07/01/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

Prior to the running of Race 1, SINGING DINERS was examined by the Veterinary Officer while in the holding stables. He said SINGING DINERS was lame in the left hind leg and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of SINGING DINERS. Before being allowed to race again, SINGING DINERS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASTER GUNNER, which was fractious in its stall, bounded in the air at the start, on landing stumbled and as a consequence lost ground. VIKING TOR was slow to begin and then was taken back across behind runners from a wide barrier. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, VIKING TOR and MASTER GUNNER, which had been ridden to improve their positions, raced tight inside ELFHELM which shifted in momentarily. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, ELFHELM was checked when crowded for room between EYE WITNESS which shifted in slightly and VIKING TOR which shifted out when being checked away from the heels of GOODY. In the middle stages, VIKING TOR proved difficult to settle. Passing the 400 Metres, LHOJONG became unbalanced and was checked when racing tight inside GOODY which got its head on the side and shifted in momentarily away from YOUNG HERO. No action was taken. Passing the 200 Metres, LHOJONG, which was experiencing difficulty obtaining clear running, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of GOODY. After this, LHOJONG continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running for a considerable distance. For the major part of the race, EYE WITNESS travelled wide and without cover. MASTER GUNNER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. LHOJONG was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MASTER GUNNER and LHOJONG after the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTIFUL CHOICE and YOUNG HERO were sent for sampling.