03/06/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

LONGWAH AMBER, which was fractious in the stalls after being loaded, was slow to begin and consequently raced at the rear of the field. From the outside barrier, WINDICATOR STAR began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of LEOWL which shifted out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, DIVINE BOY failed to muster speed. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, LONGWAH AMBER commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of DIVINE BOY, despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in WINDICATOR STAR and HO LEE HORSE being badly hampered when crowded for room inside EYE ON YOU which was racing tight to the inside of LEOWL. In the early stages, LEOWL was left racing very wide and near the 900 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead passing the 700 Metres. Near the 700 Metres, EYE ON YOU was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, NONE OTHER commenced to prove difficult to settle and became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAINBOW FIGHTER. Passing the 200 Metres, KYNAM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of YO-YO DA. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong (DIVINE BOY) stated that near the 250 Metres he was aware of a gap in advance of DIVINE BOY inside NONE OTHER and to the outside of KYNAM. He said at this stage he felt this would be the best option to improve rather than shifting to the outside of NONE OTHER. He said however that near the 150 Metres KYNAM shifted to the outside of YO-YO DA which resulted in the run between that horse and NONE OTHER closing and therefore approaching the 100 Metres he shifted DIVINE BOY to the outside of NONE OTHER after which the horse closed off the race well. Apprentice Wong was advised that the Stewards were aware that it was his first race ride at Happy Valley, however, in the circumstances, he should have shifted DIVINE BOY to the outside of NONE OTHER near the 250 Metres into clear running which was available. A veterinary inspection of LONGWAH AMBER, KYNAM and WINDICATOR STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RAINBOW FIGHTER and CAGA FORCE were sent for sampling.