11/09/2013  Happy Valley  Race 1

BOLD TACK was slow to begin. LUCKY RED began awkwardly and shortly after the start was momentarily crowded for room inside TELECOM CHIEF which shifted in. KA WAI FORTUNE and SPICY SHRIMP began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, MARVEL PLUS and PILLOWIN bumped. Approaching the 800 Metres, MARVEL PLUS raced tight inside CHARMGOLD which itself was racing tight inside PILLOWIN. At the 800 Metres, SPICY SHRIMP, which was being shifted across behind runners when racing wide, struck the heels of TELECOM CHIEF which shifted out marginally, resulting in SPICY SHRIMP blundering badly and its rider, T H So, becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle. Approaching the 500 Metres, DIAMOND KNIGHT got its head on the side and hung out. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he had to make considerable use of MIGHTY EQUUS from an outside barrier to take up a forward position as instructed. He said making the first turn he commenced to improve his position forward of FRESH AIR which was racing on the rail with a view to crossing that horse. He said however at this time he received a call from the rider of FRESH AIR alerting him that he was not clear to cross. He added he did consider riding his mount along to clear FRESH AIR and obtain the outright lead on the rail, however, he felt that he had made enough use of MIGHTY EQUUS up to this point and he was reluctant to continue to ride it along as he was of the opinion that it would not be able to finish off its race if he were to do so. He said therefore he elected to keep MIGHTY EQUUS balanced in a position one horse off the fence. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY RED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FRESH AIR and MIGHTY EQUUS were sent for sampling.