06/05/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

Prior to the running of Race 1, ANKH MORPORK was examined by the Veterinary Officer in the holding stables. He said the horse had a swollen right front tendon and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of ANKH MORPORK. Before being allowed to race again, ANKH MORPORK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GREAT ACHIEVEMENT began awkwardly, got its head up and was then taken across behind runners. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS was taken back in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT, which was improving its position, was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside OPERATION SECRET. After the 1300 Metres, WATCH WHAT HAPPENS got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. At the 250 Metres, QUICK TOUCH and SILVER SUN were checked when crowded for room between IRON FIST (K T Yeung) which shifted in and DIAMOND BRILLIANCE (Apprentice M L Yeung) which initially shifted out and then shifted further after being turned out when bumped on the hindquarters by SILVER SUN. In the circumstances, both K T Yeung and Apprentice Yeung were severely reprimanded and told in future they would be expected to make a greater effort to protect their fellow riders. Passing the 200 Metres, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT got its head on the side and hung in. For the major part of the race, MY HOME TOWN travelled wide and without cover. Following the race, D Beadman (WILLING STORM) reported his mount struck itself near the 600 Metres. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung said he had been instructed to lead if possible. He said in the early stages of the race he rode his mount along to cross runners drawn to his inside and after passing the winning post on the first occasion shifted across to the fence in the lead. He said when he did this he immediately attempted to steady the tempo of DIAMOND BRILLIANCE, however, shortly afterwards SILVER SUN improved to race on his outside. He said when this occurred DIAMOND BRILLIANCE immediately commenced to over-race and as a result he was not able to steady the tempo. He said he was aware DIAMOND BRILLIANCE was going too hard in the lead, however, in the circumstances he was not able to prevent this. Trainer P F Yiu confirmed the riding instructions and said the horse was stepping up in distance to 1650 Metres for the first time tonight. He said in the circumstances he was satisfied with Apprentice Yeung’s riding of the horse. Apprentice M Chadwick (SILVER SUN) said he was instructed to lead if possible on the horse or alternatively to take a seat off the lead, however, he was told he should not restrain his mount and should allow it to use its natural pace. He said in the early stages he went forward and worked across to lead outside of DIAMOND BRILLIANCE. He said he noticed DIAMOND BRILLIANCE was over-racing and therefore he did not persevere in trying to obtain the lead. He said whilst the early stages of the race were run at a quick tempo, because of the instructions he had been given, he did not restrain his mount. Trainer Y S Tsui confirmed the riding instructions and said they were the same as for the horse's most recent race start. He said SILVER SUN was ridden in accordance with his instructions and therefore he was satisfied with the ride. Mr Tsui was told the manner in which SILVER SUN had been ridden in its two most recent race starts had come under notice and the Stewards will continue to monitor the riding tactics used on SILVER SUN in its upcoming races. WILLING STORM and MY HOME TOWN were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WILLING STORM and MY HOME TOWN after the race did not show any significant findings. IRON FIST, QUICK TOUCH and VENI VEDI VICI were sent for sampling.