19/06/2013  Happy Valley  Race 1

YUAN’S FORTUNE began only fairly. From the outside barrier, WIN ESPRIT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1500 Metres, BILLION GAINS shifted out and bumped RAINBOW SEEKER. Near the 1300 Metres, BILLION GAINS was momentarily crowded for room between FRIENDS OF YAN OI and RAINBOW SEEKER which was taken in by CASA JUNIOR. CASA JUNIOR was quickly corrected by its rider and shifted out to alleviate the tightening to its inside. For a short distance after the 1200 Metres, NICKU raced in restricted room inside REALLY THE BEST. Passing the 1000 Metres, BILLION GAINS was steadied away from the heels of FRIENDS OF YAN OI which got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CASA JUNIOR (W M Lai) which steadied the tempo. W M Lai was reprimanded and told to ensure that he does not abruptly reduce the tempo of races, thereby placing the riders behind him in difficulty. Approaching the 800 Metres, FRIENDS OF YAN OI commenced to race keenly and had to be steadied away from the heels of CASA JUNIOR for some distance. BILLION GAINS, which was following FRIENDS OF YAN OI and travelling keenly, shifted out away from the heels of that horse and in doing so bumped REALLY THE BEST, taking that horse wider. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NICKU raced tight inside BILLION GAINS. Rounding the Home Turn, NICKU was awkwardly placed inside BILLION GAINS. Apprentice C Y Lui (MEGA CASTLE) dropped his whip passing the 250 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BILLION GAINS, H W Lai stated that his mount was not suited by the tempo of the race in the middle stages. He said when the pace slackened near the 1000 Metres, BILLION GAINS commenced to over-race and continued to race keenly until after the 500 Metres. He said because of the manner in which BILLION GAINS travelled in the middle stages, the horse was then not able to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of BILLION GAINS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BILLION GAINS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FRIENDS OF YAN OI and MEGA CASTLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BILLION GAINS, REALLY THE BEST and NICKU were sent for sampling. <20/6/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>MEGACASTLE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. MEGA CASTLE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in both front legs with sore fetlocks. Before being allowed to race again, MEGA CASTLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.