11/09/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

As the start was effected, MALHECHOR GOLD lifted its front feet off the ground and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, MALHECHOR GOLD will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. From the outside barrier, LUCKY GAINS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TRES MAGNIFIQUE was unable to muster speed and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was taken across behind runners to obtain a position close to the rail with cover. Passing the 1400 Metres, SHIFACHI TRADITION got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in LUCKY GAINS being steadied away from the heels of TRES MAGNIFIQUE which was shifting in. At the 1300 Metres, EURO SWIFTLY was steadied away from the heels of LITTLE RAINFOREST (D Whyte) which shifted in when not properly clear. D Whyte was advised to exercise care. VERY WELL had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 400 Metres, EURO SWIFTLY and FORTUNE BRAVO bumped as EURO SWIFTLY shifted out from behind SUPER BRAND into clear running. In this incident, FORTUNE BRAVO shifted out and made contact with MOBILE KING which was also inclined to shift ground inwards slightly. HONG KONG FAT, which was following, was held up for clear running in consequence. HONG KONG FAT continued to be held up for clear running until near the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LITTLE RAINFOREST, D Whyte stated that after having to make some use of LITTLE RAINFOREST in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed, the horse was then able to obtain a good position behind the leader and the eventual winner HEART WOOD. He said LITTLE RAINFOREST travelled only fairly for the major part of the race and came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres. He added at this time LITTLE RAINFOREST did not show the same turn of foot as HEART WOOD and quickly came off the bridle and after this was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. Mr C S Shum, the trainer of LITTLE RAINFOREST, stated that after a minor setback some weeks ago in which LITTLE RAINFOREST had a slightly elevated temperature, the horse had worked well subsequently and had pleased him in the manner in which it galloped on the turf last Monday. He said based on this gallop he expected a forward showing from LITTLE RAINFOREST, however, in his opinion, the horse raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE RAINFOREST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HONG KONG FAT had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE BRAVO and TRES MAGNIFIQUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE RAINFOREST, HEART WOOD and HONG KONG FAT were sent for sampling.