05/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 6

From the outside barrier, BOSS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 900 Metres, MR VIGOROUS was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, JERRY MAGUIRE was steadied away from the heels of BOLERO which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD STRIKE. GRAND DRAGON, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, BOSS was awkwardly placed outside of the heels of BOLERO (O Doleuze) which at this time shifted out to obtain clear running. O Doleuze was advised to exercise care in similar circumstances. Approaching the 200 Metres, FAMILISTS was steadied when crowded for room between LUCKY BRAVO and WEI HAI INVINCIBLE (Apprentice K C Leung) which at this time shifted out. Apprentice Leung was reprimanded and advised to make every effort to keep his mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances. Near the 150 Metres, BOSS (D Beadman) got its head on the side, shifted in and raced tight outside GRAND DRAGON. Because of this, D Beadman changed the whip into his right hand. T Angland (FLYING COLOURS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance approaching the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out, resulting in LUCKY BRAVO, which was racing to the outside of FLYING COLOURS, having to be checked and losing its rightful running. T Angland was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 20 January 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). This suspension shall commence on Thursday, 13 January 2011 on which day T Angland was due to resume race riding from a suspension incurred at the Sha Tin racemeeting on Monday, 27 December 2010. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRAND DRAGON, G Mossé stated that he was instructed, if possible, to ride GRAND DRAGON in a midfield position with cover but he was not to ride his mount along in the early stages as it may over-race. He said after being loaded, GRAND DRAGON stood well, however, as the start was effected the horse lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. He said he allowed GRAND DRAGON to improve its position to tack onto the tail of the field in the early stages, however, passing the 1000 Metres GRAND DRAGON commenced to over-race and proved very difficult to settle. He said GRAND DRAGON continued to over-race badly along the Back Straight until near the 500 Metres. He said due to the manner in which GRAND DRAGON travelled in the early and middle stages, the horse was then not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of GRAND DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY BRAVO, FOREVER ELATION and BOLERO were sent for sampling. <6/1/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, GRAND DRAGON was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. GRAND DRAGON was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.