06/11/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

FULL OF FUN began awkwardly and was then crowded for room at the start between RIYADH and HOXO, both of which shifted ground. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOOD LUCK WIN was steadied away from the heels of BETTER ANNOUNCE (N Callan) which shifted in when not properly clear. N Callan was reprimanded. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, HOXO lost its right hind plate. Rounding the Home Turn, GOOD LUCK WIN got its head on the side and lay out. Approaching the 100 Metres, TWIN TURBO was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of KING HARADASUN which shifted in. Over the concluding stages, TWIN TURBO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING HARADASUN. Because of this, TWIN TURBO was not able to be fully tested over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, FLAME HERO travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, C K Tong (PERFECT MOMENT) stated that making the Home Turn he noticed that BETTER ANNOUNCE had its head on the side and was laying out which resulted in it shifting out away from the leader, HOXO. He said as he anticipated that a run may eventuate between those horses, he elected to position PERFECT MOMENT to take advantage of that run in the early part of the Straight. He said however that BETTER ANNOUNCE shifted in shortly after straightening which resulted in PERFECT MOMENT being disappointed for running between that horse and HOXO. He added he therefore shifted PERFECT MOMENT to the outside of BETTER ANNOUNCE after the 300 Metres into clear running inside the eventual winner, RIYADH. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to shift EL GRANDE across behind runners in the early stages from barrier 11. He said after doing this EL GRANDE came off the bridle in the middle stages and after entering the Back Straight made an abnormal breathing noise. He said EL GRANDE continued to travel off the bridle and he was obliged to start niggling the horse along after the 700 Metres in an endeavour to have it make up ground. He said he continued to ride the horse out hands and heels, however, EL GRANDE did not respond to his riding until after the 200 Metres when it started to make some ground. He added after this EL GRANDE finished off the race only fairly. M Chadwick was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he does not set his mounts too great a task in their races. The Stewards will question N Callan, the rider of BETTER ANNOUNCE, regarding his use of the whip in the Straight prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Saturday, 9 November 2013. A veterinary inspection of FLAME HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT MOMENT, RIYADH and KING HARADASUN were sent for sampling.