14/12/2011  Happy Valley  Race 2

METREVELLI began very awkwardly, shifted out and bumped GRACYTOM. DRAGON CHOICE was crowded for room at the start between PLANET and BINGO BINGO which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, DRAGON CHOICE and PLANET bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. RUN TO WIN was crowded for room at the start between CLASSIC FIGURE and WELL DONE, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, RUN TO WIN and WELL DONE made heavy contact, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced and RUN TO WIN shifting in and making heavy contact with CLASSIC FIGURE. After this, RUN TO WIN was taken across behind runners. Near the 1100 Metres, FUN AND FAST was severely checked when crowded for room between HERO AND GOLD and PLANET which at this time was hampered when taken in by BINGO BINGO (Apprentice M L Yeung) which shifted in despite the considerable efforts of its rider to prevent that horse from shifting ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that Apprentice Yeung had made appropriate endeavours to prevent his mount from shifting in at this time, no action was taken. In this incident, FUN AND FAST made contact with HERO AND GOLD, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. Approaching the 1000 Metres, METREVELLI raced in restricted room between DRAGON CHOICE and GRACYTOM. For some distance prior to and leaving the 800 Metres, DRAGON CHOICE, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of GRACYTOM (Apprentice C Y Ho) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Ho was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. After the 800 Metres, MEGABUCKS was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, HERO AND GOLD was steadied away from the heels of PLANET. Near the 150 Metres, METREVELLI was checked away from the heels of CLASSIC FIGURE which shifted in marginally when giving ground. Over the concluding stages, HERO AND GOLD was held up for clear running behind WELL DONE and inside PLANET. Because of this, HERO AND GOLD was not fully tested in the run to the finishing line. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PLANET had lost its right hind plate. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC FIGURE after the race did not show any significant findings. FUN AND FAST, GRACYTOM and DRAGON CHOICE were sent for sampling.