08/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that NAMJONG TURBO had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. NAMJONG TURBO was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FORTUNE TERRITORY began awkwardly and despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. JUST GOOD was slow to begin. From wide barriers, PERFECT JOY (T Angland) and TELECOM TOP STAR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. T Angland reported that his saddle shifted back slightly in the early stages. Shortly after the start, FLYING KEEPER was crowded for room between DIAMOND ANGEL and NAMJONG TURBO which shifted in after being bumped by GOOD SMILE (H W Lai). H W Lai was advised to exercise more care. Approaching the 1100 Metres, NAMJONG TURBO was steadied away from the heels of GOOD SMILE which shifted in. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to be sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Approaching the 800 Metres, FORTUNE TERRITORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TAKE THE RAP which got its head up on a number of occasions when over-racing and travelling close to the heels of CRIMSON which at this time was racing tight with YOUNG SUPREME. Also approaching the 800 Metres, DIAMOND ANGEL was steadied away from the heels of ENJOY THE FUN (T Berry) which shifted in when not properly clear. T Berry was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance to runners on his inside in future. At the entrance to the Straight, CRIMSON was steadied when crowded for room between NAMJONG TURBO which was commencing to give ground and TAKE THE RAP which, when endeavouring to shift to the outside of JUST GOOD, was taken out by that horse. In this incident, TAKE THE RAP was also momentarily steadied. In the Straight, DIAMOND ANGEL got its head on the side and hung out. Also in the Straight, TELECOM TOP STAR got its head on the side, hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of M L Yeung (YOUNG SUPREME), 3rd placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JUST GOOD had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE TERRITORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOUNG SUPREME, JUST GOOD and FLYING KEEPER were sent for sampling.