27/09/2017  Happy Valley  Race 8

EXTREMELY FUN was withdrawn on 26.9.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (abscess on mouth) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ARM RUNDA (S Clipperton). Before being allowed to race again, EXTREMELY FUN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, the blindfold, which had been applied to GENERAL IRON and was removed just prior to the start being effected, became caught in T Berry’s left arm before being dislodged after travelling 200 Metres. MASTER VIKING, which was slow to begin, was crowded for room on jumping between POWERMAX and SO FAST which shifted in. Soon after the start, STAR OF JOY was steadied when racing in restricted room between HAPPY BAO BEI and SHANGHAI MASTER. From wide barriers, DUKEDOM and ARM RUNDA were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. SO FAST raced wide and without cover until the 600 Metres at which stage MASTER VIKING was left racing wide and without cover. On the turn near the 500 Metres, POWERMAX was hampered when tightened for room inside WHO ELSE BUT YOU which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. After being held up for a run in the early part of the Straight, GENERAL IRON was shifted back in near the 250 Metres in an endeavour to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, SHANGHAI MASTER was momentarily crowded for room between CHARITY GLORY and MASTER VIKING (Apprentice H T Mo) which shifted out under pressure. After being straightened by its rider and shifted back in to relieve the tightening to SHANGHAI MASER, MASTER VIKING shifted in further, resulting in GENERAL IRON, which was endeavouring to obtain clear running between HAPPY BAO BEI and MASTER VIKING, being checked when unable to proceed into this run. In all the circumstances, Apprentice Mo was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst he had responded in an appropriate manner by shifting in to relieve the tightening to SHANGHAI MASTER, he allowed his mount to shift in further than was necessary. Approaching the 100 Metres, HAPPY BAO BEI was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SO FAST which shifted out slightly under pressure. Over the final 100 Metres, CHARITY GLORY hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride. Close to the finishing line, HAPPY BAO BEI shifted out and made contact with MASTER VIKING. After the winning post, when being pulled up, Apprentice M F Poon was dislodged from SO FAST, however, did not sustain any apparent injury. BEST STEP and CHARITY GLORY were sent for sampling.