18/12/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

From the outside barrier, CHINA ANGEL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SUPER GOAL ELITE failed to muster speed and passing the 800 Metres was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the 900 Metres, GREAT RUN raced in restricted room between SEASONS STAR and WHAT A HEART, both of which shifted marginal ground. A short distance later, SEASONS STAR shifted in slightly and bumped BRILLIANT PROPOSAL which became unbalanced. Passing the 700 Metres, CREATIVE UNION got its head up when travelling keenly. Making the Home Turn, CHINA ANGEL brushed the running rail when racing tight inside CREATIVE UNION. Passing the 200 Metres, CREATIVE UNION was shifted to the inside of BRILLIANT PROPOSAL to obtain clear running. J Moreira (FANTASTICO) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in when not properly clear of NOBODY BUT YOU, causing that horse to be checked and shifted to the outside of the heels of FANTASTICO. J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 2 January 2014 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 21 December 2013. Throughout the race, OCEAN ROAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mosse stated that passing the 200 Metres he positioned SEASONS STAR to take advantage of a run which was available between BRILLIANT PROPOSAL and EXCEL ONESELF. He said however that approaching the 100 Metres he was disappointed for running between these horses due to both of them shifting slight ground. He said when disappointed for this run, SEASONS STAR got its head on the side, lay out and then raced awkwardly over the concluding stages. He added he continued to ride the horse out by slapping it down the shoulder with the whip in the right hand, however, SEASONS STAR was not racing genuinely. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BRILLIANT PROPOSAL, D Whyte stated that he was able to obtain a good position on BRILLIANT PROPOSAL and the horse was travelling a little too keenly passing the 700 Metres but still travelled comfortably. He said he became concerned that BRILLIANT PROPOSAL was not going to finish off the race as the horse had to be ridden along rounding the Home Turn and did not travel as strongly into the race as it did last start when successful. He said he placed BRILLIANT PROPOSAL under pressure in the Straight, however, the horse did not close off the race as expected. He added after the race he advised Mr D Cruz, the trainer of BRILLIANT PROPOSAL, that the horse may be benefitted by employing the services of a claiming rider in the future as BRILLIANT PROPOSAL, under top weight tonight, did not show the same turn of foot as it did at its last start carrying lesser weight. A veterinary inspection of BRILLIANT PROPOSAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPER BROTHER had bled from both nostrils. BRILLIANT PROPOSAL, FANTASTICO and NOBODY BUT YOU were sent for sampling.