21/12/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

After being loaded, LEGEND EXPRESS became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, LEGEND EXPRESS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From wide barriers, GIVE WELL and AMBITIOUS TREASURE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1400 Metres, MING HOI TREASURE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRIVATE ROAD. Shortly after entering the Straight, MING HOI TREASURE was shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RECORD HIGH which was commencing to give ground. After this, MING HOI TREASURE had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 300 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, GIVE WELL shifted out and bumped KICK SERVE. The performance of RECORD HIGH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RECORD HIGH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, N Callan stated that he had been instructed if possible to obtain inside runs on LEGEND EXPRESS as the horse was carrying top weight and the rail was in the C position. He said for this reason prior to the Home Turn after following INTERCHINA STAR, he elected not to shift to the outside of that horse to obtain running, but rather shifted to the inside. He said after improving to the inside of INTERCHINA STAR, LEGEND EXPRESS was momentarily steadied away from the heels of RECORD HIGH which was giving ground passing the 250 Metres. He added after this LEGEND EXPRESS finished off the race only one-paced despite having clear running. NORDIC STAR and GIVE WELL were sent for sampling.