14/01/2015  Happy Valley  Race 5

The Stewards were notified by Dr T S M Wan, Head of Racing Laboratory, that a pre-race urine sample he had analysed earlier today was found to contain the prohibited substance phenylbutazone and its metabolites. It was subsequently established that the relevant sample was taken from SOUTHERN SPRINGS, a declared runner in this race. After informing Mr C S Shum, the trainer of SOUTHERN SPRINGS, of the analyst’s findings, the Stewards acceded to a request from him to withdraw SOUTHERN SPRINGS from this race. Accordingly, SOUTHERN SPRINGS was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Further, urine and blood samples were subsequently taken from SOUTHERN SPRINGS under post-race conditions. The matter was now adjourned until a date to be fixed. As the start was effected, MANIPULATION, which was fractious in the stalls, lifted its front feet off the ground and made heavy contact with the outside of its stall, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, MANIPULATION will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TOM’S CHARM was steadied away from the heels of SAFARI MAGIC. Rounding the Home Turn, CHINA DELIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GENUINE CHAMPION. After the 300 Metres, TOM’S CHARM was shifted in away from the heels of MANIPULATION to obtain clear running. Then approaching the 200 Metres, TOM’S CHARM became unbalanced when bumped heavily by MANIPULATION which, when commencing to give ground, got its head on the side and shifted in away from ENDORSING (N Rawiller) before being taken in marginally by that horse. CHINA DELIGHT, which was racing to the inside of TOM’S CHARM, blundered when being checked in consequence. N Rawiller was advised that whilst the racing manners of MANIPULATION had initiated the incident by wanting to lay in away from ENDORSING, nonetheless he had permitted his mount to shift in which had also contributed to the incident. N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 100 Metres, ENDORSING momentarily raced in restricted room between STAR MAJESTIC and SAFARI MAGIC which shifted out under pressure. For the majority of the race, WINNING APEX travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, H W Lai stated that he had been asked to ride AMBITIOUS GLORY in about a midfield position as the horse was attempting the 1650 Metres for the first time in its career. He said he was asked to ride the horse more patiently than had been the case over shorter distances to ensure that AMBITIOUS GLORY would be able to see out the distance of the race. A veterinary inspection of UNBEATABLE GUTS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAR MAJESTIC and SAFARI MAGIC were sent for sampling.