22/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 6

On entering the track, JOHN DORY kicked a rail. On arrival at the Start, JOHN DORY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, M Du Plessis (MIRAGE R) expressed concern regarding the horse’s action. A veterinary inspection of MIRAGE R did not reveal any significant findings and after consultation with the jockey was found to be suitable to race. HIGH RETURN began awkwardly at the start and then made heavy contact with BRILLIANT CHARIOT which shifted in, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. MERACUS and MOCHI were crowded for room at the start between GREAT SHOW (Apprentice T H So) which shifted out after beginning awkwardly and MIRAGE R. In this incident, MERACUS made contact with the hindquarters of MIRAGE R, causing that horse to become unbalanced. Apprentice So was advised that whilst he had taken some corrective measures to assist the riders to his outside, he must make every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground as quickly as possible. After the 800 Metres, HAPPY SCORE and GREAT SHOW bumped. At the entrance to the Straight, HONEY FORTUNE was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of BILLION which shifted out. Throughout the race, COMMON GOAL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned regarding his riding of SOLAR WONDER in the Straight, T Clark stated that he had been advised by the trainer that SOLAR WONDER, which was resuming tonight after a let-up, responds well when ridden out hands and heels. He said for this reason he only used the whip in the backhand manner on the horse in the Straight. He said when ridden in this manner SOLAR WONDER finished off the race fairly. After reviewing previous races of SOLAR WONDER, Trainer P F Yiu will be interviewed regarding the instructions he gave Jockey Clark tonight prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 26 February 2012. T Clark was questioned regarding his looking around in the Straight when riding SOLAR WONDER. T Clark was advised that this matter had come under notice and was warned against the practice of looking around unnecessarily in races. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HIGH RETURN, Y T Cheng stated that he was able to obtain a position behind the leader, BILLION in the early stages. He said making the turn near the 1000 Metres HIGH RETURN got its head on the side and was inclined to lay out when racing inside the heels of JOHN DORY. He said after this HIGH RETURN travelled only fairly and after being placed under pressure did not respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing. He added he did recommend to connections after the race that consideration be given to dropping HIGH RETURN back in distance in its future races. A veterinary inspection of COMMON GOAL, HONEY FORTUNE and HIGH RETURN did not show any significant findings. MOCHI and HAPPY SCORE were sent for sampling.