15/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

After being loaded, SPIRIT SOARING became fractious and after kicking out got its both hind legs over the back gates. SPIRIT SOARING was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained abrasions to both hind stifles and had blood at the mouth and as such was not suitable to race. Accordingly, SPIRIT SOARING was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. ABSOLUTE FANTASY, which was in the stall adjoining SPIRIT SOARING, also became fractious and kicked out at the back gates. ABSOLUTE FANTASY was also removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, SPIRIT SOARING will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HOLY MAC began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between DISTILL and CIRCUIT STAR which shifted out after being bumped by EMPEROR CLAUDIUS. From the outside barrier, HO HO LIFE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Y T Cheng (ABSOLUTE FANTASY) momentarily lost the use of his right iron at the start. Despite being ridden along, ABSOLUTE FANTASY then failed to muster speed and throughout the race travelled wide and without cover before commencing to give ground from the 700 Metres. A veterinary inspection of ABSOLUTE FANTASY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left hind plate. The performance of ABSOLUTE FANTASY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ABSOLUTE FANTASY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 1300 Metres, SPEEDYGONZALEZ was momentarily crowded for room inside EMPEROR CLAUDIUS which shifted in. Near the 200 Metres, HONG KONG DANCER shifted in and bumped ALPHA GRAND. Over the concluding stages, CIRCUIT STAR raced tight inside VITAL GOLD. O Doleuze, the rider of VITAL GOLD, was spoken to regarding making physical contact with D Whyte (CIRCUIT STAR) after the winning post. A veterinary inspection of HO HO LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VITAL GOLD and CIRCUIT STAR were sent for sampling.