27/03/2019  Happy Valley  Race 2

LITTLE ISLAND began only fairly and then was inconvenienced by MISTER MONTE which began awkwardly and shifted out. SUPERIOR BOY shifted out at the start and bumped FAITHFUL TRINITY. FAITHFUL TRINITY then got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier. LOVE CHUNGHWA and DR RACE were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 1600 Metres, FAITHFUL TRINITY again got its head up when being steadied and very awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPERIOR BOY. After the 1300 Metres, SUPERIOR BOY was left racing wide and without cover and then in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of SUPERIOR BOY immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERIOR BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being awkwardly placed behind SUPERIOR BOY at the entrance to the Straight, when being shifted to the outside of that horse in an attempt to obtain clear running, SALTO OLIMPICO was then steadied passing the 300 Metres when disappointed for running between SUPERIOR BOY which shifted out slightly and GOLDEN KID which shifted in. Passing the 200 Metres, WINNING CONTROLLER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CURLING LUXURY which shifted in marginally. Mr D J Hall, the trainer of SALTO OLIMPICO, explained that as the horse was dropping back in distance and was drawn the outside barrier in a race which he anticipated would be run at a good tempo, he instructed K C Leung to steady the horse in the early stages and shift it across behind runners to obtain cover. When questioned regarding his riding of DR RACE in the Straight, R Bayliss stated that after balancing up his mount in the early part of the Straight, he immediately placed it under heavy pressure hands and heels. He said although the leaders were some way in advance of DR RACE, he was reluctant to use the whip on the horse at an early stage in the Straight as he was unsure of where the runs would develop for DR RACE to be able to finish off its race without losing momentum. He said he continued to ride DR RACE vigorously hands and heels until approaching the 50 Metres at which time he used the whip on the horse which he continued to do until the end of the race. R Bayliss was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he was told to ensure that he places his mounts under appropriate pressure at the earliest available opportunity as in this incident it was the view of the Stewards that, given the distance DR RACE raced from the heels of horses in front, it was sufficient for him to be able to use the whip on the horse at an earlier stage. He was further told to ensure that he rides his mounts out in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. When questioned regarding the performance of MISTER MONTE, Z Purton stated that after being able to obtain a good run throughout the race, MISTER MONTE came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and then did not finish off the race. He said whilst MISTER MONTE was momentarily crowded for room near the 100 Metres inside WINNING CONTROLLER, the horse was well beaten at this stage and the crowding did not have any bearing on the horse’s finishing position. A veterinary inspection of MISTER MONTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FAITHFUL TRINITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ROYAL RACER and RULETHEROOST were sent for sampling.