23/09/2009  Happy Valley  Race 2

From passing the 500 Metres until entering the Home Straight, JOYFUL YEARS was held up for clear running and was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE GALLOP. Near the 100 Metres, JOYFUL YEARS was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of CENTURY MOLLY which shifted out. For the majority of the race, BAUHINIA travelled wide and without cover and prior to straightening gave ground. The performance of BAUHINIA was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, BAUHINIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, W M Lai stated that he had been instructed to ensure he obtained cover on VITALITY CHAMP in the early stages. He said after having obtained a position on the fence behind JOYFUL YEARS passing the winning post on the first occasion, VITALITY CHAMP commenced to over-race and hung out which obliged him to shift the horse from the fence into a one off position. He said passing the 1200 Metres where the pace of the race slackened, VITALITY CHAMP continued to prove difficult to settle and hang out and for this reason he was not able to remain racing in the one off position behind GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY and shifted out into a three wide position. He said having shifted out into this position without cover, he then allowed VITALITY CHAMP to stride forward passing the 1100 Metres to race outside the lead. JOYFUL YEARS, FRAMES DEPOT and DECENT FELLOW were sent for sampling.