23/11/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

Shortly after the start, NORDIC STAR got its head up after bumping OTTIMO. From wide barriers, AMBITIOUS TREASURE and VERY WELL were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, RECORD HIGH was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY WARRIOR. After the 900 Metres, MR BOND commenced to travel keenly and approaching the 800 Metres shifted out away from the heels of LUNAR REFLECTIONS. After the 600 Metres, MR BOND and ALWAYS SOMETHING were taken wider by LUNAR REFLECTIONS which shifted out from behind ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER. Shortly after entering into the Straight, NORDIC STAR was shifted across the heels of ALMIGHTY WINDPOWER when disappointed for running between that horse and MY MATE ADRIC (Z Purton) which shifted out. Z Purton was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. AMBITIOUS TREASURE, which was following NORDIC STAR, was steadied away from the heels of that horse as a consequence. After this, AMBITIOUS TREASURE had difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, MR BOND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUNAR REFLECTIONS which shifted out. Close to the finishing line, NORDIC STAR (D Whyte) shifted out away from the heels of OTTIMO. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of D Whyte over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. Throughout the race, ALWAYS SOMETHING travelled wide and without cover. LUCKY WARRIOR, LUNAR REFLECTIONS and OTTIMO were sent for sampling.