22/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

Whilst proceeding to the barriers, MERRY ANNIVERSARY became fractious, resulting in J Lloyd being dislodged. MERRY ANNIVERSARY was quickly recaptured and taken to the Start riderless. A veterinary inspection of MERRY ANNIVERSARY found that horse to be suitable to race. J Lloyd was also declared suitable to fulfil his riding engagement. PROSPEROUS was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, JUN DAO was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, PERFECT FIT failed to muster speed and became detached from the field. Near the 150 Metres, FLASHING GUY was hampered when crowded for room between GOLDEN BAUHINIA and LUCKY TURBO which was taken out by VINTAGE HUSSLER. Near the 100 Metres, PROSPEROUS was momentarily held up when obtaining a tight run between HAWTHORNE and VINTAGE HUSSLER. In this incident, VINTAGE HUSSLER was brushed by PROSPEROUS, got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in LUCKY TURBO being steadied when crowded for room between that horse and GOLDEN BAUHINIA. When questioned, Z Purton (LUCKY TURBO) stated that he had been instructed to lead on the horse if possible. He said accordingly he rode LUCKY TURBO along in the early stages, however, the horse did not show sufficient speed to cross VINTAGE HUSSLER and HAWTHORNE to its inside. He said approaching the 800 Metres he discontinued riding LUCKY TURBO along in the hope of obtaining cover behind VINTAGE HUSSLER. He said however that at this time GOLDEN BAUHINIA was ridden along to maintain its position inside VINTAGE HUSSLER and SUPER PLUS was positioned to the inside of GOLDEN BAUHINIA. He said because of this he was not able to shift in. He added he then commenced to ride LUCKY TURBO along to see if he could cross VINTAGE HUSSLER, however, at this time VINTAGE HUSSLER was allowed to maintain its position to the inside of LUCKY TURBO which resulted in LUCKY TURBO being left racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that, from the outside barrier, with MERRY ANNIVERSARY dropping back in distance, he had been asked to ride the horse in midfield with cover if possible. He said that as MERRY ANNIVERSARY would have been left racing wide and without cover, he elected to steady the horse and shift in to a position to be following FLASHING GUY after the 800 Metres which resulted in MERRY ANNIVERSARY racing further back than had been intended. He added that making the first turn MERRY ANNIVERSARY got its head on the side and hung out. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOLDEN BAUHINIA had bled from both nostrils and that PROSPEROUS was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, PROSPEROUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FLASHING GUY and LUCKY TURBO after the race did not show any significant findings. PROSPEROUS, SUPER PLUS and HAWTHORNE were sent for sampling.