18/03/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

EXTRA SPECIAL was slow to begin. On jumping, GREAT UNITY was crowded for room between BELONG TO CASA and FLYING GALLOP and as a consequence lost ground. Approaching the 800 Metres, THE WORLD OF LOVE became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of BELONG TO CASA which was steadied while racing outside the lead. FLYING GALLOP, AMITYSHIP, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and GREAT UNITY, which were following, were hampered in consequence. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, DESTINY'S CHILD hung out. At the 250 Metres, GREAT UNITY was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between DESTINY'S CHILD and THE WORLD OF LOVE, then for a considerable distance after the 200 Metres raced tight inside AMITYSHIP which was hanging in. At the 100 Metres, MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP, which was closing the race off, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of BELONG TO CASA which was giving ground. Throughout the race, SOU MA TAM travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W C Marwing (MY TIME) explained because of the horse's history of hanging out and as it was anticipated several horses would go forward in tonight's race, he was instructed from the outside barrier to obtain a position in about midfield with cover if possible and if circumstances permitted with another runner to his outside as the horse had previously hung out in its races. He said MY TIME began well, he immediately took hold of his mount to allow horses drawn to his inside to go forward. He said SUPER CHARGE which had drawn immediately to his inside was being hard ridden approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres and he therefore elected to steady his mount and come back to a position with cover behind that horse. He said had he not had done so, MY TIME would have been left racing four wide and without cover throughout. He said MY TIME travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages, however, at about the 500 Metres commenced to hang out and after being brushed by FLYING GALLOP prior to straightening hung out noticeably. He said in the Straight MY TIME closed the race off fairly. Mr C H Yip, the trainer of MY TIME, confirmed the riding instructions issued to W C Marwing and said whilst the horse travelled further back than he had hoped, given the circumstances of the race, he was satisfied with the riding of W C Marwing. W C Marwing was told his explanation would be reported. BELONG TO CASA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BELONG TO CASA after the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING GALLOP and FUN were sent for sampling.