11/09/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

ONE MORE KNIGHT began awkwardly, shifted in and in doing so made contact with the hindquarters of WELL DONE which was being turned out across the running of ONE MORE KNIGHT. TIME WINNER knuckled over at the start after beginning very awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of LORD DRAGON which became badly unbalanced. As the start was effected, FORZA lifted its front feet off the ground and began awkwardly. From wide barriers, NO TIES, CROATIA and GOOD HONG KONG were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, CROATIA got its head up and shifted out abruptly across the heels of GOOD HONG KONG, resulting in CROATIA having to be checked and losing significant ground. The racing manners of CROATIA were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CROATIA will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. After the 900 Metres, TIME WINNER shifted in towards the running rail and became unbalanced. After the 700 Metres, NOVEL START was left racing wide and without cover. In the Straight, GOOD HONG KONG lay in under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of VICTORY GENERAL, Z Purton stated that the horse travelled on and off the bridle throughout the race. He said making the turn after the 600 Metres VICTORY GENERAL became unbalanced in its action and after this came off the bridle. He said he placed the horse under pressure rounding the Home Turn, however, VICTORY GENERAL did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added whilst VICTORY GENERAL did shift ground on a number of occasions in the Straight, the horse had done this previously when giving ground in its races. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY GENERAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHINA POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FORZA and HAPPY CHAMPION were sent for sampling.