27/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

WINDICATOR STAR, which was very fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. FUN RIDER was slow to begin. ROMANTIC CITY began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, VITAL FLYER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn after the 1000 Metres, VITAL FLYER got its head on the side and hung out. After this, VITAL FLYER continued to hang out and race ungenerously. Near the 1100 Metres, IMPERIAL ROME was bumped by WINDICATOR STAR which shifted in away from the heels of CHARLES THE GREAT. Approaching the 1000 Metres, REGENCY LUCK, which was reluctant to hold its position, became badly unbalanced and lost ground after being bumped by ABLE SPEED which got its head on the side and shifted in a minimal amount of ground. HOLIDAY SUN, which was following, was checked away from the heels of REGENCY LUCK in consequence. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 600 Metres, REGENCY LUCK, which was being ridden along to maintain its position, momentarily raced tight inside CHARLES THE GREAT which shifted in slightly. After this, REGENCY LUCK got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CHARLES THE GREAT. A veterinary inspection of ROMANTIC CITY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, ROMANTIC CITY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHARLES THE GREAT and WINDICATOR STAR were sent for sampling. <28/2/2013 Additional Veterinary Report> ROMANTIC CITY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse was found to be displaying an irregular heart rhythm. ROMANTIC CITY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer T K Ng this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, ROMANTIC CITY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.