05/03/2014  Happy Valley  Race 2

VICTORY GENERAL, which was being steadied by its rider with a view to being taken across behind runners, was badly crowded for room soon after the start when SKY FIRE shifted out. SUPER TORNADO, which was positioned outside VICTORY GENERAL, was hampered in consequence. Shortly after the start, HECO RIDER was steadied away from the heels of MISTER MARC which was taken out by CHEERS VICTORIES. SUPER TORNADO and CAPITAL K were also taken across behind runners from wide barriers in the early stages. Passing the 900 Metres, MISTER MARC raced keenly. Near the 500 Metres, CHEERS VICTORIES was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPLENDID VICTORY. NATURAL TEAM hung out rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, PERI PERI SAFFRON raced tight outside the heels of NIGHTLIGN and inside VICTORY GENERAL which shifted in when being checked away from the heels of NATURAL TEAM when badly held up for clear running behind that horse. After the 200 Metres, CAPITAL K shifted out after being held up for clear running and in doing so bumped SUPER TORNADO, causing both horses to become unbalanced. A short distance later, CAPITAL K was severely checked when disappointed for running between SUPER TORNADO and SPLENDID VICTORY which was taken out marginally by VICTORY GENERAL which shifted out to improve into tight running between SPLENDID VICTORY and NATURAL TEAM which at this time commenced to get its head on the side and shift out when giving ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, SPLENDID VICTORY and VICTORY GENERAL were then both badly hampered when crowded for room by NATURAL TEAM which continued to hang out despite the efforts of its rider. Because of these incidents, VICTORY GENERAL was not able to obtain clear running until after the 100 Metres whilst CAPITAL K was also not able to be tested for the majority of the Straight. Whilst these incidents were of some significance, the Stewards were of the opinion that they were not attributable to any rider error, therefore no further action was taken. HECO RIDER got its head on the side and lay in under pressure in the Straight. The performance of SKY FIRE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SKY FIRE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, G Mosse stated that he had been asked to lead on LOADS OF JOY if possible, however, if other runners were intent on leading he should obtain a position with cover. He said LOADS OF JOY began only fairly and he rode his mount along in the early stages in an endeavour to ride to instructions. He said he was aware that SPLENDID VICTORY, which was drawn to the inside of LOADS OF JOY, was being vigorously ridden to obtain a forward position, therefore he remained racing outside SPLENDID VICTORY with a view to ascertaining whether the rider of that horse was intent on pursuing the lead. He said he allowed his mount to continue forward, however, SPLENDID VICTORY maintained its position to the inside of LOADS OF JOY and having in mind that his mount was carrying top weight, he felt that that he would have had to make too much use of LOADS OF JOY to gain an advantage so that he would be able to cross SPLENDID VICTORY. He said because of the circumstances of the race LOADS OF JOY was left racing three wide and without cover for the majority of the race and in the Straight gave ground. G Mosse added that, in his opinion, the race was run at a reasonable tempo to the first turn, however, the pace slackened somewhat after the 1000 Metres but at this time he still would have had to make a lot of use of his horse to cross SPLENDID VICTORY. Trainer K W Lui confirmed the intention had been to lead if possible, however, he did advise Jockey Mosse that if the tempo of the race in the early stages was quick, he should ride LOADS OF JOY in such a manner so that the horse would be able to finish off the race rather than having to be aggressively ridden to lead. He said after viewing the videos, he felt that G Mosse should have ridden LOADS OF JOY more aggressively than he did on this occasion having in mind the tempo of the race did not appear to be overly quick. After considering the evidence and viewing the videos, G Mosse was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his riding of LOADS OF JOY in the early and middle stages lacked the necessary level of judgement and initiative expected of a rider of his standing. He was also advised that he should have shown more intent to lead than he did on this occasion having in mind that after SPLENDID VICTORY was vigorously ridden along in the early stages, the rider of that horse appeared to desist from endeavouring to obtain the lead. He was further advised that, wherever possible, he must ensure that he rides his mounts in order to fulfil his instructions and to also position them so as not to cover unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of LOADS OF JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY GENERAL, CHEERS VICTORIES and MISTER MARC were sent for sampling.