06/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

After being loaded, DILIGENT III became fractious and put its head down. DILIGENT III was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, DILIGENT III will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Shortly after the start, HO HO LIFE shifted in and bumped DANZULU. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, DANZULU failed to muster speed. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, COOL BEAN was steadied away from the heels of GOOD THINKER (Apprentice C Y Lui) which shifted in. Apprentice Lui was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Approaching the 1200 Metres, GOOD THINKER was steadied away from the heels of EXPECTATOR which was steadied to shift in to obtain a position with cover behind HO WONGCHOY. Shortly after entering the Straight, DANZULU was steadied away from the heels of GOOD THINKER. Near the 250 Metres, EXPECTATOR became unbalanced after shifting in and bumping HO WONGCHOY which was giving ground. Near the 100 Metres, MOUNT VICTORY was steadied when attempting to obtain tight running to the inside of HOME WITH GLORY. After being disappointed for running, MOUNT VICTORY was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOME WITH GLORY over the concluding stages. The performance of TRES MAGNIFIQUE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRES MAGNIFIQUE 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, Apprentice C Y Lui (GOOD THINKER) said that passing the 500 Metres he commenced to shift GOOD THINKER to the outside of EXPECTATOR to obtain clear running. He said at this time he received a call from the rider to his outside and as he felt that he may be causing interference, he elected not to continue shifting out. He said when he did this, COOL BEAN was able to improve its position to his outside. He said rounding the Home Turn clear running presented itself between MIZZEN GREY and EXPECTATOR, however, HO WONGCHOY commenced to give ground abruptly and shortly after entering the Straight GOOD THINKER was severely checked away from the heels of that horse as it gave ground. He said in this incident GOOD THINKER clipped the heels of HO WONGCHOY and blundered. After viewing the video, Apprentice Lui conceded he had erred in not continuing to shift to the outside of EXPECTATOR, however, he only desisted from doing so after he received a precautionary call from a rider to his outside. Apprentice Lui was advised by the Stewards that, in their opinion, he should have continued to shift GOOD THINKER to the outside of EXPECTATOR which would have resulted in COOL BEAN being taken wider and which would have afforded GOOD THINKER clear running. He was further advised to ride his mounts in such a manner so as to ensure that they obtain clear and unimpeded running wherever possible. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MOUNT VICTORY had lost its left front plate. COOL BEAN and HO HO LIFE were sent for sampling.