21/05/2011  Shatin  Race 3

At the start, OLE OLE was bumped by VITALITY EXPRESS which in turn was taken out by PURE CHAMPION. When questioned, W C Marwing (PURE CHAMPION) stated that as PURE CHAMPION was attempting 2000 Metres for the first time today, he was under specific instructions to obtain cover on that horse and to continue to maintain cover until after straightening. He said he was told to ride PURE CHAMPION in this manner to ensure that the horse was able to run out the distance of today’s race. He said passing the 600 Metres it was available to him to shift to the outside of PACKING OK rather than allowing VITALITY EXPRESS to improve its position to his outside, however, due to the explicit nature of his instructions, he remained racing behind PACKING OK until after straightening at which time he shifted out from behind that horse to initially follow VITALITY EXPRESS before being shifted to the outside of that horse into clear running. When questioned regarding his handling of HAPPY GUYS, particularly in the early stages, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to have HAPPY GUYS positioned around 3rd or 4th position but he was to ensure that the horse was able to obtain cover as it was attempting 2000 Metres for the first time today. He said from the outside barrier he allowed HAPPY GUYS to begin with a view to shifting across behind PACKING OK which he anticipated would take up a forward position. He said that passing the winning post on the first occasion PACKING OK was left racing four wide and he made the decision to shift across behind runners rather than continue to follow PACKING OK forward as he was of the view that the circumstances of the race would most likely result in HAPPY GUYS being unable to obtain cover behind the leaders as he was asked. He added that as it turned out, PACKING OK obtained a position outside the leader, VIGOR DELIGHT one horse off the fence and unless he allowed HAPPY GUYS to roll forward to lead, he would not have been able to obtain a position better than three wide and without cover. He said because of his decision to shift HAPPY GUYS across behind runners, that horse raced further back in the field than had been intended. He said passing the 800 Metres he rode HAPPY GUYS along in an attempt to follow the eventual winner, VITALITY EXPRESS forward, however, at this time OLE OLE shifted to the outside of VITALITY EXPRESS, resulting in HAPPY GUYS being taken very wide. He added that when VITALITY EXPRESS shifted out around runners in front approaching the 600 Metres, OLE OLE and HAPPY GUYS were taken wider and as he did not want to cover unnecessary ground, he allowed HAPPY GUYS to shift in behind OLE OLE until after straightening. He said at the entrance to the Straight he again shifted HAPPY GUYS to the outside of the field and, in his opinion, the horse finished off the race fairly. As Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of HAPPY GUYS, was not on course today due to commitments in Singapore, the Stewards adjourned the matter to allow them to interview Mr Yiu regarding this matter. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY GUYS after the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING OK, VITALITY EXPRESS and PURE CHAMPION were sent for sampling.