01/04/2015  Happy Valley  Race 5

TOP ACE lost its left front plate on jumping. JAZZY FEELING began only fairly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SICHUAN EXEC which shifted out after being bumped by MR GENUINE. Shortly after the start, PRINCE FALCON raced tight between ASHKIYR and NOBLE DELUXE which shifted out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, FAT CHOY HONG KONG failed to muster speed and then passing the winning post on the first occasion raced tight inside MR GENUINE. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, MR GENUINE was bumped by APPROVE which shifted in away from the heels of TWIN DELIGHT (Z Purton) which shifted in when not quite clear. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance prior to shifting ground. Passing the 1200 Metres, NOBLE DELUXE was crowded for room between PRINCE FALCON and JAZZY FEELING which shifted out marginally. Near the 450 Metres, NOBLE DELUXE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOP ACE. Near the 400 Metres, CHATER DREAM was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between JAZZY FEELING which was taken out by FAT CHOY HONG KONG and TOP ACE which was commencing to give ground. In the early part of the Straight, NOBLE DELUXE raced tight between ASHKIYR and TOP ACE. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been asked to ride TOP ACE positively from a wide barrier. He said after being placed in the barriers, TOP ACE became fractious and as the start was effected put its head down, resulting in the horse losing ground. He said as he had been instructed to take up a forward position on TOP ACE, he then rode his mount along in the early stages, however, throughout the race the horse was forced to race wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Y T Cheng was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his riding of TOP ACE lacked the necessary level of judgement and initiative expected of a senior rider. He was further advised that, given that TOP ACE had been slow to begin, he should have endeavoured to obtain a position closer to the rail albeit further back than had been intended, given the high likelihood that TOP ACE was going to be required to travel wide and without cover after having to be ridden along in an endeavour to overcome the horse’s slow beginning. The performance of TOP ACE, which subsequently finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TOP ACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of APPROVE and NOBLE DELUXE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TWIN DELIGHT and SICHUAN EXEC were sent for sampling.