14/11/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, G van Niekerk expressed concern regarding the action of HAPPY SOUND. HAPPY SOUND was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. RAY’S CALL began only fairly and shortly after the start lost ground as a result of being steadied away from the heels of AMBITIOUS SPEEDY which shifted in. From wide barriers, HAPPY HAPPY, THE SYLPH and NEVER BETTER were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being ridden along in the early stages, HAPPY SOUND, which began awkwardly, failed to muster speed and then a short distance after the start, G van Niekerk, the rider of HAPPY SOUND, adjusted his left foot in the iron. This resulted in HAPPY SOUND racing back in the field. Near the 1150 Metres, RAY’S CALL was momentarily shifted in away from the heels of AMBITIOUS SPEEDY which shifted in. Approaching the turn near the 600 Metres, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY got its head on the side and lay in across the heels of HAPPY HAPPY. This resulted in AMBITIOUS SPEEDY being awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY HAPPY for a short distance. After the 450 Metres, HAPPY HAPPY was awkwardly placed behind RAY’S CALL. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TRENDIFUL, K Teetan stated that after having to ride his mount along for a short distance in the early stages, TRENDIFUL was able to obtain the lead on the rail. He said TRENDIFUL travelled strongly and, in his opinion, travelled better than it did at its last start when successful. He said he placed his mount under pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, TRENDIFUL immediately came off the bridle and, despite being fully tested in the Straight, weakened noticeably over the concluding stages. He added the manner in which TRENDIFUL gave ground indicated to him that the horse may have bled and for this reason he eased it down over the final 150 Metres when it was well out of contention. Mr K H Ting, the trainer of TRENDIFUL, stated that he had ridden the horse in track work both prior to its last start success and again in the lead up to tonight’s race. He said if anything, TRENDIFUL’s work had improved since its last start success and after drawing an inside barrier he believed that TRENDIFUL would be very difficult to beat. He said having regard to the manner in which TRENDIFUL gave ground in the Straight, he was of the opinion the horse may have experienced some internal issues. He added other than that, he was at a loss to explain the horse’s performance which he described as being very disappointing. The performance of TRENDIFUL, a last start winner and favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRENDIFUL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TRENDIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on REGENCY HONEY at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY HONEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG DREAMER immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG DREAMER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TRENDIFUL, PEACE ON EARTH and REGENCY HONEY were sent for sampling.