28/12/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

From the outside barrier, MR BOND was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, BEAUTY LEAD momentarily raced in restricted room inside ENABLING which was shifted away from the heels of WINNING EDGE. In the early stages, BACKBENCH BLUES travelled wide and without cover and after the 1000 Metres was allowed to improve its position. Passing the 1400 Metres, FINEZZA got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of ELEGANCE KLAMMER when momentarily racing in restricted room inside that horse which got its head on the side and shifted in away from PERFECT CHEERS. A short distance later, FINEZZA was checked away from the heels of ELEGANCE KLAMMER. Passing the 1200 Metres, ENABLING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OUTDOOR PEGASUS. Passing the 1100 Metres, FINEZZA lost ground when momentarily crowded for room inside RIDE WITH THE WIND which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. HAPPY TUMBLER, which was following, shifted out abruptly away from the heels of FINEZZA in consequence. When questioned, N Callan (OUTDOOR PEGASUS) stated that he had been instructed to attempt to obtain cover in a position behind the leaders if possible. He said after having to ride OUTDOOR PEGASUS along to clear runners on its inside from barrier 11, OUTDOOR PEGASUS was not able to obtain cover in the early stages and consequently was inclined to over-race. He said he allowed BACKBENCH BLUES to cross OUTDOOR PEGASUS after the 700 Metres so as to provide the horse with cover. He said he remained racing behind BACKBENCH BLUES rounding the turn after the 600 Metres at which time that horse shifted out slightly. He said he was reluctant to shift to the outside of BACKBENCH BLUES when that horse initially commenced to give ground approaching the 400 Metres as he did not want to take OUTDOOR PEGASUS wide given that it over-raced in the early and middle stages and he also felt that there was a possibility that BACKBENCH BLUES might shift out slightly which would allow OUTDOOR PEGASUS to improve to that horse’s inside. He added however that when BACKBENCH BLUES remained racing in a one-off position and commenced to give ground passing the 400 Metres, he shifted to the outside of that heels of that horse into clear running and OUTDOOR PEGASUS closed off the race satisfactorily. N Callan was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible, he should ensure that his horses are able to continue to improve, particularly at vital stages of the race. After the race, W C Marwing expressed concern over the action of BACKBENCH BLUES. A veterinary inspection of BACKBENCH BLUES, after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ELEGANCE KLAMMER after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ELEGANCE KLAMMER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY TUMBLER and GROOVY after the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY LEAD and PERFECT CHEERS were sent for sampling.