01/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

FINGERS CROSSED was withdrawn on 31.10.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter EASY (C K Tong). Before being allowed to race again, FINGERS CROSSED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded, RAINBOW SEEKER broke open the front gates of its stall and then galloped a short distance before being restrained. RAINBOW SEEKER returned to the Start and was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. When questioned regarding his riding of RAINBOW SEEKER, M W Leung stated that he was instructed to allow his mount to settle towards the rear of the field and to find the fence if possible. He said that he was instructed to ensure RAINBOW SEEKER settled in the early stages as it had been explained to him that the horse had proved difficult to settle on previous occasions. He said in the early stages his saddle shifted back on RAINBOW SEEKER which caused him some inconvenience throughout the race. He said in the Straight RAINBOW SEEKER hung in and due to his saddle shifting back, he was not able to properly test the horse. Trainer S Woods stated that he confirmed the instructions issued to M W Leung and said he stressed that the horse was to be settled in the race as it had previously proved difficult to settle and had consequently not closed the races off to his satisfaction. He said he therefore instructed M W Leung to ride RAINBOW SEEKER quietly in the early stages and attempt to find the fence in order to save ground throughout the race. M W Leung was advised, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have made an effort to maintain his position to be racing to the outside of FLYING GALLOP in the early stages rather than restraining his horse which resulted in RAINBOW SEEKER getting out of its ground. Before being allowed to race again, RAINBOW SEEKER will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. NORTH HILL was slow to begin. In the early and middle stages, KEEN SOUL proved difficult to settle. Also in the middle stages, FINN MACCOOL proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of EASY approaching the 600 Metres. Shortly after entering the Straight, FLYING GALLOP was shifted to the inside of SUNSHINE BOY when disappointed for running to that horse’s outside. Over the final 150 Metres, FLYING GALLOP was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. Near the 100 Metres, COUNTRY MAGIC raced tight between SUPER CHARGE and NORTH HILL which shifted out to improve its position to the outside of FINN MACCOOL. Passing the 100 Metres, ACHILLES OF TROY was steadied away from the heels of FINN MACCOOL which shifted in under pressure. Throughout the race, SUPER CHARGE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of FLYING GALLOP and SUPER CHARGE after the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING GALLOP, STAR OF FAME and EASY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KEEN SOUL had lost its left front plate. <2/11/2009 Additional Veterinary Report> SUPER CHARGE, which gave ground in the Straight after travelling wide and without cover throughout, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison who said at that time there were no significant findings. SUPER CHARGE was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg and have back pain. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER CHARGE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.