07/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 3

TAI HANG’S PRIDE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, YOUNG WITNESS and THE KID were crowded for room between WIND KNIGHT and SINGLE MALT, both of which shifted ground. A short distance later, YOUNG WITNESS was steadied away from the heels of SINGLE MALT which shifted out. Near the 1150 Metres, SOU MA TAM (Apprentice M L Yeung) shifted out when being ridden along and in doing so made heavy contact with SINGLE MALT, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Apprentice Yeung was advised to ensure he makes every effort to keep his mounts in a straight course. Shortly after entering the Back Straight, DR UNION checked severely and became unbalanced when reluctant to hold its position inside GALACTIC TACTIC. After this, DR UNION raced greenly and passing the 600 Metres again became unbalanced when reluctant to maintain its position when racing tight inside THE KID (W Pike) which shifted in slightly. W Pike was advised to ensure he leaves sufficient room for his fellow riders in future. Passing the 500 Metres, DR UNION was again steadied when hesitant to hold its position inside YOUNG WITNESS. Prior to being permitted to race again, DR UNION will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend and in amongst other horses. Near the 900 Metres, THE KID became unbalanced after shifting in and bumping the hindquarters of ASIAN CITRUS. Throughout the race, LUCKY WINNER travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of GALACTIC TACTIC after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, GALACTIC TACTIC will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SINGLE MALT, SOU MA TAM and ASIAN CITRUS were sent for sampling.