12/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MR VIGOROUS had a discharge from the right nostril. MR VIGOROUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From a wide barrier, HIGH RETURN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, CHATER POWER was steadied when crowded for room between SOLDIER which shifted out slightly and BONDI LAD which got its head on the side and shifted in. Near the 1000 Metres, HIGH RETURN was steadied away from the heels of BEAUTIFUL DREAMER which shifted in when barely clear. At the 1000 Metres, SOARING RIVER was checked when crowded for room inside CONFUCIUS CLASSIC which was taken in by SOLDIER which at this time was taken in by MR VIGOROUS which, despite the efforts of its rider, M W Leung, shifted ground. M W Leung was advised whilst the Stewards were comfortable he had made sufficient effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground, he would be expected in similar circumstances to do his utmost to prevent his horses from shifting ground, thereby prevent interference to other runners to his inside. After the 200 Metres, PERFECT GEAR was held up for clear running after being disappointed for running between GOLDEN BAUHINIA and SUPER CAGA. After this, PERFECT GEAR was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. Near the 150 Metres, SOARING RIVER raced tight between HIGH RETURN and PERFECT GEAR which shifted out in an attempt to find clear running. When questioned, B Prebble stated that approaching the 800 Metres FREE AND EASY commenced to over-race badly, got its head up and proved very difficult to settle. He said that after this point he attempted to have the horse race more tractably which it commenced to do passing the 700 Metres. He said as FREE AND EASY was racing more generously, he elected to allow MR VIGOROUS to shift in from a three wide position to race in front of FREE AND EASY approaching the 600 Metres rather than ride FREE AND EASY along to maintain its position to the inside of that horse. He said he felt that if he were to ride FREE AND EASY along to hold its position, the horse would again commence to over-race and this would not be in the horse’s best interests. M W Leung was fined $3,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over MR VIGOROUS’ right hindquarter. A veterinary inspection of BONDI LAD after the race did not show any significant findings. FREE AND EASY, SUPER CAGA and HIGH RETURN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FREE AND EASY had lost its right front plate.