20/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 1

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that TOUT VA BIEN had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. TOUT VA BIEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Also on arrival at the barriers, M Du Plessis expressed concern regarding WINNING AHEAD’s action. A veterinary examination by the Veterinary Officer of WINNING AHEAD revealed that horse to be lame in its left front leg and therefore was not suitable to race. Accordingly WINNING AHEAD was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING AHEAD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD JOB began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped MUTUAL GAIN. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SPICY SHRIMP was steadied away from the heels of NOBLE ZOOM. Passing the 600 Metres, MUTUAL GAIN and NOBLE ZOOM momentarily raced tight inside WHITE DRAGON (Apprentice K W Leung) which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in. GOOD JOB, which was following MUTUAL GAIN, was checked away from the heels of that horse and shifted out, resulting in SPICY SHRIMP being severely checked when crowded out across the hindquarters of ASALI VICTORY. Apprentice Leung was advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in future. DR UNION, which was following SPICY SHRIMP, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence and shifted out, resulting in AIPODER IMAGE being taken wider. Also passing the 600 Metres, COOL RUNNINGS was steadied away from the heels of BEL CANTO after getting its head on the side and laying in. At the entrance to the Straight, ASALI VICTORY was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between WHITE DRAGON and GOOD JOB which shifted out. A veterinary inspection of AIPODER IMAGE and SPICY SHRIMP after the race did not show any significant findings. SPICY SHRIMP, TOUT VA BIEN and GOOD JOB were sent for sampling.