08/07/2015  Happy Valley  Race 7

LIGHTNING AND GOLD was withdrawn on 7.7.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MEDIC SWORDSMAN (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, LIGHTNING AND GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHINA DELIGHT was tightened for room on jumping between MIGHTY WONGCHOY and GRIFFINDOR, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN and AXIOM were shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 550 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GRIFFINDOR. Near the 500 Metres, CHINA DELIGHT lay in towards the heels of VITAL PRINCE, resulting in LOYAL CRAFTSMAN being crowded for room and blundering. After the 500 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN and GRIFFINDOR raced tight as MEDIC SWORDSMAN attempted to shift out from behind GOLD DRAGON. For some distance after entering the Straight, MEDIC SWORDSMAN was held up behind MIGHTY WONGCHOY. GOLD TALENT was held up for clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, GOLD DRAGON travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that in pre-race discussions with Mr D E Ferraris, the trainer of MR VANILLA, it was felt that tonight’s race would be run at a slow tempo as the race appeared to lack any established leaders. He said as MR VANILLA had generally begun well in its races in the past, it was felt that there was an opportunity for it to obtain a forward position without having to have too much use made of it. He said it was hoped that he would be able to steady MR VANILLA and allow a number of runners to improve around that horse which would provide MR VANILLA the opportunity to race with cover. He said after beginning very well, MR VANILLA then did not show natural early speed and he had to make some use of the horse to obtain a forward position. He said despite being ridden along MR VANILLA was not able to cross a number of runners to its inside and therefore, after passing the winning post on the first occasion, he steadied MR VANILLA in an endeavour to possibly obtain a position with cover further back in the field. He added MR VANILLA did not travel well at any stage of the race and came under pressure after the 800 Metres and then continued to give ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LIGHTNING PEGASUS, A Suborics stated that from the horse’s good barrier he was able to obtain a position behind the leader GREAT TOPLIGHT without having to be ridden along at any stage. He said LIGHTNING PEGASUS travelled very well and rounding the Home Turn continued to travel strongly and he anticipated the horse would finish off the race well as it did at its most recent start when successful. He added shortly after entering the Straight a tight run appeared between GREAT TOPLIGHT and MIGHTY WONGCHOY but despite being ridden along, LIGHTNING PEGASUS was reluctant to improve into the tight run between those horses. He said because of this LIGHTNING PEGASUS was not able to take advantage of this run prior to MIGHTY WONGCHOY shifting in after the 300 Metres. He said he then shifted LIGHTING PEGASUS out to take advantage of a run to the outside of MIGHTY WONGCHOY and inside MEDIC SWORDSMAN passing the 200 Metres, however, once again LIGHTNING PEGASUS was reluctant to quicken into the tight running and because of this was again disappointed for running. He said after this, despite being placed under pressure, LIGHTNING PEGASUS did not quicken and was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LIGHTNING PEGASUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LIGHTNING PEGASUS, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LIGHTNING PEGASUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GREAT TOPLIGHT, GOLD DRAGON and MIGHTY WONGCHOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LIGHTNING PEGASUS, CHINA DELIGHT and MEDIC SWORDSMAN were sent for sampling.