24/02/2016  Happy Valley  Race 9

CLUB LIFE began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped PACKING DRAGON. CLUB LIFE then shifted out, resulting in FORMULA WON being inconvenienced. From the outside barrier, AMAZINGLY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SEMPITERNAL failed to muster speed and passing the 1500 Metres got its head on the side and lay in. SEMPITERNAL continued to lay in and passing the winning post on the first occasion was left racing wide and without cover. SEMPITERNAL was then allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead after the 900 Metres. Passing the 1200 Metres, RED MARVEL was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of PACKING DRAGON which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to RED MARVEL. After the 1000 Metres, RED MARVEL got its head up when again awkwardly placed close to the heels of PACKING DRAGON. After the 800 Metres, GIANT TURTLE was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 200 Metres, ANDOYAS was shifted in away from the heels of SEMPITERNAL which was giving ground. For some distance approaching and passing the 100 Metres, GOOD CHOICE was held up for clear running. Near the 50 Metres, ASHKIYR was steadied away from the heels of RED MARVEL which shifted out marginally. When questioned, C Schofield stated that he had been asked to ride CLUB LIFE with cover as the horse was attempting the 1800 Metres at Happy Valley for the first time. He said it was felt that being able to obtain a position behind the leaders would afford CLUB LIFE the best opportunity to finish off the race at the distance. The Stewards will question Trainer R Gibson regarding his instructions prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 28 February 2016. PACKING DRAGON and ANDOYAS were sent for sampling.