The Hong Kong Jockey Club

GALLANT HUSSAR was slow to begin and shortly after the start was checked away from the heels of DAILY DOUBLE which was taken out by JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE (B Prebble) which began awkwardly and shifted out. In this incident, GALLANT HUSSAR struck the heels of DAILY DOUBLE. B Prebble explained that JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE was extremely fractious in the barriers and lunged at the front gates just prior to the start being effected. He said JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE then began awkwardly and despite being ridden along in the early stages did not muster speed as it usually does. KARBRIDGE began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in BENEFACTOR being hampered. Near the 500 Metres, ASIAN CITRUS was steadied away from the heels KARBRIDGE. Also near the 500 Metres, LUCKY TYCOON was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BENEFACTOR. DAILY DOUBLE was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that he had not been under any firm riding instructions on JOYFUL JOYFUL other than have the horse racing where it was comfortable. He said it was anticipated that a number of runners would be ridden to obtain forward positions in the early stages and therefore he was instructed not to make too much use of JOYFUL JOYFUL to go forward in the early stages. He said JOYFUL JOYFUL began well, he immediately looked to obtain a position with cover and when he observed COUNTRY MAGIC being ridden along to his inside, he elected after the 1000 Metres to attempt to obtain a position with cover behind that horse. He said when he did this, JOYFUL JOYFUL got its head up and proved difficult to settle. He said he did consider riding JOYFUL JOYFUL along in an endeavour to go forward of COUNTRY MAGIC, however, having in mind he had been instructed to have JOYFUL JOYFUL racing where it was comfortable, he felt that he would have to make too much use of the horse to clear COUNTRY MAGIC. He said because of this JOYFUL JOYFUL travelled three wide and without cover for the major part of the race. Trainer A Lee stated that due to the anticipated pace of the race, he did not think that JOYFUL JOYFUL would be as prominently placed as it had been at its previous start. He said therefore it was hoped that JOYFUL JOYFUL would be able to obtain a position in midfield with cover. J Lloyd was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, on this occasion he should have ridden JOYFUL JOYFUL more positively in the early stages in an attempt to obtain an available position closer to the fence in advance of COUNTRY MAGIC so as to avoid racing wide. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE SPIRIT and JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE SPIRIT, COSMO SUCCESSOR and ASIAN CITRUS were sent for sampling.