20/04/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

CLASSIC EMPEROR shifted in at the start and bumped HEROIC GURU. HAPPY SPIRIT lost its left front plate near the 1100 Metres. GRAND HARBOUR travelled wide and without cover until the 900 Metres. Passing the 600 Metres, GONNA RUN and SUPEROI raced tight as GONNA RUN shifted away from the rail. GONNA RUN then raced tight between FOODIE and SUPEROI for a short distance after this. Approaching the 500 Metres, HEROIC GURU was steadied away from the heels of TRENDY WIN. Rounding the Home Turn, GONNA RUN again raced in restricted room between FOODIE and SUPEROI. HEROIC GURU was checked away from the heels of GONNA RUN in consequence. SUPEROI had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200 Metres. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been asked to lead on HAPPY SPIRIT as the horse had previously raced best when ridden in this manner. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode HAPPY SPIRIT vigorously in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, HAPPY SPIRIT did not show as much early speed as anticipated with CLASSIC EMPEROR and GOLDEN SLEEP obtaining prominent positions. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion, after being crossed by CLASSIC EMPEROR which shifted in to race outside the leader GOLDEN SLEEP, he remained racing in a three wide position as he was aware that HAPPY SURVEYS was racing inside the heels of HAPPY SPIRIT. He said HAPPY SPIRIT was also racing tight inside GRAND HARBOUR which was improving its position to the outside of HAPPY SPIRIT. He said at this time he was receiving calls from the rider of HAPPY SURVEYS and as he was of the opinion that he was not properly clear of that horse, he was required then to remain racing in a three wide position. He added he had also hoped that CLASSIC EMPEROR, after shifting in to race outside the lead, would be steadied and the tempo of the race would slow as occurs on occasions in races run at Happy Valley. He said by remaining in a three wide position, he believed that this would provide HAPPY SPIRIT with the opportunity to continue on into the lead were the tempo of the race to steady. He said however that he was unable to prevent GRAND HARBOUR from shifting in in advance of HAPPY SPIRIT during which time HAPPY SURVEYS was able to consolidate its position inside HAPPY SPIRIT. He further stated that when GRAND HARBOUR improved forward of CLASSIC EMPEROR after the 900 Metres, HAPPY SPIRIT was then left racing wide and without cover. C Y Ho was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must, wherever circumstances permit, ride his mounts in such a manner so as to avoid covering unnecessary ground. When questioned regarding his riding of REGENCY KING, Y T Cheng stated that he had been asked to obtain a forward position on the horse, however, it was explained to him that REGENCY KING had been slow to begin on a number of occasions. He said after the blindfold was removed from REGENCY KING just prior to the start being effected, GRAND HARBOUR, which was in the adjoining stall, became fractious which resulted in REGENCY KING also becoming fractious, getting its head up on jumping and beginning very awkwardly. He said because of this REGENCY KING lost ground at the start. He said he immediately commenced to ride REGENCY KING along in an endeavour to make up lost ground, however, the horse was reluctant to stretch out in the early stages despite his riding. He added rounding the Home Turn REGENCY KING was taken wider by HEROIC GURU when that horse shifted out abruptly away from the heels of GONNA RUN. He said he commenced to ride his mount along in the early part of the Straight and REGENCY KING shifted in which resulted in it becoming very awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY SPIRIT approaching the 200 Metres when disappointed for running inside that horse and to the outside of HEROIC GURU which shifted out to obtain clear running. He further stated that when being shifted out across the heels of HAPPY SPIRIT, REGENCY KING then got its head up and overreacted badly. He said after obtaining clear running after the 200 Metres, he rode his mount out and REGENCY KING finished off the race strongly. Whilst acknowledging that REGENCY KING had previously been awkward in its races, particularly at the start, Y T Cheng was advised that his riding of the horse in the early part of the Straight had come under notice and he must, wherever circumstances permit, ensure that his horses are afforded clear running. Having considered the manner in which REGENCY KING began and how it reacted when being shifted out across the heels of HAPPY SPIRIT in the Straight, the Stewards deemed the racing manners of REGENCY KING to be unacceptable and as a consequence the horse will be required to barrier trial satisfactorily around a bend prior to its next race start. After the race, B Prebble advised that in accordance with his instructions, he rode CLASSIC EMPEROR positively in the early stages to take up a forward position. He said however that CLASSIC EMPEROR then refused to settle and travelled keenly throughout the early and middle stages and as a consequence was not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC EMPEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GRAND HARBOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY SPIRIT, GONNA RUN and HEROIC GURU were sent for sampling.