06/07/2016  Happy Valley  Race 5

As the start was effected, WINASWEWISH stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, WINASWEWISH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. Shortly after the start, GOOD MAN and EMPEROR VICTORY lost ground when badly crowded for room between FLYING MONKEY which shifted in and HELEN'S CHOICE which was taken out by WONDERFUL FIGHTER which, after being bumped by SECRET AGENT, then shifted out away from that horse. As there was no rider carelessness involved in this incident, no further action was taken. From a wide barrier, KIROV was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, ROCKET LET WIN got its head up when racing keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASSIVE POWER. Near the 800 Metres, KIROV shifted out away from the heels of EMPEROR VICTORY. EMPEROR VICTORY lost its left hind plate approaching the 800 Metres. Approaching the 700 Metres, VERY RICH MAN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING MONKEY. Making the turn near the 650 Metres, EMPEROR VICTORY got its head on the side and lay out. Shortly after entering the Straight, EMPEROR VICTORY and WONDERFUL FIGHTER raced tight. Passing the 300 Metres, GOOD MAN was crowded for room when improving into tight running between ROCKET LET WIN and MASSIVE POWER (T H So) which got its head on the side and shifted in. T H So was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Also passing the 300 Metres, KIROV momentarily raced in restricted room between WINNING KING and SECRET AGENT. Throughout the race, WINNING KING travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Mr P C Ng, assistant trainer to Mr P O'Sullivan, the trainer of GOOD MAN, and who was not present in Hong Kong tonight, stated that it had initially been intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position, however, if the horse was not able to lead, then the rider of GOOD MAN should attempt to find cover. He said however after speaking with the owners of GOOD MAN who felt that the horse had been disappointing in its failure to finish off its races when ridden in a forward position, it was decided for GOOD MAN to be ridden more quietly this evening in the hope that it would be able to finish off the race. Z Purton, the rider of GOOD MAN, confirmed that as GOOD MAN had not been successful when ridden mostly in forward positions during its racing career in Hong Kong, the owners asked him to ride the horse from off the speed tonight in the hope that it would then be able to close off with more purpose. He said when being steadied in the early stages GOOD MAN was badly crowded for room, however, this did not affect the horse's position in running to any great degree. He said although GOOD MAN commenced to race keenly travelling along the Back Straight, it settled better than he anticipated as when ridden behind horses on one occasion previously, GOOD MAN had proved very difficult to settle. He added GOOD MAN improved its position to be racing between ROCKET LET WIN and MASSIVE POWER at the entrance to the Straight, however, was momentarily crowded for room inside MASSIVE POWER, but at this time GOOD MAN did not give him the feel that it was going to finish off the race strongly, but rather it was going to close off more one-paced. He said after the 200 Metres GOOD MAN was reluctant to improve between MASSIVE POWER and ROCKET LET WIN which was edging out to its inside. A veterinary inspection of GOOD MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WINNING KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WONDERFUL FIGHTER and FLYING MONKEY were sent for sampling. <7/7/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNING KING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNING KING was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a sore right front suspensory ligament. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.