07/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 3

K-JACK, which was standing badly, and SURE HERO were slow to begin. From a wide barrier in the early stages, GOLDEN WIN was taken back and near the 1100 Metres blundered after striking the heels of INSIDER which shifted out after bumping with ASIAN CITRUS. No action was taken. From a wide barrier, RACING SPIRIT was taken back in the early stages. At the 900 Metres, GOLDEN WIN became unbalanced when awkwardly placed outside SURE HERO which shifted out slightly. Near the 700 Metres, GOLDEN WIN again became badly unbalanced when crowded for room while awkwardly placed between SURE HERO and RACING SPIRIT, both of which shifted ground. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, SURE HERO got its head on the side, shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of VIENTO. Also making the turn at the 600 Metres, ASIAN CITRUS was steadied away from the heels of K-JACK which became unbalanced after bumping the running rail when crowded for room inside OPTIC KING which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in momentarily. At the 500 Metres, RACING SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of REAL SURPRISE. Prior to straightening, GOLDEN WIN became unbalanced and dipped. On straightening, OPTIC KING was brushed and carried wider by K-JACK which shifted out to obtain clear running. At the 250 Metres, SURE HERO was steadied away from the heels of VIENTO, then at the 200 Metres when closing the race off was checked and shifted in to avoid the heels of FUN which was giving ground quickly. Approaching the 100 Metres, NAMJONG GOODLUCK, which was closing the race off, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of FUN which continued to give ground. When questioned regarding the poor performance of FUN, H W Lai said from the outside barrier he was required to make use of the horse in the early stages in an endeavour to cross and obtain the lead. He said SUNNY GOLF was ridden to hold its position to his inside and because of this FUN was not able to cross to the fence after entering the Back Straight. He said FUN was not able to close the race off after having use made of it in the early and middle stages. Mr L Ho, trainer of FUN, also said he believed the poor performance of FUN was as a result of the use made of it in the early and middle stages. He said he had freshened FUN in the lead up to tonight’s race as in his opinion this was in the best interest of the horse. FUN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FUN after the race did not show any significant findings. K-JACK, SUNNY GOLF and REAL SURPRISE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported INSIDER was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, INSIDER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.