15/06/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

REDOUTE’S FORTUNE was slow to begin. WADASURPRISE and CAGA BOY bumped at the start. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, SUPREME TYCOON proved very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of MAGNANIMOUS for some distance. SUPREME TYCOON then continued to over-race and approaching the 1200 Metres shifted out, taking WADASURPRISE wider. Because of this, SUPREME TYCOON was then left racing wide and without cover. After the 1100 Metres, EAST OCEAN proved very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY MASTER. Rounding the Home Turn, TURIN CHAMPION and HAPPY MASTER raced tight. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to ride ROMANCING TAMAR, from the outside barrier, in a midfield position if possible but most importantly he was to obtain cover on the horse. He said he was advised that the connections of ROMANCING TAMAR were disappointed that that horse was obliged to race wide and without cover at its most recent start and therefore it was stressed to him that he should obtain cover if at all possible on ROMANCING TAMAR tonight. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he was left racing in a four wide position without cover outside WADASURPRISE, therefore he steadied his mount to obtain a position behind that horse. He said at the same time WADASURPRISE was steadied away from the heels of SUPREME TYCOON near the 1200 Metres and this resulted in ROMANCING TAMAR racing further back in the field than had been hoped. When questioned, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to ride WADASURPRISE in a position forward of midfield if possible. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, WADASURPRISE, which was coming back in distance tonight, was not able to clear MAGNANIMOUS to its inside, therefore he elected to steady WADASURPRISE to obtain a position behind that horse. He said WADASURPRISE was taken wider near the 1200 Metres by SUPREME TYCOON, therefore, to avoid racing unnecessarily wide, he elected to shift WADASURPRISE in and obtain cover behind SUPREME TYCOON. He added that passing the 900 Metres he was racing in a position one horse off the fence behind SOMETHING SPECIAL. He said after this it was available to him to shift away from the heels of SOMETHING SPECIAL and follow SUPREME TYCOON which was racing in a three wide position. He said however that he elected not to shift out at this time as SUPREME TYCOON was travelling wide and without cover and he felt that that horse would give ground and that it was in WADASURPRISE’s best interests to avoid covering extra ground by shifting out into a three wide position. He said for this reason he remained racing behind SOMETHING SPECIAL. H W Lai was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shifted WADASURPRISE out to follow SUPREME TYCOON which would have resulted in WADASURPRISE not having to race at the tail of the field. H W Lai was further advised to ensure that he avails himself of opportunities to improve his position as they eventuate and that he must at all times ride his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MAGNANIMOUS was lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, MAGNANIMOUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER GENKI, MAGNANIMOUS and MY WAY were sent for sampling.