13/06/2012  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, W C Marwing expressed concern regarding IMPERIAL ROME’s action when proceeding to the barriers. IMPERIAL ROME was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, found the horse to be suitable to race. MY NAME IS BOND was slow to begin. IMPERIAL ROME was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along became detached from the field in the early stages. EASY TO RICH was slow to begin and then shortly afterwards was steadied when crowded for room between XI YING MEN and FORGIVE AND FORGET which got its head on the side and shifted in. Shortly after the start, FORGIVE AND FORGET blundered after being crowded for room between UWILLBEGLORIOUS and XI YING MEN which shifted out slightly. Approaching the 1000 Metres, EASY TO RICH was steadied when crowded for room inside FLYING SMART which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Near the 900 Metres, EASY TO RICH shifted in towards the running rail and became unbalanced of its own accord. Throughout the race, XI YING MEN travelled wide and without cover and near the 500 Metres got its head on the side and hung out. Approaching the 100 Metres, UWILLBEGLORIOUS shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of SUPER PLUS which became unbalanced. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that making the turn after the 600 Metres FORGIVE AND FORGET hung out and was on one rein. He said FORGIVE AND FORGET continued to hang out rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SMART which shifted to the outside of XI YING MEN to obtain clear running. He said he rode FORGIVE AND FORGET out hands and heels in the Straight and used the whip in the backhand manner approaching the 100 Metres. He said as he was of the view that FORGIVE AND FORGET was giving of its best in the Straight, he did not use the whip in the forehand manner on the horse. He said when ridden out hands and heels, FORGIVE AND FORGET finished off the race strongly and he did not believe that the horse would have finished in a better position had he resorted to using the whip in the forehand manner. M L Yeung was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must test his mounts in the Straight in such a manner so as to ensure that there is no room for query. A veterinary inspection of ROMANTIC CITY after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MENTOR after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. GIFT IS GIFT and UWILLBEGLORIOUS were sent for sampling.