18/03/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

Whilst in the holding stable, BUNDLE O' GOLD had its left hind plate refitted. BUNDLE O’ GOLD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. As the gates opened, NORMAN INVADER bounded in the air and lost a considerable amount of ground. NOVEL WINNING was slow to begin. LUCKY AMICI began awkwardly and lost ground. At the 650 Metres, BUNDLE O' GOLD was steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND BRILLIANCE which when proving difficult to settle was steadied away from the heels of BLAZE KING (Apprentice M Chadwick) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Chadwick was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. On straightening, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of PLAN B. In the early part of the Straight, BLAZE KING hung out. In the Straight, HOLI RAVIOLI hung out. When questioned, Mr D J Hall, the trainer of BUNDLE O’ GOLD, explained he had instructed E Saint-Martin, the horse's rider, to have the horse in a more forward position than has been usual. He said when drawn awkwardly BUNDLE O' GOLD had been taken back in an endeavour to have the horse settled and close its races off. He said BUNDLE O' GOLD had shown itself to be a "headstrong" type since arriving in Hong Kong. He said tonight from barrier 2 he felt with the anticipated tempo of the race BUNDLE O’ GOLD would be best suited ridden slightly forward of midfield in a position where it would have cover. NOVEL WINNING was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NOVEL WINNING after the race did not show any significant findings. HONGKONG SUPERSTAR and DIAMOND BRILLIANCE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DIAMOND BRILLIANCE had lost its left front plate.