18/03/2015  Happy Valley  Race 5

ROBUST MOMENTUM was withdrawn on 16.3.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ALL TIMES LUCKY. Before being allowed to race again, ROBUST MOMENTUM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FAITHFUL BOY was slow to begin. For some distance after the start, SUM WIN DRAGON raced in restricted room between GRIFFINDOR and MAZANDARAN which shifted out. From wide barriers, OPTIMISM and HOLY STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, GRIFFINDOR raced in restricted room between MAZANDARAN and KOKODA which got its head on the side and shifted in. For some distance passing the winning post on the first occasion, KOKODA proved difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ALL TIMES LUCKY. Near the 1300 Metres, GRIFFINDOR was crowded for room between MAZANDARAN which shifted out slightly away from the heels of SPARKLING SWORD and KOKODA (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. Making the turn after the 1100 Metres, HOLY STAR was steadied when crowded for room between CONFUCIUS SPIRIT and OPTIMISM which got its head on the side and lay out. After the 1000 Metres, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT proved difficult to settle. Passing the 900 Metres, WINNING MASCOT got its head up on a number of occasions when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRIFFINDOR. Passing the 400 Metres, SUM WIN DRAGON was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MAZANDARAN which shifted to the outside of SPARKLING SWORD. For some distance after the 100 Metres, SUM WIN DRAGON raced tight between TOM’S CHARM which initially shifted out marginally and KOKODA which also shifted in slightly. This resulted in SUM WIN DRAGON becoming unbalanced near the 50 Metres. When questioned regarding his riding of WINNING MASCOT over the concluding stages, Y T Cheng stated he was riding his mount vigorously after the 100 Metres when he became aware that SUM WIN DRAGON, which was racing to the inside of WINNING MASCOT, was experiencing difficulties when racing in restricted room between TOM’S CHARM and KOKODA. He said at this time SUM WIN DRAGON was racing very close to the heels of both those horses and he was concerned that that horse may strike considerable interference which may impact on WINNING MASCOT which was racing to the outside of that horse. He said because of this he hesitated in his riding for a brief period before resuming riding over the concluding stages when it became apparent to him that SUM WIN DRAGON was not experiencing any further difficulties. Y T Cheng was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever circumstances permit, he should endeavour to ride his mounts out to the best of his ability. A veterinary inspection of MAZANDARAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRIFFINDOR, KOKODA and TOM’S CHARM were sent for sampling.