09/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 7

MR BOND was withdrawn on 7.1.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, MR BOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, W M Lai (FUN RIDER) stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse at the rear of the field from the outside barrier. He said he shifted FUN RIDER across in the early stages and had hoped to obtain a position one horse off the rail outside MILITARY ATTACK which he anticipated may shift in to race on the rail behind IRIAN and in advance of PURE CHAMPION. He said however that MILITARY ATTACK remained racing in a one-off position and for this reason FUN RIDER was then left racing three wide and without cover. He said after making contact with DESTINED FOR GLORY after the 1600 Metres, FUN RIDER commenced to over-race and passing the winning post on the first occasion took charge. He added that despite attempting to restrain FUN RIDER, the horse pulled its way forward and therefore he allowed it to continue on to race in the lead rather than continue to fight against the horse. MILITARY ATTACK and HELENE SPIRIT were sent for sampling.