18/05/2011  Happy Valley  Race 2

Whilst parading, KINGSTON ELITE became fractious and kicked the rail. On arrival at the Start, KINGSTON ELITE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. FLYING KEEPER was slow to begin. GENERAL DANROAD and LINKED WIN were both slow to begin and then shortly after the start were crowded for room between FELAROF and OYSTER which shifted out. Near the 950 Metres, LINKED WIN (Apprentice M L Yeung), which was shifting in at an acute angle, became badly unbalanced when bumped by GRACYTOM which shifted out away from the heels of GLOBAL WIN which itself shifted out after bumping the hindquarters of ASMODAI. In this incident, GRACYTOM also became badly unbalanced. Apprentice Yeung was advised to exercise care when shifting ground and wherever possible ensure that he does not shift in too acutely. Near the 850 Metres, KINGSTON ELITE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ASMODAI. At the 600 Metres, GLOBAL WIN was checked after shifting out across the heels of GRACYTOM when reluctant to maintain its position inside that horse. GENERAL DANROAD, which was following, was checked in consequence and taken wider. FLYING KEEPER, which was also following, was hampered in this incident. After this, GENERAL DANROAD got its head on the side and hung out for a short distance. Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, ASMODAI hung out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LINKED WIN, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that after making contact with GRACYTOM and becoming unbalanced shortly after the start, LINKED WIN was disappointing in that despite being ridden along, the horse got out of its ground in the early and middle stages. He said he placed the horse under significant pressure making the turn after the 600 Metres, however, despite him riding LINKED WIN along, that horse was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of LINKED WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. SPICY SHRIMP and MILLION DARLING were sent for sampling.