20/01/2010  Happy Valley  Race 7

HOLIDAY SUN was withdrawn on 19.1.10 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ABLE DRAGON (D Beadman). YUE LU TREASURE and VILASOL bumped heavily at the start. Approaching the 1300 Metres, MINGS’ HERO was momentarily crowded for room inside VILASOL which shifted in slightly. Near the 1100 Metres, MINGS’ HERO got its head up when proving difficult to settle. Shortly after entering the Straight, REAL SPECIAL and NEW CHAPTER bumped as REAL SPECIAL shifted out. Passing the 200 Metres, HORACE’S LEGEND, which was closing off the race, was steadied when tightened for room between REAL SPECIAL and VANQUISH DELIGHT which, when giving ground, shifted out and away from YUE LU TREASURE. A short distance later, VANQUISH DELIGHT, which was continuing to give ground, was steadied and HORACE’S LEGEND checked when crowded for room between REAL SPECIAL and YUE LU TREASURE which, after initially being taken out by MINGS’ HERO, then shifted out of its own accord. ABLE DRAGON, which was following, was checked and shifted out as a consequence. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EASY AHEAD, Apprentice T H So said that the horse travelled satisfactorily in the early stages, however, when VANQUISH DELIGHT improved to his outside near the 1000 Metres, he was obliged to allow EASY AHEAD to stride forward to ensure that he maintained his position inside that horse. He said, in his opinion, EASY AHEAD, which was attempting the 1800 Metres tonight for the first time, did not run out the distance and was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of EASY AHEAD after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of VANQUISH DELIGHT, B Prebble stated that after it began awkwardly from the outside barrier, he was required to make some use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said after having to be ridden along to obtain a forward position, VANQUISH DELIGHT, once racing outside of the leader, EASY AHEAD, proved somewhat difficult to settle. He did say that although VANQUISH DELIGHT over-raced, the horse was disappointing in that it weakened badly in the Straight. Trainer C Fownes stated that VANQUISH DELIGHT had pleased him since its last start success on 16 December 2009 and a forward showing was anticipated tonight. He said he was disappointed with the manner in which VANQUISH DELIGHT failed to close off the race tonight and it is now his intention to give the horse a let-up. A veterinary inspection of VANQUISH DELIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. Mr Fownes was advised the performance of VANQUISH DELIGHT, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, VANQUISH DELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VANQUISH DELIGHT, STRAWBERRY and YUE LU TREASURE were sent for sampling.