09/04/2014  Happy Valley  Race 1

NIGHTLIGN blundered at the start. NATURAL EIGHT began awkwardly and then lost ground when crowded for room between NEW PET and ELEGANT FRAMES which shifted out. A short distance after the start, GREAT RUN, BLISS CARTEL and NATURAL TEAM were all crowded for room between ELEGANT FRAMES which shifted in slightly and YAT DING WIN which shifted out after being bumped by EXCEL ONESELF which began awkwardly. ELEGANT FRAMES was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to runners to its inside and in doing so shifted out across the rightful running of NEW PET which was checked. From a wide barrier, CREATIVE UNION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1100 Metres and again near the 1000 Metres, GREAT RUN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXCEL ONESELF. Passing the 900 Metres, NATURAL TEAM shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of BOULD MOVER. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NATURAL EIGHT got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in NEW PET racing tight inside ELEGANT FRAMES. Also making the turn after the 600 Metres, BOULD MOVER got its head on the side and shifted in and consequently was awkwardly placed outside the heels of YAT DING WIN. Near the 50 Metres, NIGHTLIGN shifted in under pressure, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and straighten the horse. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he had been informed that DELIGHT FORTUNE had previously not shown speed over this distance. He said therefore, from barrier 12, he was instructed to shift the horse across behind runners in the early stages to ensure that it did not cover unnecessary ground. He said DELIGHT FORTUNE began better than he expected, however, as there were a considerable number of horses being ridden to obtain forward positions and having in mind his instructions, he steadied DELIGHT FORTUNE in the early stages and shifted across behind runners in order to ensure that he obtained cover. After the race, K C Leung reported that BLISS CARTEL raced greenly throughout the event and hung out making the turns. A veterinary inspection of NEW PET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YAT DING WIN and EXCEL ONESELF were sent for sampling.