21/05/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

Prior to leaving the holding stables, ELITE FORTUNE had its right hind plate refitted. ELITE FORTUNE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. ELITE FORTUNE was slow to begin. On jumping, GREAT HEART was bumped by HOLD HANDS which shifted ground after being bumped by WARM EMBRACES which began awkwardly and shifted in. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, BUTTERFIELD was steadied when awkwardly placed between REWARDING STAR which shifted in slightly and CHATER SILK which when proving difficult to settle got its head on the side and shifted out slightly. ELITE FORTUNE was steadied in consequence. Approaching the 1300 Metres, REWARDING STAR became unbalanced when brushed by HOLD HANDS. After the 1000 Metres, MEDIC FORTUNE got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FAT DRAGON. After entering the Back Straight, MEDIC FORTUNE was hampered and carried wider by CHATER SILK which in the middle stages of the race was proving very difficult to settle and shifted wider. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, MEDIC FORTUNE became unbalanced after being brushed by CHATER SILK. Over about the final 150 Metres, ELITE FORTUNE had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 100 Metres, FLYING IN was steadied away from the heels of WHATABOB. When questioned, D Beadman (REWARDING STAR) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount where it was comfortable which he anticipated would be slightly forward of midfield. He said REWARDING STAR began fairly, however, it soon became apparent to him that a number of runners to his inside would be ridden along to go forward. He said because of this near the 1500 Metres he elected to steady his mount to ensure it obtained a position with cover. He said accordingly he obtained a position in about midfield, however, near the 1300 Metres REWARDING STAR became unbalanced and lost ground when momentarily crowded for room inside HOLD HANDS. He said as a consequence REWARDING STAR travelled further back than he had anticipated. He said he allowed REWARDING STAR to remain in this position as it was travelling comfortably. He said making the Home Turn it appeared to him CHATER SILK was commencing to gave ground and he therefore elected to improve his position inside that horse rather than shift to the outside. He said shortly after straightening when HOLD HANDS improved its position, he shifted back towards the inside where there appeared to be clear running. He said as he did this, BUTTERFIELD which had been racing to his inside quickened and was able to beat REWARDING STAR to the run which was available. He said as a consequence of this REWARDING STAR then had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance, however, in the run to the line failed to close the race off. D Beadman was told where circumstances permit he should do his utmost to ensure his mounts are positioned in such a manner that affords them unimpeded running rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight. Apprentice K C Leung (MEDIC FORTUNE) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in a midfield position. He said after passing the 1200 Metres MEDIC FORTUNE was relaxed in a midfield position and therefore he did not improve his position to prevent FAT DRAGON shifting in front of him. He said after entering the Back Straight as a result of being hampered by CHATER SILK, MEDIC FORTUNE was then obliged to cover additional ground. CHATER SILK and MEDIC FORTUNE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, CHATER SILK was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CHATER SILK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MEDIC FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. BUTTERFIELD and WHATABOB were sent for sampling.