24/10/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

Trainer T K Ng was fined a sum of $3,000 for failing to notify that Y T Cheng (IDYLLIC WIND) would be required to carry a probable 2 lb overweight in this race at the time of declarations. On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that BET ON ME had a small quantity of blood at the mouth. A veterinary examination of BET ON ME found that horse to be suitable to race. From wide barriers, BLESS US ALL and FLORA DANICA were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, HECO RIDER and BET ON ME made heavy contact, causing both horses to become unbalanced. After the 1100 Metres, BET ON ME was steadied when racing in restricted room between HAPPY ERA and FORZA. Approaching the 1000 Metres, FLORA DANICA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HECO RIDER. Also approaching the 1000 Metres, HAPPY ERA and FORZA momentarily raced tight between WELL DONE and IDYLLIC WIND which got its head on the side and shifted out. In this incident, WELL DONE became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by FORZA. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, FORZA raced tight between WELL DONE and IDYLLIC WIND which again got its head on the side and shifted out. Rounding the Home Turn, HECO RIDER was crowded for room inside PERFECT JOY (C W Wong) which at this time was allowed to improve inside the heels of CHEERS VICTORIES where there was not sufficient room. BLESS US ALL, which was following PERFECT JOY, was hampered in consequence. C W Wong was warned against the practice of improving into positions where there is insufficient room. For some distance approaching the 100 Metres, PERFECT JOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OYSTER which got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. Then near the 50 Metres, PERFECT JOY was shifted in after being disappointed for running between IDYLLIC WIND and OYSTER which continued to shift out. Throughout the race, WELL DONE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, K C Leung (BLESS US ALL) stated that although he had the opportunity to shift out after the 500 Metres, he had been instructed, wherever possible, to save ground. He said for this reason he elected not to shift to the outside of PERFECT JOY but rather waited until the top of the Straight at which time BLESS US ALL was immediately able to improve its position. He said in the Straight he was afforded clear running on BLESS US ALL and the horse finished off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of WELL DONE after the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY ERA and OYSTER were sent for sampling.