08/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 1

Following a report that YOUNG HAPPY became fractious in the holding stalls, that horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. WIN ESPRIT, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. After the 1000 Metres, CHINA DELIGHT was steadied when crowded for room inside YOUNG HAPPY (R Fourie) which shifted in after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY CHEVALIER which became unbalanced and lost ground after being bumped by MEDIC CHAMPION. R Fourie was advised that whilst there was some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he should have made an attempt to steady away from the heels of LUCKY CHEVALIER rather than immediately shifting to the inside of that horse. WIN ESPRIT was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. At the entrance to the Straight, BILLION GAINS and MEDIC CHAMPION bumped. A short distance later, MEDIC CHAMPION shifted in and made contact with BILLION GAINS, causing both horses to become unbalanced. CHINA DELIGHT had difficulty obtaining clear running prior to the 200 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, SUPREME TYCOON raced in restricted room between ABLE DRAGON and CHINA DELIGHT, both of which shifted ground. Throughout the race, LUCKY CHEVALIER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY CHEVALIER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY ARMY, D Whyte stated that after obtaining a good run in the race behind BILLION GAINS which eventually finished 2nd, LUCKY ARMY was then disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. He said both the eventual winner MEDIC CHAMPION and BILLION GAINS were able to establish a margin on LUCKY ARMY rounding the Home Turn and LUCKY ARMY, in his opinion, did not show the turn of foot that he expected at this time. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG HAPPY immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG HAPPY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY ARMY, MEDIC CHAMPION and BILLION GAINS were sent for sampling.