15/04/2012  Happy Valley  Race 1

It was noted that on arrival at the barriers ASSURE had lost its left fore plate. The start of this race was delayed when this plate was refitted. ASSURE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. HEART OF GRACE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, HANNIBAL BARCA was crowded for room between LUCKY RED and FORTUNE TOGETHER which was taken out by LONGWAH RISING. Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, KOWLOON EAST KING and VICTORY GENERAL both got their heads on the side and shifted out. Passing the 550 Metres, ASSURE and LONGWAH RISING raced tight inside SECRET OF WINNING (W C Marwing). W C Marwing was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in future. Approaching the 500 Metres, HEART OF GRACE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VICTORY GENERAL. On a number of occasions after the 200 Metres, KOWLOON EAST KING shifted out towards the heels of LONGWAH RISING, obliging its rider to stop riding and straighten the horse. Throughout the race, SECRET OF WINNING and SOLAR UP travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he had been asked to shift VICTORY GENERAL across behind runners from barrier 10 and obtain cover. He said accordingly, at the start he commenced to shift VICTORY GENERAL across behind runners and the horse got its head up when proving difficult to settle after the 800 Metres. He said as he was left racing wide after the 800 Metres, he elected to steady VICTORY GENERAL and shift across to race outside HANNIBAL BARCA in a position closer to the rail. He said this resulted in VICTORY GENERAL racing slightly further back than had been intended. He said when ridden in this manner, VICTORY GENERAL closed off the race strongly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ASSURE, which was having its first start since December 2011, Y T Cheng stated that after having to be replated behind the barriers, ASSURE began well and he rode the horse along in an endeavour to take up a forward position as instructed. He said after having to make some use of ASSURE in the early stages, he elected, after the 700 Metres, to allow LUCKY RED to cross rather than having to continue to ride the horse along to maintain its position. He said he felt that this would provide the horse with the best opportunity to finish off the race. He said after racing in restricted room near the 500 Metres, ASSURE came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres to hold its position. He added that in the Straight ASSURE hung in and, despite being ridden along, weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of ASSURE after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY RED and SECRET OF WINNING were sent for sampling.