21/04/2010  Happy Valley  Race 1

THUNDER FLASH was withdrawn on 20.4.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WIN PET. SURE GOOD was also withdrawn on 20.4.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right fore foot nail puncture wounds). Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER FLASH and SURE GOOD will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, PROSPEROUS, from a wide draw, was taken across behind runners. Also shortly after the start, GRANDWAY FLYER was steadied when crowded for room between RAINBOW SEEKER and SOLAR BOY which shifted out slightly. In the early stages, SHY BALDY was ridden aggressively to take up a forward position, however, was not able to cross runners to its inside and consequently raced three wide and without cover throughout. Near the 550 Metres, CLASSIC NAVIGATOR was momentarily crowded for room inside WIN PET which shifted in slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHY BALDY. Approaching the 400 Metres, PROSPEROUS was checked away from the heels of FAIR NAVIGATOR. Near the 150 Metres, PROSPEROUS was steadied away from the heels of SOLAR BOY and shifted out to continue improving. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WIN PET, O Doleuze stated that his mount travelled well throughout the run. He said making the Home Turn WIN PET was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHY BALDY, however, when shifted out into clear running WIN PET was disappointing in its failure to close off its race. A veterinary inspection of WIN PET after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that it had been intended to ride FAIR NAVIGATOR on the pace tonight, however, the horse, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin and then was crowded for room between SHY BALDY and CLASSIC NAVIGATOR which shifted in. He said for this reason FAIR NAVIGATOR travelled further back in the field than had been expected. He said FAIR NAVIGATOR then travelled only fairly throughout the race and when placed under pressure in the Straight did not quicken. He added whilst FAIR NAVIGATOR was disappointing tonight, the fact that the horse was obliged to race back in the field was, in his opinion, the principal reason for its performance. A veterinary inspection of FAIR NAVIGATOR after the race did not show any significant findings. FAIR NAVIGATOR, WINDICATOR RETURNS and RAINBOW SEEKER were sent for sampling. <22/4/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> WIN PET, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. WIN PET was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer T W Leung this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WIN PET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.