21/05/2014  Happy Valley  Race 8

ALL WIN BOY shifted out at the start and bumped BEAUTY JOURNEY, causing both horses to become unbalanced. After being bumped by SUPER ABUNDANTE shortly after the start, HONG KONG DANCER got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in ALL FRIENDS being crowded for room between that horse and SUNNY FAY. From a wide barrier, KING DERBY was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, UNIVERSAL UNION got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTY JOURNEY. Near the 450 Metres, SUPER ABUNDANTE lay in and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SILLY BUDDIES. Over the concluding stages, SILLY BUDDIES was awkwardly placed outside HONG KONG DANCER (K C Leung) which shifted out. K C Leung was advised to exercise more care. Because of this, SILLY BUDDIES was not able to be properly tested right to the finishing line. When questioned, K Teetan stated that from a wide barrier he had been asked to shift UNIVERSAL UNION, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, across behind runners and obtain a position close to the rail so that it did not cover unnecessary ground. He said in accordance with his instructions, he immediately shifted UNIVERSAL UNION across behind runners and making the turn near the 1000 Metres he anticipated that BEAUTY JOURNEY may shift across to race on the rail which would allow UNIVERSAL UNION the opportunity to race to that horse’s outside. He said however that BEAUTY JOURNEY took some time to shift across to the rail which allowed CHEERS JOY the opportunity to shift in and for this reason he was obliged to race behind both those horses at the rear of the field. He added he commenced to ride his mount along hands and heels after the 600 Metres to ensure that UNIVERSAL UNION did not get too far out of its ground. He said at the entrance to the Straight he balanced up UNIVERSAL UNION and commenced to ride it out, however, it got its head up and shifted some ground. He said he rode UNIVERSAL UNION out vigorously hands and heels and passing the 200 Metres rode with the whip in the backhand manner as the horse was finishing off the race strongly. K Teetan was advised that his comments would be reported, however, he was told to ensure that he tests his mounts with sufficient vigour so that his riding is not open to query. A veterinary inspection of ALL WIN BOY, SUPER ABUNDANTE and CHEERS JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SILLY BUDDIES, NORDIC ONE and HONG KONG DANCER were sent for sampling.