12/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

LEO’S PRIDE was slow to begin. When the gates opened, TRAVEL GUIDE, which was leaning against the inside gate of its stall, began awkwardly and lost ground. For some distance approaching the 1200 Metres, TEAM WORK was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VICTORY STYLE. Passing the 1000 Metres, MASTER GUNNER got its head up and proved difficult to settle when being checked away from the heels of HURRICANE DASH. HURRICANE DASH raced keenly in the middle stages. In the early part of the Straight, VICTORY STYLE was held up for clear running and near the 200 Metres was shifted to the outside of TRAVEL GUIDE after being disappointed for running between that horse and REGENCY KINGDOM. After this, VICTORY STYLE raced in restricted room inside WHATABOB until the concluding stages. Throughout the race, ABSOLUTE HEDGE travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that J Lloyd’s riding of MASTER GUNNER, 6th placegetter, in close proximity to the winning post did not affect the horse’s placing, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of ABSOLUTE HEDGE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LEO’S PRIDE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. VICTORY STYLE, HURRICANE DASH and TRAVEL GUIDE were sent for sampling.