21/10/2012  Happy Valley  Race 8

UWILLBEGLORIOUS was crowded for room at the start between GAMEKEEPERS and STEP FASTER which was taken out by FRESH AIR. At the 1000 Metres, FRESH AIR was checked away from the heels of SPURS ON. Despite being ridden along to hold its position inside GAMEKEEPERS after the 800 Metres, SAMADHI was reluctant to maintain its position and lost ground. After the 200 Metres, GAMEKEEPERS raced tight inside SMART KIDS (Y T Cheng) which shifted in. Y T Cheng was advised to exercise care in similar circumstances. When questioned, C K Tong (JOYFUL LUCK) stated that he had been instructed to be positioned outside the leader if possible. He said accordingly he rode his mount aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position and when making the first turn was left racing in a three wide position outside PROLIFIC CHAMPION and SMART KIDS. He said JOYFUL LUCK made the first turn quite awkwardly and on entering the Back Straight it became apparent to him that he would have to make considerable use of JOYFUL LUCK to cross PROLIFIC CHAMPION if that horse continued to maintain its position. He said therefore he attempted to steady JOYFUL LUCK with a view to shifting the horse in behind PROLIFIC CHAMPION. He said however that at this time JOYFUL LUCK was travelling keenly and would not come back underneath him as he would have liked, therefore he continued to press forward in the hope that PROLIFIC CHAMPION may steady and allow JOYFUL LUCK to cross. He said however that PROLIFIC CHAMPION continued to maintain its position inside JOYFUL LUCK and because of this JOYFUL LUCK was left racing three wide and without cover. He added that at the entrance to the Straight JOYFUL LUCK shifted in and became awkwardly placed outside PROLIFIC CHAMPION and then gave ground thereafter. C K Tong was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever possible, endeavour to ensure that his mounts do not cover unnecessary ground. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that UWILLBEGLORIOUS had lost its right front plate. SMART KIDS and GAMEKEEPERS were sent for sampling.