30/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

WEALTH PARK was slow to begin. From wide barriers, SUGAR PEGASUS and MAKE A FORTUNE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, ABLE MAGIC raced tight inside HONG KONG FAT which itself was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FOREVER AHEAD which got its head on the side and shifted in away from FLORA DANICA which itself shifted in marginally. Approaching the 800 Metres, SUGAR PEGASUS was steadied when crowded for room inside GOLDMEN Y Y which, after improving inside the heels of ALWAYS SOMETHING, was taken in by that horse which shifted ground when being checked away from the heels of WINNING BEAR. WEALTH PARK had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, GOLDMEN Y Y was shifted to the inside of FOREVER AHEAD when disappointed for running between that horse and WINNING BEAR. For a short distance after this, GOLDMEN Y Y was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FOREVER AHEAD. When questioned, K C Leung (ABLE MAGIC) stated that at the entrance to the Straight he attempted to position his mount to take a run between FLORA DANICA and EL GRANDE which had shifted out slightly. He said he anticipated that EL GRANDE would continue to shift out which would allow ABLE MAGIC to proceed into a run between FLORA DANICA and that horse. He said however that shortly after straightening EL GRANDE got its head on the side and shifted in which resulted in him being badly held up for clear running. He said a short distance after this he commenced to ride ABLE MAGIC along in the hope that the run between FLORA DANICA and EL GRANDE would eventuate and afford ABLE MAGIC clear running. He said however that at this time he became very awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLORA DANICA due to ABLE MAGIC getting its head on the side and laying in which resulted in the horse striking the heels of FLORA DANICA and blundering badly near the 250 Metres. K C Leung was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his actions in riding ABLE MAGIC along when the horse was in close proximity to the heels of FLORA DANICA bordered on being blameworthy. He was severely reprimanded and advised that his riding at this time had placed the safety and welfare of his horse as well as the safety and welfare of other horses and riders at risk. He was further advised he should be more circumspect in the manner in which he attempts to obtain runs in similar circumstances. A veterinary inspection of ABLE MAGIC after the race revealed the horse had sustained a superficial abrasion to the outside of the left front cannon, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FOREVER AHEAD, B Prebble stated that after obtaining a good position in the race, he shifted his mount out rounding the Home Turn and placed it under considerable pressure. He said FOREVER AHEAD did not respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight as he had hoped despite being placed under heavy pressure. He said that after the 300 Metres FOREVER AHEAD shifted ground on a number of occasions and was quite unbalanced in its action. He said as FOREVER AHEAD was not responding to his riding and due to the horse shifting ground, he felt that there may be something amiss with it and for this reason he eased it down over the final 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of FOREVER AHEAD after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, FOREVER AHEAD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FLORA DANICA after the race did not show any significant findings. ABLE MAGIC, ALWAYS SOMETHING and REAL GENERAL were sent for sampling. <31/1/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, ABLE MAGIC was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse was found to have sustained a superficial abrasion to the outside of the left front cannon. ABLE MAGIC was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ABLE MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.