06/05/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

HAR HAR CHARMING began only fairly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of DILLY. From an outside barrier, KING DERBY was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners. After initially being bumped by PAKISTAN BABY, GREAT RUN shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BRAVE BROTHER a short distance after the start, causing GREAT RUN to become unbalanced. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres and again passing the 800 Metres, GREAT RUN proved difficult to settle and got its head up when racing close to the heels of HAR HAR CHARMING. Passing the 600 Metres, PAKISTAN BABY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRACEFUL KINGDOM. KING DERBY, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, PAKISTAN BABY was checked away from the heels of GRACEFUL KINGDOM when held up for clear running behind that horse. Near the 300 Metres, KING DERBY was shifted to the inside of DILLY to obtain clear running after being disappointed for a run outside that horse and inside BRAVE BROTHER. Passing the 100 Metres, BRAVE BROTHER momentarily raced in restricted room between GRACEFUL KINGDOM and DILLY which shifted out before being corrected by its rider. Throughout the race, TRAVEL NUMBER ONE raced wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding out of DILLY over the concluding stages, J Moreira stated that near the 75 Metres as his mount was shifting out under pressure, he ceased using the whip and corrected DILLY as BRAVE BROTHER was racing in restricted room to his outside. He said after straightening DILLY near the 50 Metres, he went to recommence riding the horse out with the whip, however, it became caught between the breast plate and the horse’s neck. He said as the whip was still wedged under the breast plate, he attempted to extricate the whip so that he could continue to ride DILLY out over the concluding stages, however, he was unable to regather the whip prior to the winning post. He added however that at all stages he was able to push the horse out with his right hand whilst attempting to regain the use of his whip. When questioned regarding his riding out of PAKISTAN BABY over the final 50 Metres, D Whyte stated that his mount, when finishing off the race well, got its head on the side and lay in. He said because of this PAKISTAN BABY was positioned behind LONGWAH AMBER and slightly to the inside of the heels of that horse. He said whilst he was unaware that a run had developed to the outside of LONGWAH AMBER and inside DILLY approaching the 50 Metres, that run was not available passing the 100 Metres at which time he was committing to the inside of LONGWAH AMBER given that PAKISTAN BABY was laying in. He added that the manner in which PAKISTAN BABY was laying in would have made it difficult for him to shift to the outside of the heels of LONGWAH AMBER to improve into this run given that it was over the concluding stages of the race. D Whyte was advised that his failure to attempt to position PAKISTAN BABY to the outside of LONGWAH AMBER over the concluding stages was of concern to the Stewards, however, they were satisfied that his riding did not constitute a breach of the Rules given that the horse was inclined to lay in. D Whyte was however advised to ensure that he avails himself of runs as they present themselves. When questioned, Trainer C Fownes stated that he asked C Y Ho to ride MR GINGER in about a midfield position if possible. He said he had been disappointed with the manner in which MR GINGER had been racing this season and felt that were the horse to be ridden in a forward position tonight from its awkward barrier, it may again not finish off its race. He said MR GINGER has some issues and he had hoped that it would be able to finish off its races better if ridden more conservatively in the early stages than had previously been the case. Mr Fownes was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he was reminded of his obligation for horses to be ridden in a consistent manner wherever circumstances allow. A veterinary inspection of MR GINGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DILLY, LONGWAH AMBER and KING DERBY were sent for sampling.