12/10/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

After being loaded, PENGLAI XIANZI became fractious and reared on a number of occasions. Before being allowed to race again, PENGLAI XIANZI will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. As the start was effected, ADORATION reared and consequently was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, BUSINESS AS USUAL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and then passing the winning post on the first occasion was left racing three wide and without cover. After this, BUSINESS AS USUAL was taken back further in order to obtain cover. After the 500 Metres, HANDSOME ZULU was checked away from the heels of AMITYSHIP when attempting to obtain a position inside that horse where there was not sufficient room. MARK UP, which was following, was checked out away from the heels of HANDSOME ZULU, resulting in ALGARVE being taken wider. A short distance later, SOVIET PEARL was checked away from the heels of MARK UP and in doing so shifted out abruptly, resulting in CHEER being badly hampered when taken wider. Passing the 400 Metres, MARK UP and ALGARVE bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. As the Stewards were of the view that there was no rider error involved in these incidents, no further action was taken. Near the 150 Metres, ABSOLUTE HEDGE was steadied away from the heels of FULFIL A WISH which shifted in. When questioned regarding the performance of MARK UP, O Doleuze stated that he was able to obtain a good position and MARK UP travelled well throughout the race. He said MARK UP became badly unbalanced when close to the heels of HANDSOME ZULU after the 500 Metres and after this MARK UP, after making contact with ALGARVE, came off the bridle. He added that whilst MARK UP was disappointing in its failure to close off the race, he felt that there were some circumstances with tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of MARK UP after the race revealed the horse to have sustained a deep laceration wound to the outside of the right hind cannon. Before being allowed to race again, MARK UP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SOVIET PEARL after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that UPGRADING had sustained a wound to the left hind foot. ALGARVE, CHEER and PENGLAI XIANZI were sent for sampling.