01/06/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

ALWAYS SOMETHING was slow to begin. From wide barriers, EXCEPTIONAL ART and HO HO LIFE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 800 Metres, EASTERN EMPIRE got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FLUKE. Passing the 600 Metres, EASTERN EMPIRE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KYARA which shifted out slightly. Passing the 300 Metres, KYARA shifted in to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped MY MATE ADRIC which became unbalanced. Passing the 250 Metres, PERFECT GEAR shifted out under pressure. Throughout the race, HOLIDAY SUN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ROYAL PUMPKIN, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that from barrier 10, ROYAL PUMPKIN was obliged to be ridden slightly further back in the field than it was at its most recent start when successful. He said in the early stages ROYAL PUMPKIN travelled keenly when racing between ALWAYS SOMETHING and HOLIDAY SUN. He said when the race quickened after the 600 Metres, ROYAL PUMPKIN was not able to sprint with the field and soon came under pressure to maintain its position. He added in the Straight ROYAL PUMPKIN did not show any turn of foot and, in his opinion, finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL PUMPKIN after the race did not show any significant findings. An examination of ALWAYS SOMETHING by the Veterinary Officer following the race at the request of Trainer J Size did not reveal any significant abnormalities. KYARA and MY MATE ADRIC were sent for sampling.