19/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

Shortly after the start, CHATER MIKADO was steadied when crowded for room between ELEGANCE DESIRE and GOOD WORDS which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. From wide barriers, SUPER BOY and SEEK N’ DESTROY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After being caught wide and without cover in the early stages, PERFECT GEAR was taken back in an endeavour to obtain cover, however, PERFECT GEAR got its head on the side, hung out and consequently raced wide and without cover until near the 600 Metres. PERFECT GEAR then continued to hang out making the turn after the 600 Metres. Approaching the 1000 Metres, MR VIGOROUS was steadied away from the heels of GOOD WORDS (M Chadwick) which at this time got its head on the side and hung in. M Chadwick reported that GOOD WORDS hung in throughout the race and proved difficult to ride. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, CHATER MIKADO and FOREVER ELATION were crowded for room inside MR VIGOROUS (Apprentice T H So) which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in. Apprentice So was reprimanded and advised to ensure he makes every endeavour to leave sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in future. After the 600 Metres, ROYAL FLUSH was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 500 Metres, FOREVER ELATION was severely checked away from the heels of NEW GLORY which at this time lost some ground. SUPER BOY, which was following, was obliged to shift out abruptly to avoid the heels of FOREVER ELATION, resulting in ELEGANCE DESIRE being taken wider. After this, ELEGANCE DESIRE raced wide and without cover. For some distance making the Home Turn, FOREVER ELATION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NEW GLORY. After the 200 Metres, ELEGANCE DESIRE and MR VIGOROUS bumped. Near the 150 Metres, ROYAL FLUSH shifted out and bumped FOREVER ELATION, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced. A veterinary inspection of FOREVER ELATION and GOOD WORDS after the race did not show any significant findings. ROMANTIC CITY and MI REILLY were sent for sampling. The Stewards opened an inquiry into C W Wong’s handling of NEW GLORY, particularly in the Home Straight. After taking evidence from C W Wong, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed at which time Mr D J Hall, the trainer of NEW GLORY, will be interviewed.