11/09/2013  Happy Valley  Race 7

IMPERIAL ROME stood flat-footed as the start was effected, lost a significant amount of ground and consequently tailed off throughout. Before being allowed to race again, IMPERIAL ROME will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. At the 1100 Metres, HOLIDAY SUN was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT FINISH (H W Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care. Passing the 600 Metres, NEW GLORY, which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover, shifted in and brushed BULLISH FRIEND, resulting in that horse being awkwardly placed outside the heels of BUNDLE OF LOVE. After the 500 Metres, BULLISH FRIEND became unbalanced after getting its head on the side and shifting in away from NEW GLORY. When questioned regarding his riding of LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT, Z Purton stated that he had been instructed, from barrier 9, to shift his mount across behind runners and it was anticipated that the horse may be able to obtain a position behind midfield. He said in accordance with his instructions he commenced to shift LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT across behind runners in the early stages. He said near the 1000 Metres it appeared as though HOLIDAY SUN would shift across to race on the rail and therefore he rode LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT along to take advantage of the position to its outside with the hope of obtaining a trailing position behind PERFECT FINISH. He said however that HOLIDAY SUN got its head up and shifted out rounding the first turn and because of this that horse remained racing in a position one horse off the rail which resulted in LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT racing in a three wide position. He added approaching the 800 Metres he elected to steady LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT and obtain a trailing position behind HOLIDAY SUN rather than racing unnecessarily wide. He said he rode LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT along prior to the Home Turn and shifted the horse directly to the outside in the early part of the Straight. He added after allowing LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT, which was having its third race start in Hong Kong, to become balanced in the early part of the Straight, he rode it along aggressively hands and heels until near the 100 Metres at which time he commenced to use the whip on the horse. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight, the horse continued to finish off the race strongly and made ground all the way to the finishing line. Z Purton was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he fully tests his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. LUCKY DOUBLE EIGHT, PERFECT FINISH and BUNDLE OF LOVE were sent for sampling.