26/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 1

WINNING STRATEGY and EVER KING were slow to begin. COVER BOY began awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPEEDY TYCOON. BULB TREASURE began awkwardly. Near the 1300 Metres, COVER BOY was checked when momentarily tightened for room inside WINNING STRATEGY which in turn was taken in by JOYFUL YEARS (Apprentice T H So) which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Apprentice So was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. A short distance later, WINNING STRATEGY was checked when, after being awkwardly placed inside the heels of COVER BOY, received further crowding due to BINGO KEY shifting out when being steadied away from the heels of POLYGOLD. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, EVER KING was taken wider by COVER BOY which at this time got its head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of WINNING STRATEGY. CLOVIS travelled wide and without cover until near the 800 Metres and in the Straight gave ground. Passing the 400 Metres, SPEEDY TYCOON, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of POLYGOLD which shifted out to improve. Passing the 200 Metres, BINGO KEY was awkwardly placed between BULB TREASURE and STAR OF CHIU TON. When questioned, M Chadwick was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of STAR OF CHIU TON. He said even though the tempo of the race was a bit faster between the 1200 Metres and the 800 Metres than he would have preferred, the horse travelled satisfactorily until the Home Turn at which time it came under pressure. He said after this STAR OF CHIU TON was disappointing in its failure to finish off its race. He added he had ridden the horse in an official barrier trial since its last start success and, in his opinion, this barrier trial was satisfactory. A veterinary inspection of CLOVIS and STAR OF CHIU TON after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of POLYGOLD after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, POLYGOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. POLYGOLD, JOYFUL YEARS and COVER BOY were sent for sampling.