18/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

FLYING GALLOP was withdrawn on 17.11.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter VALUE CHOICE (D Whyte). Before being allowed to race again, FLYING GALLOP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From the outside barrier, NATIONAL GLORY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after entering the Straight, NORTH HILL was steadied away from the heels of RAINBOW SEEKER when being shifted to the outside of that horse into clear running. Throughout the race, RAINBOW SEEKER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding on VAUGIRARD in the Straight, W Pike stated that at the entrance to the Straight he positioned his mount to make a run between NORTH HILL and VALUE CHOICE. He said shortly after entering the Straight he was obliged to steady and shift VAUGIRARD to the inside of NORTH HILL when disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out and VALUE CHOICE. He said after shifting ground, he immediately commenced to ride his mount out vigorously hands and heels and passing the 150 Metres used the whip on the horse. He said, as he was of the opinion that VAUGIRARD was giving of its best, he discontinued using the whip on the horse and recommenced riding it out vigorously hands and heels. He said inside the 100 Metres he was obliged to direct his mount to the inside of MASTER GUNNER as the run that he was intending to take between that horse and TRULLI was closing. He said VAUGIRARD closed off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of VALUE CHOICE after the race did not show any significant findings. NUGGET WARRIOR and TRUE INTELLIGENCE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NATIONAL GLORY had bled from both nostrils.