19/11/2014  Happy Valley  Race 4

When being saddled, HOXO reared and struck its head. Acting on advice from the Veterinary Officer that HOXO was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. Before being allowed to race again, HOXO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOLLY GOOD STAR was tightened for room on jumping between YOUNG TALENT and G-ONE LEADER which shifted out. INDIGO WAY was slow to begin. From wide barriers, OWNERS’ GLORY, GREAT SPEED and HAPPY ROCKY were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 450 Metres, OWNERS’ GLORY was taken wider by HAPPY ROCKY which shifted out to improve. YOUNG TALENT made the Home Turn awkwardly and in the Straight lay out under pressure. When questioned, C Y Ho (YOUNG TALENT) stated that passing the 600 Metres he was racing behind KING OF REASON. He said approaching the 500 Metres YOUNG TALENT was travelling strongly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING OF REASON due to the moderate tempo of the race. He said rather than check YOUNG TALENT away from the heels of KING OF REASON, he elected to shift out from behind that horse and allowed YOUNG TALENT to improve to the outside of KING OF REASON. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KING OF REASON had sustained a wound to the left hind leg. A veterinary inspection of GREAT SPEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY ROCKY and YOUNG TALENT were sent for sampling.