20/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 6

MALHECHOR GOLD began awkwardly and lost ground. Shortly after the start, RIGHT TIMING was steadied and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1200 Metres, JOLLY FINE was steadied away from the heels of YUE LU TREASURE. Passing the 1100 Metres, SUPERNINSKY was crowded for room inside MEGA CHAMPION which got its head on the side and shifted in away from the heels of FLYING UNICORN (U Rispoli) which shifted in when not properly clear. U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care. Near the 250 Metres, JOLLY FINE raced tight between FLYING UNICORN and ABSOLUTE FANTASY which shifted in. Over the concluding stages, MAGNANIMOUS shifted in under pressure and close to the finishing line was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JOLLY FINE. Because of this, MAGNANIMOUS was not ridden out right to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, ABSOLUTE FANTASY travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of K C Leung (ALWAYS SOMETHING), 2nd placegetter, very close to the finishing line did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he will nonetheless be reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding his riding of YUE LU TREASURE passing the 800 Metres, Y T Cheng stated that he elected at this time to shift out and follow GALAXY PRANCER as he considered that horse to be a strong chance in the race and he intended to shift YUE LU TREASURE out in the Straight to make its finishing run. He said for this reason he elected not to improve his position to the inside of GALAXY PRANCER to follow MEGA CHAMPION. He said whilst this allowed the eventual winner, JOLLY FINE, the opportunity to shift away from the rail and follow MEGA CHAMPION after the 600 Metres, he felt it was in YUE LU TREASURE’s best interests for the horse to be shifted to the outside and obtain clear running at the earliest available opportunity rather than risk being held up for clear running by going between runners in the Straight. Y T Cheng was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever circumstances permit, avail himself of the opportunity to improve his position. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GALAXY PRANCER, O Doleuze stated that after having to be ridden along out of the barriers to take up a forward position as instructed, GALAXY PRANCER then travelled keenly after the 1200 Metres and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MEGA CHAMPION for some distance which itself was being eased to allow FLYING UNICORN to cross. He said GALAXY PRANCER continued to travel keenly and for this reason he shifted his mount away from the heels of MEGA CHAMPION after the 900 Metres into a three wide position with cover behind ABSOLUTE FANTASY. He said after shifting his mount out at this time, GALAXY PRANCER then commenced to race more tractably. He said GALAXY PRANCER came under pressure passing the 500 Metres and then in the Straight was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of GALAXY PRANCER after the race did not show any significant findings. JOLLY FINE and ALWAYS SOMETHING were sent for sampling.