21/11/2007  Happy Valley  Race 7

When the gates opened, ADD THE FUN bounded in the air, then bumped with VIVA FIGHTER and as a consequence lost ground. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LE ROSSIGNOL failed to muster speed, hung out and travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. After the 1200 Metres, VIVA FIGHTER was steadied when crowded for room inside HERE WE GO (Apprentice K L Chui) which shifted in momentarily. As the Stewards were satisfied Apprentice Chui endeavoured to straighten his mount as soon as it was practical, no action was taken. Passing the 900 Metres, CHATER SILK got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FAT DRAGON which in turn was steadied away from the heels of HERE WE GO. VIVA FIGHTER made the turn near the 600 Metres awkwardly. After the 200 Metres, CLASSIC REUNION, which had been hanging in, was bumped by MELLIFLUOUS which at this time improved into a narrow run on the inside of VIVA FIGHTER as that horse shifted in. No action was taken. In the Straight, when giving ground, FLY ME TO THE MOON hung in. When questioned, D Whyte (CHATER SILK) explained in the early part of the Straight he endeavoured to improve into a position to take a run between VIVA FIGHTER and CLASSIC REUNION. He said MELLIFLUOUS showed superior speed and was able to obtain that run prior to CHATER SILK. He said because of this after the 200 Metres he then shifted CHATER SILK wider on the track as he believed he would have difficulty obtaining clear running between VIVA FIGHTER and FINGERS CROSSED as it appeared to him FINGERS CROSSED would shift in. He said he therefore steadied his mount and commenced to shift towards the outside of FINGERS CROSSED, however, as he did this, VIVA FIGHTER shifted in which presented clear running between VIVA FIGHTER and FINGERS CROSSED. He said however he was committed to go to the outside of FINGERS CROSSED when this running eventuated. In the circumstances, the Stewards advised D Whyte they would report his explanation. Y T Cheng (FAT DRAGON) said he had been instructed to ride the horse from a wide barrier in about 7th or 8th position and if possible on the rail. He said he rode his mount in accordance with those instructions. As Mr Y S Tsui, trainer of FAT DRAGON, is absent from Hong Kong, the Stewards will interview him on his return. FAT DRAGON and FLY ME TO THE MOON were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FAT DRAGON and FLY ME TO THE MOON after the race did not show any significant findings. MELLIFLUOUS and VIVA FIGHTER were sent for sampling.