11/01/2012  Happy Valley  Race 1

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that VITAL SMART had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. VITAL SMART was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GOLD WINNER, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was checked when crowded for room between SUPREME DE UNION and HAPPY CHAMPION which shifted out after being bumped by SPICY SHRIMP. After this, GOLD WINNER was taken across behind runners. CITY OF LIGHTS was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, SUPREME DE UNION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After being taken across behind runners, SUPREME DE UNION proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, GALLANT MAMBO got its head on the side and hung out. GALLANT MAMBO continued to hang out until after entering the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of GALLANT MAMBO after the race noted blood to be present at the left nostril. An endoscopic examination of the horse revealed the trachea to be clean and that there was trauma to the left nasal passage. Accordingly, GALLANT MAMBO was not deemed to have bled. The performance of GALLANT MAMBO was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GALLANT MAMBO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. Near the 50 Metres, SHANGHAI PIONEER was momentarily awkwardly placed behind VITAL SMART which shifted out. Throughout the race, SPICY SHRIMP travelled wide and without cover. H W Lai pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride HAPPY CHAMPION, 6th placegetter, out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. For this breach of the Rule, H W Lai was fined a sum of $20,000. A veterinary inspection of GOLD WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. GOOD SMILE, LUCKY RED and VITAL SMART were sent for sampling.