25/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

TOM'S SIX bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. On jumping, BUNDLE O' GOLD was bumped by HIGH POINT. Shortly after the start, TOM'S SIX and VICTORY CONQUEROR bumped. In the early and middle stages, BUNDLE O' GOLD, which had been taken back, proved very difficult to settle. At the 700 Metres, BUNDLE O' GOLD when racing keenly was steadied away from the heels of WILLING STORM. K L Chui (VICTORY CONQUEROR) said the intention had been to have the horse ridden in 4th or 5th position. He said after beginning only fairly VICTORY CONQUEROR did not immediately muster speed and he therefore elected to ride his mount more quietly to ensure it was properly balanced. He said as a consequence VICTORY CONQUEROR travelled further back than anticipated. K L Chui was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels right to the winning post where circumstances permit. D Whyte (FRIENDLY GAINS) explained in his opinion the horse’s poor performance was due to it having to work in the early stages to cross to race outside the lead in a quickly run race when carrying 133 lbs. He said in his opinion FRIENDLY GAINS’ best performances are when racing over straight 1000 Metres at Sha Tin. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CANNONISE, M Du Plessis said his mount after being ridden along in the early stages was able to cross to the lead on entering the Back Straight. He said after reaching the lead CANNONISE travelled only fairly and hung out. He said CANNONISE felt uncomfortable in its action making the turn at the 600 Metres and after straightening commenced to give ground. FRIENDLY GAINS and CANNONISE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FRIENDLY GAINS and CANNONISE after the race did not show any significant findings. WILLING STORM and NOBLE MAN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOM’S SIX had lost its left hind plate and PLAN B had lost its left front plate.