20/10/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

FANTASTISCH began awkwardly. Near the 1600 Metres, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY was steadied away from the heels of FOREST FOUNTAIN. Passing the 1300 Metres, HEALTHY CONTENDER was bumped and taken wider by ICE FIRE which at this time shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FANTASTISCH. Passing the 1200 Metres, ICE FIRE was taken out by FANTASTISCH which at this time shifted away from the rail to race outside GRANDWAY FLYER. This resulted in ICE FIRE being taken out to a position three wide and without cover. ICE FIRE then travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race and in the Straight gave ground. At the entrance to the Straight, T Angland (HEALTHY CONTENDER) momentarily dropped his left rein. Near the 50 Metres, GREAT SHOW was steadied away from the heels of WINNING PAL which shifted out slightly. In the Straight, FOREST FOUNTAIN got its head on the side and lay in. When questioned, Trainer L Ho stated that he instructed Apprentice T H So to ride JOYFUL YEARS from behind tonight as the horse had raced very well at its last run when ridden from behind also from a wide draw. A veterinary inspection of ICE FIRE after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTISCH after the race did not show any significant findings. ROCKET AND GOLD, SOLAR WONDER and WINNING PAL were sent for sampling. <21/10/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> ICE FIRE, 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. ICE FIRE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer T K Ng this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg and stiff in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, ICE FIRE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.