15/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

The Stewards accepted T Angland’s (EVER BEAUTY) explanation for being 2 lbs overweight in this race when such overweight had not been declared. SUPREME TAIJI was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was checked when crowded for room between JUN DAO which was taken out by ELITE SIXTY-SIX and LUCKY RED which shifted in after beginning awkwardly. A short distance later, SUPREME TAIJI was again hampered when JUN DAO shifted out when awkwardly placed between LUCKY RED and ELITE SIXTY-SIX. In the early stages, TOWKAY FLYER travelled wide and without cover and near the 800 Metres was taken back in the field to obtain cover. Near the 800 Metres, JUN DAO, which was ridden along to improve its position, was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between ELITE SIXTY-SIX and GOLDEN BAUHINIA which shifted in. GOLDEN BAUHINIA was immediately corrected by its rider. Rounding the Home Turn, DIAMOND KNIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELITE SIXTY-SIX and GOLDEN BAUHINIA and then shortly after entering into the Straight was steadied when held up for clear running behind GOLDEN BAUHINIA and SECRET OF WINNING. Passing the 250 Metres, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER and IMPECCABLE bumped on a number of occasions. Throughout the race, JUN DAO and SECRET OF WINNING travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY RED, W M Lai stated that following the horse’s most recent start when it raced disappointingly, he rode the horse in an official barrier trial at Happy Valley on 27 November 2010. He said, in his opinion, this barrier trial was good. He said since that time he had ridden the horse in track work on a number of occasions and this track work was also quite good. He said tonight LUCKY RED travelled well until rounding the Home Turn at which time it came under pressure. He added LUCKY RED was then most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY RED and JUN DAO after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EVER BEAUTY had lost its right front plate and that TOWKAY FLYER had lost its right hind plate. CALIFORNIA MOON and EVER BEAUTY were sent for sampling.