22/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 2

PRECISION MAGIC was slow to begin. Near the 1300 Metres, SPEED RACER got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRANDWAY FLYER. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if KINGSTON ELITE had been afforded a fair start. After taking evidence from Jockey W M Lai, Trainer T K Ng and Mr T McGovern, Starter and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that after the blindfold was removed from KINGSTON ELITE, the horse became fractious and lunged at the front gates which resulted in the gates opening just prior to the start being effected. As this occurred, the starting gate handler assisting KINGSTON ELITE attempted to settle the horse and bring it back from the front gates as the start was effected. As a result, KINGSTON ELITE lost a considerable amount of ground. As the Stewards formed the opinion that KINGSTON ELITE had created its own problem by becoming fractious and lunging at the front gates and that the starting gate handler was assisting the horse during this time rather than impairing the horse’s ability to begin with the remainder of the field, KINGSTON ELITE was deemed to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, KINGSTON ELITE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. When questioned, G Mossé (TREASURE GLITTER) stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to ride the horse in 4th or 5th position with cover if possible. He said after riding the horse positively out of the barriers, he commenced to shift over closer to the fence in the hope that he would be able to obtain a position with cover. He said however that after the winning post on the first occasion it became apparent to him that he would not be able to obtain cover on TREASURE GLITTER. He said after the 1200 Metres, when the pace had been slow in the early stages, he considered allowing TREASURE GLITTER to improve towards the lead in the hope of getting a position closer to the fence. He added however at this time he felt that the pace of the race quickened marginally and as he was of the belief that if he attempted to go forward that the leaders would quicken, he considered it would not be in the best interests of TREASURE GLITTER to be ridden along at this time. He said therefore he elected to remain racing behind the speed but without cover. A veterinary inspection of FULL HOUSE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FULL HOUSE be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KINGSTON ELITE, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE and MASTER DRAGON were sent for sampling.