12/09/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

DIAMOND ELEGANCE shifted out at the start and bumped TOUR DE FORCE, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. SMART KIDS and TOUCH WELL were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, MAGNUMOUS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 600 Metres, TOUCH WELL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SMART KIDS. Near the 550 Metres, GOLD EDITION was checked away from the heels of VINTAGE HUSSLER. Shortly after entering the Straight, GOLD EDITION was steadied away from the heels of VINTAGE HUSSLER. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, SUPREME FLIGHT was unable to secure clear running inside EVER BEAUTY. After the 150 Metres, SUPREME FLIGHT was checked away from the heels of EVER BEAUTY. Because of this, SUPREME FLIGHT was not able to be properly tested. Passing the 100 Metres, GOLD EDITION got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly, resulting in its rider, Y T Cheng, having to stop riding and straighten his mount. Throughout the race, RED LUCKY STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai stated that after being last to be loaded into the barriers, he was not adequately prepared for the start to be effected and when the gates were released, he came out awkwardly on HAPPY CHAMPION and became unbalanced which resulted in the horse getting its head up and losing a considerable amount of ground. He said he immediately commenced to ride HAPPY CHAMPION along after becoming rebalanced and the horse was able to make up ground behind the field after the 800 Metres. He said HAPPY CHAMPION was then able to continue making ground to be placed behind the favourite, TOUR DE FORCE near the 500 Metres. H W Lai was advised that the Stewards had held considerable concerns as to whether he had afforded HAPPY CHAMPION every opportunity to begin with the field. He was placed on notice that he must ensure that horses ridden by him are afforded the opportunity to begin with the field, otherwise he may find himself in breach of a serious Rule of Racing. He was further placed on notice regarding the standard of the evidence he provided at this inquiry. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOUCH WELL had lost its right front plate. TOUR DE FORCE, DIAMOND ELEGANCE and GOLD EDITION were sent for sampling.