18/03/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

BEAUTY AHEAD began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of INDIGO WAY. A short distance later, INDIGO WAY was bumped by SUPERKING DRAGON which shifted out. After this, SUPERKING DRAGON was ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, became unbalanced after continuing to race tight with INDIGO WAY. Then despite being ridden along, SUPERKING DRAGON failed to muster speed. BETTER ANNOUNCE was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, NAVEL ORANGE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1600 Metres, OXFORD CHARLEY shifted out, resulting in SUPERKING DRAGON and INDIGO WAY being inconvenienced. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MASTER VIKING commenced to travel keenly and was steadied away from the heels of SPIRIT SOARING (N Rawiller) which shifted in when not quite clear. N Rawiller was advised that whilst MASTER VIKING was proving difficult to settle, nonetheless he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. After the 1400 Metres, OXFORD CHARLEY and LOYAL CRAFTSMAN bumped on a number of occasions when racing tight due to LOYAL CRAFTSMAN getting its head on the side and shifting out slightly. Passing the 1200 Metres, TRIUMPHANT DRAGON commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of BETTER ANNOUNCE. After the 1100 Metres, TRIUMPHANT DRAGON lost its right hind plate. Making the turn after the 1100 Metres, LAUDABLE VIRTUE shifted out away from the heels of TRIUMPHANT DRAGON and bumped ONE OF A KIND. Approaching the 1000 Metres, MASTER VIKING raced close to the heels of SPIRIT SOARING when over-racing. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, TRIUMPHANT DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BETTER ANNOUNCE. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LAUDABLE VIRTUE. In the early part of the Straight, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN got its head on the side and shifted out. Over the final 200 Metres, ONE OF A KIND got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Over the concluding stages, BETTER ANNOUNCE and LOYAL CRAFTSMAN raced tight. Throughout the race, BEAUTY AHEAD travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TRIUMPHANT DRAGON had been galloped on during the race, resulting in the horse sustaining wounds to the back of its both hind legs. A veterinary inspection of SUPERKING DRAGON and MASTER VIKING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TRIUMPHANT DRAGON and INDIGO WAY were sent for sampling.