14/10/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

LIVERBIRD, which was fractious in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer both in the Parade Ring and behind the Start and was found to be suitable to race. BREAKING POINT, which bounded in the air at the start, and OASIS DAVIS was severely checked shortly after the start when crowded for room between PERFECT MATCH which shifted out and LUCKY MONEY (O Doleuze) which shifted in when being ridden along. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure he makes every effort to keep his mounts in a straight course. From the outside barrier, GRAND GENERAL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post the first time, MASTER DREAMER was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE DRAGON which shifted in when barely clear. A short distance later, MASTER DREAMER improved to be racing inside the heels of FORTUNE DRAGON which as a result was obliged to race three wide and without cover for a short distance. Near the 1000 Metres, BREAKING POINT proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of PERFECT MATCH for some distance. When questioned, Mr A Lee, trainer of FORTUNE DRAGON, stated that the horse had been slow to begin at its two runs this season and consequently raced further back in the field than had been hoped. He said since its most recent run, he has subjected FORTUNE DRAGON to barrier practice in order to have the horse begin in its races. He stated tonight he instructed Apprentice M L Yeung, the rider of the horse, to attempt to obtain a forward position if possible, assuming that FORTUNE DRAGON was able to begin better than it had at its two runs this season. When questioned regarding the performance of GOLD CITY, J Winks stated that the horse never travelled at any stage of the race and in the Straight gave him the impression that the horse may have bled. The performance of GOLD CITY was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, GOLD CITY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRAND GENERAL, a last start winner, G Cheyne stated that from the outside barrier it had been decided to ride the horse from the rear rather than be caught wide. He stated that GRAND GENERAL travelled satisfactorily until the 900 Metres at which time it was bumped by BREAKING POINT. He said after this GRAND GENERAL came off the bit and despite his riding the horse along, it did not travel for the remainder of the race as it did at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of BREAKING POINT, GOLD CITY and GRAND GENERAL after the race did not show any significant findings. BEST NOODLE and SOMETHING SPECIAL were sent for sampling. <15/10/2009 Additional Veterinary Report> GOLD CITY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. GOLD CITY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, GOLD CITY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.