04/01/2012  Happy Valley  Race 2

From wide barriers, CAGA SPIRIT and LUCKY RECORD were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, HONEY FORTUNE was checked when crowded for room between LUCKY TYCOON and TEAM WORK which was taken in by GRACYTOM which in turn was taken in by ALL THE WINNERS (Apprentice T H So) which shifted in. Apprentice So was advised that he has an obligation to ensure that he makes every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, CAGA SPIRIT proved very difficult to settle and for some distance after this got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DARK SECRET. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NATURAL FLAME got its head on the side and lay out. Near the 550 Metres, TEAM WORK shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of LUCKY TYCOON. Near the 500 Metres, ROCKET PROUD was checked away from the heels of ALL THE WINNERS which shifted out after being brushed by GRACYTOM. Also near the 500 Metres, CAGA SPIRIT again got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DARK SECRET. CAGA SPIRIT was badly held up in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres was severely checked away from the heels of NATURAL FLAME which was giving ground. TEAM WORK had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Then approaching the 200 Metres, TEAM WORK and DARK SECRET bumped as TEAM WORK shifted out to obtain clear running. In the Straight, HONEY FORTUNE hung in and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, Apprentice T H So stated that approaching the first turn he attempted to shift in to a position one horse off the fence outside GRACYTOM. He said at this time GRACYTOM was shifted out away from the heels of SUNSHINE KID and as GRACYTOM was racing in advance of ALL THE WINNERS, he was not in a position to hold that horse on the fence. He said after passing the 1000 Metres he was able to establish a slight margin over GRACYTOM, but at this time GRACYTOM had already established its position one horse off the fence. He added after making the turn into the Back Straight he attempted to ride forward to cross GRACYTOM rather than remain racing in a three wide position, however, ALL THE WINNERS did not show sufficient speed and he was not able to cross that horse. He said this resulted in ALL THE WINNERS racing in a three wide position and at times without cover. Apprentice So was advised that wherever possible he must try to position his mounts in such a manner so as to ensure that they do not cover unnecessary ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRACYTOM, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that approaching the first turn he shifted out away from the heels of SUNSHINE KID when that horse steadied in the lead. He said at this time GRACYTOM was travelling keenly and he was not able to remain racing on the fence behind that horse. He said after this GRACYTOM continued to travel keenly and would not settle in the same manner in which it did at its most recent start when successful. He added shortly after entering the Straight GRACYTOM came under pressure and commenced to lay out. He said despite being ridden along GRACYTOM did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. Mr C Fownes, the trainer of GRACYTOM, said that after its most recent success GRACYTOM had worked well and another forward showing was anticipated tonight. He said from barrier 4 he instructed Apprentice Ho to obtain a position behind the speed if possible. He said the only explanation he could offer for tonight’s disappointing performance was the fact that the horse over-raced throughout the event and consequently was not able to finish off its race as it did at its most recent start. He added despite this GRACYTOM was nonetheless disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to Apprentice Ho’s riding after being placed under pressure. A veterinary inspection of GRACYTOM after the race revealed that horse to have sustained a laceration wound to the outside of the left front cannon. Before being allowed to race again, GRACYTOM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL FLAME after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SUNSHINE KID at the request of Trainer C W Chang. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SUNSHINE KID will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GRACYTOM, LUCKY RECORD and SUNSHINE KID were sent for sampling.