06/03/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

PALEPALE, which was slow to begin, was steadied when crowded for room shortly after the start between TOUCH GO and FUN ‘N’ GAMES which shifted out. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, XI YING MEN got its head on the side, shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CROESUS. Passing the 100 Metres, HANDSOME HANDSOME was shifted in away from the heels of FUN ‘N’ GAMES. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had been asked to ride MR GINGER, which was racing at Happy Valley for the first time and was also racing over 1000 Metres for the first time tonight, wherever it was comfortable. He said after beginning well, he commenced to shift MR GINGER across behind runners and the horse was beaten for speed in the early stages. He said approaching the 800 Metres he shifted in to be racing behind NINTH GALAXY which had been aggressively ridden to obtain a forward position. He said after this he rode MR GINGER along to maintain its position as other runners were showing superior speed to MR GINGER. He said he again rode his mount along for some distance approaching and passing the 600 Metres to remain racing behind HANDSOME HANDSOME. He said rounding the Home Turn he considered obtaining a run to the inside of NINTH GALAXY which appeared as though it was hanging out, however, when that horse straightened, he shifted MR GINGER to the outside of NINTH GALAXY shortly after entering the Straight. He said he immediately commenced to ride his mount along, however, MR GINGER took some time to become balanced in the Straight. He added he commenced using the whip on the horse approaching the 100 Metres and it then closed off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of GOLD BALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TOUCH GO and CROESUS were sent for sampling.