07/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

As the start was effected, JUGGERNAUT lifted its front feet off the ground and as a consequence was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, ABLE DRAGON was crowded for room between STRIKING MASCOT which shifted in slightly and THE WITCH’S BROOM which was taken out by HAPPY AMBASSADOR which shifted out after being bumped by STRAWBERRY. Also shortly after the start, STRAWBERRY lost its left hind plate. For some distance passing the 1300 Metres, SAFETY FIRST and HAPPY AMBASSADOR raced tight inside STRIKING MASCOT which itself was awkwardly placed inside HANNAH KING PRAWN. Then near the 1200 Metres, HAPPY AMBASSADOR was steadied away from the heels of STRIKING MASCOT. Passing the 1000 Metres, SAFETY FIRST commenced to give ground and was eased down. A veterinary inspection of SAFETY FIRST after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. This is the second occasion on which SAFETY FIRST has been reported to have suffered an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, SAFETY FIRST will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 800 Metres, ABLE DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY AMBASSADOR. Passing the 600 Metres, LHOJONG shifted in and bumped HAPPY AMBASSADOR. Near the 200 Metres, STRIKING MASCOT was steadied and shifted to the inside of ISTIDE when disappointed for running between that horse and JUGGERNAUT. Passing the 100 Metres, STRAWBERRY was steadied away from the heels of EASY AHEAD which shifted out slightly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY AMBASSADOR, H W Lai stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily until the 600 Metres at which point it received a bump and became unbalanced. He said after this HAPPY AMBASSADOR did not travel as he thought it should and was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of STRIKING MASCOT, W M Lai stated that he was obliged to make considerable use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a position forward of midfield. He said STRIKING MASCOT was left racing wide and for this reason he was obliged to make further use of STRIKING MASCOT in order to obtain a position closer to the fence. He said because of the circumstances STRIKING MASCOT was not able to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ABLE DRAGON, D Whyte stated that the horse travelled well throughout the race until near the 500 Metres at which time he was obliged to ride it along in order to have it travel. He said when placed under pressure, ABLE DRAGON did not respond as it did at its last start when it was successful and, in his opinion, tonight raced “flat”. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY AMBASSADOR and STRIKING MASCOT after the race did not show any significant findings. ABLE DRAGON, HANNAH KING PRAWN and EASY AHEAD were sent for sampling.