12/12/2012  Happy Valley  Race 6

PROLIFIC CHAMPION began awkwardly and made contact with BRILLIANT PROPOSAL which shifted out on jumping. From the outside barrier, TURF MAGIC was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, SMART KIDS was steadied when crowded for room between KA WAI FORTUNE and FAY DEEP which was taken out by KICK SERVE which in turn was taken out by EMPEROR BLITZ which shifted ground. After this, SMART KIDS was shifted across to obtain a position closer to the rail. At the entrance to the Straight, EMPEROR BLITZ was shifted in away from the heels of KA WAI FORTUNE which got its head on the side and shifted ground. Passing the 200 Metres, PROLIFIC CHAMPION was badly held up for clear running behind GAMEKEEPERS and JUMBO GOLD which was giving ground. PROLIFIC CHAMPION was then unable to obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, KA WAI FORTUNE shifted in under pressure, resulting in EMPEROR BLITZ racing tight outside KICK SERVE. Then passing the 100 Metres, EMPEROR BLITZ was steadied when crowded for room between KA WAI FORTUNE and KICK SERVE which shifted out slightly when obtaining clear running to the outside of RIDE ON THE FIRE. Over the concluding stages, SAMMY’S FALCON, which was closing off the race, was steadied when unable to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding his riding of FAY DEEP passing the 700 Metres, K C Leung stated that passing the 700 Metres he was positioned to the inside of GAMEKEEPERS. He said approaching the 600 Metres GAMEKEEPERS shifted in when inside the heels of JUMBO GOLD and rather than ride his mount along, he elected to allow GAMEKEEPERS to cross so as to ensure that FAY DEEP, which was having its first start at Happy Valley, remained balanced. He said he followed GAMEKEEPERS after this and rounding the Home Turn immediately shifted FAY DEEP to the outside of runners to obtain clear running in the Straight. K C Leung was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible he should avail himself of advantageous positions. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been instructed to obtain a position with cover behind the speed from barrier 10 if possible. He said at its first up run this season when the horse was successful last start, it had been able to finish off the race strongly due to it being fresh. He said it was felt that JUMBO GOLD would not be able to sprint as effectively second up as it was last start and therefore he was asked to have the horse in a position where it had previously raced successfully, that being forward of midfield with cover if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions, he rode JUMBO GOLD positively in the early stages and attempted to shift in behind GAMEKEEPERS making the first turn. He said however that there were a number of runners positioned to his inside and because he had ridden his mount along in the early stages, he did not believe it was possible for him to then restrain JUMBO GOLD and take it back through the field in an attempt to obtain cover. He said because of the circumstances of the race, JUMBO GOLD was left racing wide and without cover throughout the race and in the Straight gave ground. Trainer C Fownes confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Ho to position JUMBO GOLD in about 5th or 6th position if possible. He said he believed that KICK SERVE would be a strong chance in the race and he did not want to be giving that horse too much start. He further confirmed that he did not believe that JUMBO GOLD would have a similar sprint to that it had when first up and with tonight’s race expected to be run at a good tempo, he was of the view prior to the race that it may be available for JUMBO GOLD to obtain a position in advance of midfield with cover as the field may spread out due to the pace of the race. Both C Y Ho and Mr Fownes were advised that their explanations would be reported. A veterinary inspection of JUMBO GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. KICK SERVE, TURF MAGIC and PROLIFIC CHAMPION were sent for sampling. <13/12/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>JUMBO GOLD, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. JUMBO GOLD was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, JUMBO GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.