01/06/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

AIMING HIGH began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, SUPREME FALCON shifted in and bumped GRACYDAD which in turn shifted in and inconvenienced RACING MATE. From the outside barrier, IRON BOY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1000 Metres, TRAVEL SUCCESSOR raced tight inside WAH MAY BABY which was racing tight inside MINT MASTER. Passing the 800 Metres, MISSION POSSIBLE was crowded for room inside AIMING HIGH which was taken in by FOREVER RED (N Rawiller) which shifted in when not properly clear. FOREVER RED was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to MISSION POSSIBLE and AIMING HIGH. RACING MATE, which was following AIMING HIGH, was hampered in consequence. N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear prior to shifting ground in future. After being shifted to the inside of TRAVEL SUCCESSOR near the 300 Metres, MISSION POSSIBLE raced tight inside that horse before obtaining clear running after the 250 Metres. For some distance after the 200 Metres, IRON BOY was awkwardly placed behind MINT MASTER and inside FOREVER RED. IRON BOY was then shifted to the inside of MINT MASTER to obtain clear running near the 100 Metres after being disappointed for running between that horse and FOREVER RED. Throughout the race, HAPPY BAO BEI travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Lerena stated that he had been issued with two sets of instructions, the first being that if GRACE HEART began well, to obtain a forward position as the horse had previously raced well when ridden in this manner. He said he was also advised that if GRACE HEART did not show its anticipated early speed, he should obtain cover and then ride the horse for luck. He said after being placed in the barriers GRACE HEART became fractious and then as the start was effected threw its head to the right and then lifted its front feet off the ground which resulted in the horse being slow to begin. He said due to the manner in which GRACE HEART began, he then shifted the horse across behind runners and obtained inside runs close to the rail. He added GRACE HEART then finished off the race well in the Straight. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that making the first turn RACING MATE got its head on the side and hung out. He said after this RACING MATE proved very difficult to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of AIMING HIGH for some distance in the middle stages. He said RACING MATE again hung out making the turn after the 600 Metres which resulted in it being awkwardly placed close to the heels of AIMING HIGH and racing tight inside SUPREME FALCON. He added RACING MATE continued to hang out badly and rounding the Home Turn he was reluctant to commence riding the horse along due to its racing manners. He said after being placed under pressure shortly after entering the Straight RACING MATE did not respond to his riding and failed to make ground in the Straight. The racing manners of RACING MATE were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RACING MATE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. MINT MASTER and WAH MAY BABY were sent for sampling.