11/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

TRULLI was slow to begin. POWER RETURN began awkwardly and lost ground. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, FLYING GALLOP was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of CHARMGOLD. For some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, FLYING GALLOP was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARMGOLD. Passing the 200 Metres and again approaching the winning post, WINE WIN raced in restricted room to the inside of KUNG FU which shifted in slightly. Over the final 100 Metres, TRULLI, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied when unable to obtain clear running between MR COOL and FUN. Because of this, TRULLI was not fully tested in the run to the line. Near the 50 Metres, when being steadied, TRULLI was struck over the head by the whip of H W Lai (MR COOL). B Prebble (POWER RETURN) explained his mount travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, prior to straightening became unbalanced in its action. He said after straightening he placed POWER RETURN under pressure, the horse did not respond to his riding and continued to feel awkward in its action. He said because of this on a number of occasions he looked down at his mount’s legs. He said over the concluding stages because of his concern with POWER RETURN, he did not ride his mount out to the end of the race. POWER RETURN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, POWER RETURN was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had sustained a cut to its left hind coronet. CHARMGOLD and FINN MACCOOL were sent for sampling.