06/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 3

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that YUAN’S FORTUNE had lost its right front plate. This plate was refitted. YUAN’S FORTUNE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. LITTLE RAINFOREST began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between TRAVEL GUIDE and GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barrier, GOOD TIMES ROLL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, YUAN’S FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of BILLION. Near the 900 Metres, WINNING BOY got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRAVEL GUIDE. Near the 500 Metres, WINNING BOY was again checked away from the heels of TRAVEL GUIDE. After the 500 Metres, TRAVEL GUIDE lost ground when taken back through the field by VICTORY GENERAL and GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, both of which were giving ground. BRILLIANT CHARIOT was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. After the 200 Metres, GOOD TIMES ROLL raced in restricted room between BILLION and LITTLE RAINFOREST and near the 100 Metres was shifted to the outside of LITTLE RAINFOREST when momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Throughout the race, VICTORY GENERAL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed off. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY GENERAL after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of VICTORY GENERAL was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY GENERAL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he was instructed to be positive on GOLDEN OSMANTHUS in the early stages and it was hoped that GOLDEN OSMANTHUS would be able to sit outside BILLION which was anticipated to lead. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode GOLDEN OSMANTHUS aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS did not show sufficient speed to clear runners to its inside. He said near the winning post on the first occasion he attempted to steady GOLDEN OSMANTHUS with a view to shifting in and obtaining cover behind TRAVEL GUIDE rather than remaining wide. He said after initially proving difficult to settle, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS shifted in shortly after passing the winning post and bumped TRAVEL GUIDE. He said after this GOLDEN OSMANTHUS proved even more difficult to settle and despite his attempt to steady the horse, he was unable to do so and GOLDEN OSMANTHUS consequently was left racing outside TRAVEL GUIDE in a position five wide without cover passing the 1200 Metres. He added after this the tempo of the race steadied slightly, therefore he attempted to improve his position on GOLDEN OSMANTHUS after the 1000 Metres in an attempt to shift in and race closer to the rail, however, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was again not able to clear runners to its inside and consequently raced four wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. M L Yeung was advised by the Stewards that, in their opinion, he should have made a more concerted effort to steady his mount near the winning post on the first occasion when it became apparent that GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was not able to muster sufficient speed to take up a leading position. He was further advised to ensure that, wherever possible, he does not cover unnecessary ground so that his mounts are afforded every opportunity to finish off their races. GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, which finished tailed out, will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, K C Leung (STORM UNICORN) reported that his mount hung out in the Straight and proved very difficult to ride. A veterinary inspection of STORM UNICORN after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The racing manners of STORM UNICORN were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STORM UNICORN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LITTLE RAINFOREST had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL GUIDE after the race did not show any significant findings. YUAN’S FORTUNE, TOM’S EIGHTH and LITTLE RAINFOREST were sent for sampling.