19/03/2014  Happy Valley  Race 7

When being taken across behind runners from a wide barrier, SPINNING DANCER shifted in shortly after the start and bumped the hindquarters of SMART BALL which became unbalanced. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, FIRST SIGHT LOVE was steadied when crowded for room between JAZZY FEELING and GENKI TWINS, both of which shifted slight ground. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, JAZZY FEELING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GENKI TWINS which shifted out. After the 900 Metres, SMART BALL was left racing without cover and subsequently was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 600 Metres. FIRST SIGHT LOVE had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 300 Metres. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he had been instructed to ride LUCKY BONUS in a midfield position. He said at the start LUCKY BONUS shifted out and bumped FIRST SIGHT LOVE and then would not settle in the early stages. He said he restrained LUCKY BONUS for a considerable distance in the early stages in an endeavour to position the horse behind INVICTUS, however, the more he steadied LUCKY BONUS, the more it wanted to race on the bit. He added when horses drawn wider improved their positions approaching the winning post on the first occasion, he had hoped to be able to obtain cover behind these horses, however, after being bumped by GRAND ELITE passing the winning post on the first occasion LUCKY BONUS continued to over-race and he was not able to steady the horse and ride it in a midfield position as instructed. He said because of its racing manners LUCKY BONUS raced in a more forward position than had been anticipated and was then not able to close off strongly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRAND ELITE, Z Purton stated that whilst he did not have to overly ride his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, he was required to niggle at it to ensure that it maintained its position. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he was able to obtain a position one horse off the fence behind the leaders and GRAND ELITE travelled well until approaching the 600 Metres at which time the horse came off the bridle. He said he placed GRAND ELITE under pressure prior to the Home Turn, however, it did not respond to his riding and shortly after entering the Straight became unbalanced in its action and gave ground noticeably after the 200 Metres. He added whilst he was not able to detect any soreness or lameness with GRAND ELITE, the horse was not striding out comfortably in the Straight. Mr C Fownes, the trainer of GRAND ELITE, said the horse had pleased him since its last run and a forward showing was anticipated. He said GRAND ELITE had experienced problems in the past, however, the horse presented no issues prior to tonight's race. A veterinary inspection of GRAND ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GRAND ELITE, which weakened in the Straight to finish at the tail of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND ELITE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SIGHT LOVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FIRST SIGHT LOVE, SIGHT LOVER, JAZZY FEELING and SPINNING DANCER were sent for sampling. <20/3/2014 Additional Veterinary Reports>SIGHT LOVER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. SIGHT LOVER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer W Y So this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SIGHT LOVER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.