17/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 4

Shortly after the start, TAI HANG’S PRIDE and SUPREME TAIJI (J Lloyd), which were both slow to begin, were steadied when crowded for room between WIN WIN and CHEVALIER KING which shifted out. J Lloyd reported that it had been intended for SUPREME TAIJI to take up a forward position tonight, however, due to the manner in which the horse began and then the crowding shortly afterwards, SUPREME TAIJI was obliged to race back in the field. WIN PET and FLASHING GUY made heavy contact at the start. From a barrier towards the outside, GLORIOUS GIANT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, TAI HANG’S PRIDE was checked away from the heels of POWER AND GOLD which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MARVELLOUS which shifted out. Approaching the 1000 Metres, WIN PET was checked when crowded for room between WITHALLMYHEART which was taken out by GOLD JOINT which at this time got its head on the side and shifted out and MARVELLOUS which itself was racing tight to the inside of CHEVALIER KING. In the early stages, CHEVALIER KING proved very difficult to settle and for some distance approaching the 800 Metres was checked away from the heels of THUNDER FLASH. After the 800 Metres, CHEVALIER KING was shifted away from the heels of THUNDER FLASH and after this raced wide and without cover. GOLD JOINT hung out making the Home Turn and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THUNDER FLASH. Near the 150 Metres, POWER AND GOLD was hampered by WIN PET (Apprentice T H So) which shifted out considerably under pressure. POWER AND GOLD was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of WIN PET for the remainder of the race and consequently was not ridden out to the end of the race. Apprentice So was severely reprimanded and advised in future he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts far sooner than he did on this occasion. Also near the 150 Metres, GLORIOUS GIANT was shifted out away from the heels of MARVELLOUS which itself shifted out. A veterinary inspection of TAI HANG’S PRIDE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. CHEVALIER KING, WITHALLMYHEART and FLASHING GUY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GLORIOUS GIANT had lost its right front plate.