24/11/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

IMPECCABLE, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 22.11.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, IMPECCABLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From the outside barrier, NATURAL FLAME (J Lloyd) was steadied shortly after the start to obtain a position behind runners and with cover. J Lloyd reported that when being steadied, NATURAL FLAME proved difficult to settle and then hung out badly throughout the race and for this reason travelled wide. Then in the Straight, NATURAL FLAME gave ground. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL FLAME after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance and racing manners of NATURAL FLAME were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NATURAL FLAME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, FOR AARON got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Passing the 1000 Metres, BET ON ME got its head up and proved difficult to settle when steadied away from the heels of PLAN B (W M Lai) which shifted in when barely clear. W M Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance to runners on his inside in similar circumstances. Near the 800 Metres, BET ON ME was steadied away from the heels of PLAN B and shifted out. After this, BET ON ME was allowed to stride forward into a more forward position. Shortly after entering the Straight, FRESH AIR was steadied away from the heels of PLAN B. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of Y T Cheng (SMART KIDS) over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of FRESH AIR after the race did not show any significant findings. REGENCY WINNER and MI REILLY were sent for sampling.