10/06/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

When the gates opened, SIR LAGO stood flat-footed and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, SIR LAGO will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. On jumping, EVER KING, which was being taken back, shifted out and bumped with FORTUNE WARRIOR which began awkwardly, got its head up and shifted in. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, STRIKING MASCOT was steadied away from the heels of DR WELL. Approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres, STAR OF CHIU TON got its head on the side when being steadied away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON. Approaching and making the Home Turn, MASTER DREAMER and EVERGREEN were carried back by DR WELL which commenced to give ground. Shortly after straightening, DR WELL, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of RAIN OF THUNDER which shifted in while hanging. After this, RAIN OF THUNDER continued to hang in for the remainder of the race, placing its rider at a disadvantage, then just prior to the winning post was checked away from the heels of STRIKING MASCOT. At the 250 Metres, FORTUNE WARRIOR was steadied away from the heels of EVER KING. At the 100 Metres, SWEET BABY was hampered and carried wider by SIR LAGO which when improving into a run on the outside of EVERGREEN was carried wider by that horse. Throughout the race, EYE WITNESS travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice M L Yeung (DR WELL), which performed poorly, reported following the race that his mount raced “flat”. FORTUNE WARRIOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE WARRIOR after the race did not show any significant findings. RAIN OF THUNDER, MASTER DREAMER and STRIKING MASCOT were sent for sampling.