02/12/2015  Happy Valley  Race 3

ELITE EXPRESS and WIN AND M were slow to begin. YO-YO DA became badly unbalanced on jumping when buffeted between HAYHAY and FAIRY EAGLE which initially shifted in. Then a short distance after the start, YO-YO DA continued to be badly crowded and FAIRY EAGLE was also crowded for room between HAYHAY which shifted out after being heavily bumped on the hindquarters by YO-YO DA and MASTER MIND which shifted in. In this incident, MASTER MIND also became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by FAIRY EAGLE. From wide barriers, BORN TO RACE and FABIO were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900 Metres, FABIO was steadied away from the heels of G-ONE LEADER (K C Ng) which shifted in when not quite clear. K C Ng was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. In the middle stages, WIN AND M raced with its head on the side and was inclined to lay out away from the running rail. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, FAIRY EAGLE got its head on the side and was hampered after shifting out towards the heels of CHIN CHUN. For a short distance approaching the 50 Metres, FAIRY EAGLE raced in restricted room between CHIN CHUN and TIMELY ARRIVED which shifted in. Throughout the race, CHIN CHUN travelled wide and without cover. The performance of ELITE EXPRESS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ELITE EXPRESS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FABIO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MASTER MIND immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER MIND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BORN TO RACE and JOYFUL THE GREAT were sent for sampling.