02/12/2015  Happy Valley  Race 6

PRINCE FALCON and LUCKY OMENS were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, HAPPY CONTENDER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn near the 2100 Metres, AUTUMN GOLD momentarily raced tight inside SUPREME FRESH (K Teetan) which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening. K Teetan was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Near the 1050 Metres, YOUNG RANGER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOLMES LEGEND when SUPREME FRESH improved to be racing outside HOLMES LEGEND. Near the 150 Metres, REDWOOD BABY and YOUNG RANGER bumped due to both horses shifting ground. A short distance later, YOUNG RANGER became unbalanced when awkwardly placed outside REDWOOD BABY which initially got its head on the side and shifted out away from SUPREME FRESH and then was taken out by that horse. When questioned, G Mosse stated that as FULL GLORY was having its first start for the season over the 2200 Metres and was drawn barrier 11, he had been asked to shift FULL GLORY across behind runners in the early stages as it was felt that were the horse to be ridden in a forward position, it would then not be able to finish off the race. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he had been asked to ride HOLMES LEGEND positively in the early stages and obtain a forward position if possible. He said he had to ride HOLMES LEGEND along for some distance in the early stages to cross runners to his inside after being left racing three wide until rounding the Home Turn on the first occasion. He said after shifting in to race outside YOUNG RANGER, HOLMES LEGEND was inclined to travel keenly and for this reason he allowed the horse to improve into the lead approaching the winning post on the first occasion. He added after this HOLMES LEGEND settled better but was still inclined to travel keenly. ALLCASH lost its right front plate after the race. After the race, T H So advised the Veterinary Officer that HIGH WARRIOR did not feel completely comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of HIGH WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CONTENDER and HOLMES LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REDWOOD BABY and HAPPY ROCKY were sent for sampling. <3/12/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>HAPPY CONTENDER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. HAPPY CONTENDER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer R Gibson this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg with a swollen fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY CONTENDER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.