04/01/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

Shortly after the start, SLEEP WELL got its head up on a number of occasions and raced ungenerously. This resulted in SLEEP WELL losing ground. In the early stages, PRIVATE ROAD was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1100 Metres was allowed to stride into a more forward position. After the 900 Metres, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 450 Metres, HO WONGCHOY was steadied away from the heels of PUBLIC FIGURE which shifted out. Over the concluding stages, SUNNY MORE raced close to the heels of DELTA HEDGE. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on TRAVEL GUIDE and then to ensure that it travelled comfortably during the race. He said as the start was effected TRAVEL GUIDE bounded in the air, resulting in him becoming unbalanced and then shortly after the start TRAVEL GUIDE stumbled after being bumped by NOBLE DELUXE which shifted out. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he was obliged to ease TRAVEL GUIDE when he was not able to maintain his position between NOBLE DELUXE and DELTA HEDGE which shifted in. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion TRAVEL GUIDE was momentarily crowded for room inside DELTA HEDGE which was then able to shift in to a position on the fence after the 1300 Metres. He said passing the 1000 Metres TRAVEL GUIDE was racing behind DELTA HEDGE, however, after this DELTA HEDGE was able to improve its position and established a margin between itself and TRAVEL GUIDE. He said as he had been instructed to ensure that TRAVEL GUIDE was travelling comfortably, he was reluctant to ride the horse along at this stage to maintain its position behind DELTA HEDGE. He added that travelling along the Back Straight DELTA HEDGE continued to race some lengths ahead of TRAVEL GUIDE and then passing the 500 Metres he rode TRAVEL GUIDE along in an endeavour to improve its position. He said TRAVEL GUIDE made ground quickly when racing on the fence and then closed off the race well when placed under pressure in the Straight. Apprentice Ng was advised that the Stewards would afford Mr C H Yip, the trainer of TRAVEL GUIDE, who had left the course the opportunity to view the video and comment on Apprentice Ng’s ride before they conclude the matter, however, in the meantime Apprentice Ng was advised that his riding of TRAVEL GUIDE after the 1000 Metres had lacked judgement and initiative in that he had failed to maintain his position behind DELTA HEDGE. He was also advised that his riding of the horse had come under notice and that he must at all times ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner which is not open to query. A veterinary inspection of HO WONGCHOY after the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL GUIDE, DELTA HEDGE and SUNNY MORE were sent for sampling. <5/1/2011 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that TRAVEL GUIDE was lame in the left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL GUIDE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.