31/10/2010  Happy Valley  Race 9

AMEDEO shifted out at the start and hampered JUN QI. After this, JUN QI was taken across behind runners. Shortly after the start, LUCKY BRAVO was crowded for room between ISLAND SUPER and TURF MAGIC which in turn was taken out by ELITE SIXTY-SIX which, after initially shifting in and bumping FRESH AIR, shifted out. In this incident, FRESH AIR became unbalanced. Near the 650 Metres, LUCKY BRAVO was steadied away from the heels of TURF MAGIC which at this time got its head up when racing close to the heels of PLAN B. Near the 100 Metres, JUN QI, which was closing off the race, was shifted to the inside of the heels of TURF MAGIC to continue going forward. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that from barrier 11 he had been instructed to try and obtain a position in midfield with cover on AMEDEO and then ride the horse for luck. He said it was felt that AMEDEO would have to be used up to obtain a forward position and because of this may not be able to finish off the race. The Stewards will interview Trainer A T Millard regarding his instructions at the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Wednesday, 3 November 2010. When questioned regarding his riding of LUCKY BRAVO in the Straight, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that the horse, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong today, raced greenly and near the 600 Metres became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of TURF MAGIC. He said at the entrance to the Straight LUCKY BRAVO again became unbalanced and shifted out further than was necessary. He said because of this he was reluctant to use the whip on LUCKY BRAVO as he felt that the horse may shift ground which would have been detrimental to the horse’s finishing run. He said consequently he rode LUCKY BRAVO out vigorously hands and heels at all stages in the Straight and the horse closed off the race well. Apprentice Yeung was advised that his explanation would be reported. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TURF MAGIC, Z Purton stated that prior to the race today the horse was somewhat lethargic despite him giving it a good warm up behind the barriers. He said during the race TURF MAGIC travelled satisfactorily until passing the 700 Metres at which point the horse commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of PLAN B. He said after this TURF MAGIC travelled only fairly and after shifting out into clear running in the Straight was disappointing in the manner in which it finished off the race. He added, in his opinion, TURF MAGIC did not stretch out today as it did at its most recent start when it was successful over the course and distance. A veterinary inspection of TURF MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, TURF MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PERFECT SPRINT, G Mossé stated that he had been instructed to attempt to obtain a position behind the leaders from barrier 3 today if possible. He said however that PERFECT SPRINT, despite being ridden along, did not show sufficient speed to obtain a forward position as instructed and then throughout the race did not travel at any stage. He added that PERFECT SPRINT was unbalanced in its action and did not stretch out as he thought it should. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT SPRINT after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY BRAVO, GOOD WORDS and SUPER BOY were sent for sampling.