steadied and shifted to the inside of WONDERFUL BLESSING. In the early part of the Straight, MASTER GUNNER, which was experiencing difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted wider on the track. After the 200 Metres, HOLIDAY SUN, which was giving ground, was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between JUGGERNAUT which drifted out slightly when giving ground and MAINLAND SHUTTLE which was carried in by MINGS’ HERO which in turn was carried in by NORDIC STAR (D Whyte). D Whyte was told to exercise care. Throughout the race, MINGS’ HERO travelled wide and without cover. Mr C H Yip, the trainer of MINGS’ HERO, said he instructed C W Wong, the rider of the horse, to ride it in a position in front of midfield if possible from a wide draw. He said MINGS’ HERO was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight. He said he was of the opinion the horse would be better suited ridden further forward than it had been in its recent starts at Sha Tin. When questioned regarding the poor performance of JUGGERNAUT, J Victoire said he was required to make use of his mount from a wide draw to race in the lead as instructed. He said after reaching the lead and crossing the rail at the 800 Metres he endeavoured to steady the tempo to allow JUGGERNAUT the opportunity to relax. He said when he did this HOLIDAY SUN improved to race outside him and JUGGERNAUT over-raced in the lead. He said as a consequence of being taken on in the lead tonight, JUGGERNAUT failed to finish the race off. RICH DRAGON and JUGGERNAUT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of RICH DRAGON and JUGGERNAUT after the race did not show any significant findings. SPEEDY WARRIOR, NORDIC STAR and MASTER GUNNER were sent for sampling.