15/06/2016  Happy Valley  Race 2

WISKY, which lost its right front plate in transit to the course, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed fit to race. WIN IT began awkwardly. WONDERFUL JOURNEY was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, when being steadied in order to be shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier, BEST EFFORT was crowded for room between GALAXY PRANCER and PRECISIONCRAFTSMAN, both of which shifted ground. PRECISIONCRAFTSMAN was also shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, GLORY STAR was steadied when crowded for room inside WONDERFUL JOURNEY which was taken in marginally by GREAT TOPLIGHT which in turn shifted in away from WISKY. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, BEST EFFORT got its head on the side and lay out. After the 1200 Metres, PRECISIONCRAFTSMAN was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, GREAT TOPLIGHT lay in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in WONDERFUL JOURNEY being momentarily crowded for room. Also making the turn after the 600 Metres, BEST EFFORT shifted out towards the heels of ROCK THE TREE after being awkwardly placed behind GLORY STAR. In this incident, GALAXY PRANCER was inconvenienced. In the Straight, BEST HOPE (Apprentice K K Chiong) raced with its head on the side and lay in and after the 150 Metres shifted in and hampered WONDERFUL JOURNEY which was steadied away from the heels of BEST HOPE. Apprentice Chiong was advised that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that BEST HOPE was laying in and proving difficult to ride, nonetheless in similar circumstances she must make every endeavour to prevent her mounts from shifting ground. O Doleuze (GREAT TOPLIGHT) was reminded of his obligation to ensure that he does not raise his whip arm above the height of his shoulder. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLORY STAR, T H So stated that he rode his mount along vigorously in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, GLORY STAR did not show early speed and was required to race further back in the field than had been intended. He said GLORY STAR did not travel on the bridle at any stage of the race and, after being placed under pressure prior to the Home Turn, did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. Mr C S Shum, the trainer of GLORY STAR, informed the Stewards that it is now his intention to spell GLORY STAR following tonight's race. A veterinary inspection of GLORY STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PEARL FURU and SILVER GATSBY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLORY STAR, WISKY and WIN IT were sent for sampling.