29/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

BEST WIN was withdrawn on 27.2.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right fore foot quarter crack). Before being allowed to race again, BEST WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CITY POWER was crowded for room at the start between REGENCY LUCK and HAWTHORNE which shifted out. From wide barriers, CARRY THE ZEAL and SUPER PLUS were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SUPER PLUS got its head on the side and lay out. Shortly after entering the Straight, CARRY THE ZEAL raced tight when attempting a run between NEW GLORY and REGENCY LUCK. After the 300 Metres, SUPER PLUS was shifted to the outside of HAPPY YEAH YEAH into clear running. Throughout the race, HAWTHORNE travelled wide and without cover and rounding the Home Turn commenced to give ground. When questioned, H W Lai stated that despite riding his mount along in the early stages EASY WINNER did not show early speed. He said that approaching the 1000 Metres he shifted in towards the fence, however, maintained a position one horse off the fence so as to allow him options later in the race. He said because of this CARRY THE ZEAL was able to improve its position to his inside. H W Lai was advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to afford them of advantageous positions wherever possible. When questioned regarding his riding of POCKET ROCKETS in the early part of the Straight, M Du Plessis stated that after the 400 Metres he shifted POCKET ROCKETS out from behind AMEDEO to follow GOOD BOY BOY. He said at this time CARRY THE ZEAL was racing to his outside. He said in the early part of the Straight he believed CARRY THE ZEAL was still racing to his outside and for this reason he did not shift out further from behind GOOD BOY BOY rather he remained racing on the back of that horse. He said when he became aware that CARRY THE ZEAL had been shifted to the outside of NEW GLORY and that it was available to him to improve between GOOD BOY BOY and NEW GLORY near the 250 Metres, he shifted POCKET ROCKETS out from behind GOOD BOY BOY to obtain this run. He added that as he did this POCKET ROCKETS commenced to lay in and for this reason he was not able to immediately improve between GOOD BOY BOY and CARRY THE ZEAL. He said however near the 150 Metres he was able to place POCKET ROCKETS under pressure, however, that horse did not respond to his riding and did not finish off its race. M Du Plessis was advised that his riding in the early part of the Straight had come under notice as it was available to him to shift POCKET ROCKETS out from behind GOOD BOY BOY to position POCKET ROCKETS between that horse and NEW GLORY. M Du Plessis was further advised that he must ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query as to his intentions to win or obtain the best possible place. A veterinary inspection of HAWTHORNE after the race did not show any significant findings. CARRY THE ZEAL, NEW GLORY and EASY WINNER were sent for sampling. <1/3/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that EASY WINNER was lame in the left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, EASY WINNER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.