22/04/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

HANDSOME TARGET was slow to begin. On jumping, NEW CHAPTER was taken back from a wide barrier. Making the Home Turn, MASTER ELITE was hampered and carried wider by ABLE DRAGON which in turn was carried out by NORDIC STAR. Over the final 50 Metres, NEW CHAPTER and MASTER ELITE raced tight and on two occasions bumped. Apprentice M Chadwick (ABLE DRAGON) explained after the 1200 Metres as his mount was travelling comfortably he elected not to allow it to improve onto the back of HOLIDAY SUN. He said as a consequence of this CHAMPION LAD which had been racing in a three wide position was able to shift in to the two wide line in front of him. Apprentice Chadwick was told where circumstances permit he should ensure he maintains a favourable position. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CHAMPION LAD, W C Marwing said it was intended to ride the horse in a forward position. He said CHAMPION LAD was beaten for early speed and as a consequence travelled in a three wide position in the early stages. He said near the 1100 Metres he was able to shift to a position with cover and CHAMPION LAD then travelled fairly on the bridle. He said CHAMPION LAD was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off and he was not able to offer an explanation for the horse’s performance. CHAMPION LAD was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION LAD after the race did not show any significant findings. NORDIC STAR, DUMBARTON ROCK and SPEEDY STAR were sent for sampling.