Tsui's magic works well for roarer Grand Store
Me Tsui Yu-sak has gained many well-earned plaudits for feats of horsemanship in the last few seasons and another came his way after the 'comeback' win of Grand Store at odds of 9-1.
Grand Store was classified as a roarer by veterinary surgeons on March 4 after he finished sixth to Supremacy over this course and trip - 1,200 metres on the all-weather.
The difference between Grand Store and the majority of horses who are declared roarers is that Grand Store has rediscovered winning form without remedial surgery.
'I've had a bit of experience with these wind-problem horses and I think the most important thing is to have them racing in a relaxed manner,' Tsui said after Grand Store had led most of the way in two-wide position under Howard Cheng Yu-tin.
'I know he was graded as a roarer in March but he had a very difficult race that day, and was under a lot of pressure. I think that had a lot to do with it. But I haven't done anything different with him - no special gear, changes or anything like that.'
Recent racing on the turf tracks had proved fruitless for Grand Store and Tsui was hopeful of a return to something like his best yesterday, back to his favoured surface.
'The main thing I told Howard was that I wanted him to be travelling comfortably,' Tsui said. 'I wanted him as forward as possible, but he was not to pressure him unduly to get there. It was very important, I believe, that the horse was relaxed and his breathing got into a nice rhythm. If that happened, maybe the horse could perform. Of course, we have to admit he was well graded today. Last season, he won off a rating of 89. Today, he was on a rating of 71, so he had a lot in his favour if we could get his breathing right.'
