15/04/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

VINTAGE HUSSLER was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right fore). Before being allowed to race again, VINTAGE HUSSLER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From wide barriers, KICK SERVE and GOOD FELLOW were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, GENE POWER was crowded for room between RED LUCKY STAR and TURF MAGIC which, after beginning awkwardly, was taken out by DR SUPER. Approaching the 1000 Metres, DR SUPER became unbalanced after getting its head on the side, shifting in and making contact with ETERNAL BEAUTY. Approaching the 500 Metres, KICK SERVE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED LUCKY STAR. Shortly after entering the Straight, ETERNAL BEAUTY raced tight between AFFLUENCE OF RAIN and RUGBY EXPRESS which shifted out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RUGBY EXPRESS, T Angland stated that the horse enjoyed a good run in a position behind the speed. He said after the 700 Metres he would have preferred to have been able to track closer to the leader, DR SUPER, however, as he was positioned behind ETERNAL BEAUTY and inside AFFLUENCE OF RAIN, he was not able to improve his position at this time. He said nonetheless he shifted RUGBY EXPRESS out at the top of the Straight to make its finishing run, however, the horse soon came under pressure and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding in the Straight. He added that he had ridden RUGBY EXPRESS in its final gallop in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that work had been good. A veterinary inspection of RUGBY EXPRESS after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, RUGBY EXPRESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that AFFLUENCE OF RAIN had lost its left hind plate. DR SUPER and TURF MAGIC were sent for sampling.