11/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 2

TRAVEL LEADER began awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with VITALITY CHAMP. As a result of this contact, TRAVEL LEADER blundered and lost ground. Shortly after the start, COVER BOY was checked when crowded for room between GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider and GREAT SHOW which was taken out slightly by VITALITY CHAMP which shifted out after being bumped by TRAVEL LEADER. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, ROCKET AND GOLD got its head up when being checked away from the heels of DECENT FELLOW, then shifted in and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of COVER BOY which as a result became unbalanced, shifted out and was checked away from the heels of DECENT FELLOW. Then passing the 1400 Metres, COVER BOY, which was reluctant to hold its position, again got its head on the side, shifted out and was checked away from the heels of DECENT FELLOW. Apprentice M L Yeung (BAUHINIA) was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in approaching the winning post on the first occasion when not clear of GREAT SHOW, resulting in that horse being restrained away from the heels of BAUHINIA for some distance. Passing the 800 Metres, ROCKET AND GOLD got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. At the same time, DECENT FELLOW was steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY and shifted out. Near the 500 Metres, COVER BOY raced in restricted room inside ROCKET AND GOLD. Over the concluding stages, COVER BOY was checked away from the heels of BAUHINIA which was giving ground. Throughout the race, ODE TO JOY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL LEADER after the race did not show any significant findings. ROCKET AND GOLD and RAIN OF THUNDER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that COVER BOY had sustained a cut wound to the outside of the left front cannon.