14/12/2011  Happy Valley  Race 1

NOBLE TWINS was withdrawn on 13.12.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen and sore both front legs) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SABINA (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE TWINS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MEDIC CHAMPION had blood present at the mouth. An examination by the Veterinary Officer of MEDIC CHAMPION passed that horse as suitable to race. ZEPHYRUS was very slow to begin. Passing the 2000 Metres, ZEPHYRUS was momentarily crowded for room inside GREEN GLORY. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, ZEPHYRUS shifted in and made contact with the running rail. For some distance after the 1400 Metres, MR SPEEDY raced keenly and was steadied away from the heels of BULB TREASURE when awkwardly placed behind that horse. Near the 1200 Metres, ZEPHYRUS was checked away from the heels of NOBLE FLIER which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KUNG HEI FAT CHOI. After this, ZEPHYRUS commenced to race keenly and was checked away from the heels of MIRAGE R for some distance. Near the 1000 Metres, ZEPHYRUS had to be severely checked away from the heels of MIRAGE R after improving to the inside of that horse where there was insufficient room. FANTASTIC GUY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of ZEPHYRUS, struck the heels of that horse and blundered badly. Also approaching the 1000 Metres, KUNG HEI FAT CHOI became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of MR SPEEDY. Apprentice C Y Ho (ZEPHYRUS) was reprimanded for using the whip excessively on the horse which was out of contention. When questioned, M Du Plessis (KUNG HEI FAT CHOI) stated that passing the 900 Metres he was following MR SPEEDY and racing to the inside of INDUSTRIAL LEGEND. He said prior to the 800 Metres INDUSTRIAL LEGEND shifted out slightly away from the heels of MEDIC CHAMPION. He said at this time KUNG HEI FAT CHOI was racing in the order of a half to three quarters of a length behind INDUSTRIAL LEGEND. He said he did give consideration to shifting out from behind MR SPEEDY and attempting to avail himself of the tight run that had become available between INDUSTRIAL LEGEND and MR SPEEDY, however, he did not shift his horse out at this time because he felt that INDUSTRIAL LEGEND would shift back in to follow MEDIC CHAMPION which would result in interference to his horse. He added that after the 800 Metres INDUSTRIAL LEGEND did shift back in to be racing behind MEDIC CHAMPION and although the horse shifted out momentarily after the 700 Metres, once again he did not believe he was able to improve into the run between MR SPEEDY and INDUSTRIAL LEGEND as he felt that INDUSTRIAL LEGEND would be shifted back in to a one-off position which ultimately it was after the 600 Metres. M Du Plessis was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible, he should position his horse in such a manner so as to avail himself of runs as they present themselves. A veterinary inspection of NOBLE FLIER and MR SPEEDY after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC GUY after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had sustained a mild abrasion to the right front pastern. KING HEI FAT CHOI, SABINA and INDUSTRIAL LEGEND were sent for sampling.