04/01/2012  Happy Valley  Race 8

WINNING EDGE was withdrawn on 3.1.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (painful left front fetlock) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HOLIDAY SUN (T Clark). Before being allowed to race again, WINNING EDGE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From the outside barrier, HOLIDAY SUN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1200 Metres, FLASHING AURA got its head on the side and shifted out. Near the 1100 Metres, HAPPY TUMBLER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PACKING TYCOON. After the 1100 Metres, FLASHING AURA was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 450 Metres, EURO SWIFTLY (K C Leung) was checked when attempting a run between OSVALDO and EMPEROR CLAUDIUS where there was insufficient room. K C Leung was advised to ensure that there is sufficient racing room when improving in similar circumstances. OSVALDO had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, EMPEROR CLAUDIUS was bumped by AMITYSHIP which shifted out. At the 200 Metres, FLASHING AURA, which was giving ground, was steadied when crowded for room between OSVALDO and BANKSTERS BONUS, both of which shifted ground. HOLIDAY SUN was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, FUN RIDER raced tight between PACKING TYCOON and OSVALDO which shifted in (T Angland). In this incident, PACKING TYCOON was hampered when taken in towards the heels of BUSINESS AS USUAL. T Angland was advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY TUMBLER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of AMITYSHIP after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. OSVALDO, MR BOND and EURO SWIFTLY were sent for sampling.