07/01/2015  Happy Valley  Race 1

COLOURFUL PROFIT was crowded for room on jumping between MOBILE KING which stumbled at the start and WINE LOVERS which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. After this, COLOURFUL PROFIT was shifted across behind runners. RISING POWER was also tightened for room on jumping between KING ON EARTH and AMAZING GIFT which shifted in. MR VANILLA began awkwardly. For some distance approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, KING ON EARTH proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of AMAZING GIFT. RISING POWER, which was following and also proving difficult to settle, was hampered in consequence. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, COLOURFUL PROFIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL GENERAL. In the early part of the Straight, COLOURFUL PROFIT got its head on the side and hung in and near the 250 Metres shifted out away from RISING POWER which was attempting to shift to the outside of REAL GENERAL. Approaching the 200 Metres, RISING POWER shifted out abruptly when being severely checked away from the heels of REAL GENERAL which was giving ground, resulting in COLOURFUL PROFIT having to be steadied away from the heels of RISING POWER. Passing the 150 Metres, RISING POWER was shifted to the outside of KING ON EARTH after being disappointed for running between that horse and REAL GENERAL. Throughout the race, REAL GENERAL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of AMAZING GIFT, U Rispoli stated that, in his opinion, the horse was reluctant to race amongst other horses. He said he was obliged to commence riding AMAZING GIFT along prior to the 900 Metres in order to have it maintain its position inside REAL GENERAL. He said for a significant distance after this he had to ride AMAZING GIFT along vigorously as the horse was at all times reluctant to hold its position behind ARCHER'S BOW and between KHARU and REAL GENERAL. He added, despite being ridden out in the Straight, AMAZING GIFT did not finish off the race even when other runners were no longer around the horse. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING GIFT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of AMAZING GIFT, a favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING GIFT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on RISING POWER at the request of Trainer C W Chang. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, RISING POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of COLOURFUL PROFIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING GIFT, KHARU and RISING POWER were sent for sampling.