05/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 5

RAY OF GOLD was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between GOOD SMILE and TELECOM CHIEF which shifted out. When being steadied to obtain cover approaching and passing the 900 Metres, DAILY DOUBLE proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Near the 250 Metres, O Doleuze (WINSOME) dropped his whip. Passing the 50 Metres, TELECOM CHIEF was steadied when disappointed for running between GORGEOUS LIFE and WINSOME. Because of this, TELECOM CHIEF was not able to be properly tested over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, NOVEL START travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he had been given two sets of instructions on KOWLOON EAST KING from the outside barrier. He said it was felt that there was good speed in the race with GOOD SMILE and NOVEL START and Mr T P Yung, the trainer of KOWLOON EAST KING, was concerned that the horse might be left racing wide if it did not show sufficient early speed. He said therefore he was asked that if KOWLOON EAST KING began particularly well, he should endeavour to obtain the lead, otherwise he should obtain a position in midfield with cover. He said KOWLOON EAST KING began only fairly and he immediately assessed that he would be unable to obtain a forward position as NOVEL START, GOOD SMILE and a number of other horses were being ridden aggressively from the barriers to take up forward positions. He said therefore he then directed KOWLOON EAST KING across behind runners in the early stages. He added KOWLOON EAST KING initially travelled well, however, when the tempo of the race slackened somewhat entering the Back Straight., KOWLOON EAST KING got its head up on a number of occasions and proved very difficult to settle. He said KOWLOON EAST KING continued to prove difficult to settle and near the 450 Metres again got its head up when being checked away from the heels of DIAMOND ANGEL. Mr Yung stated that as there were a number of on-speed runners engaged in the race, from the outside barrier he had concerns that KOWLOON EAST KING would be left racing very wide and he advised Jockey Teetan of these concerns in the Parade Ring. He said after speaking with Jockey Teetan, it was decided that if KOWLOON EAST KING began particularly well, he should endeavour to obtain the lead as the horse had previously raced well in these circumstances. He said however he advised Jockey Teetan that if KOWLOON EAST KING did not begin well, to attempt to obtain cover on the horse as he felt that the race would be run at a good tempo. Mr Yung added that at its only start since being successful when leading, KOWLOON EAST KING had over-raced when ridden by an apprentice jockey and accordingly was not able to finish off its race. He said he was mindful of this when instructing K Teetan tonight as he did not want too much use being made of KOWLOON EAST KING in the early stages so that it would be able to settle in the race. Mr Yung was advised that his evidence would be reported, however, the Stewards had concerns with the manner in which KOWLOON EAST KING was ridden, particularly given that the horse had been successful when leading two starts ago and that he had gone on the record stating that it appreciates being ridden in the lead. Mr Yung was reminded of his obligation to ensure that, wherever possible, horses are ridden in a consistent manner. A veterinary inspection of NOVEL START immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RAY OF GOLD and FLYING KEEPER were sent for sampling. <6/2/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that WINSOME was found to be lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, WINSOME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.