31/10/2010  Happy Valley  Race 2

HUMONGUS began awkwardly. MASTER DRAGON and IMAGINATION bumped at the start. When being taken across behind runners shortly after the start, VINSANTO got its head up and proved very difficult to settle. Near the 1500 Metres, IMAGINATION was steadied when crowded for room between MASTER DRAGON and GREAT UNITY which, after being ridden along to maintain a position inside NICKU (Apprentice M L Yeung), was taken in slightly by that horse. Apprentice Yeung was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, he should ensure that in future he is sufficiently clear prior to shifting ground. Near the 1300 Metres, MASTER DRAGON got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GREAT UNITY which at this time was steadied away from the heels of NICKU. In the early part of the Straight, IMAGINATION was held up for clear running behind MASTER TOWER and MASTER DRAGON. In the Straight, VINSANTO was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 150 Metres. After this, VINSANTO raced in restricted room behind HUMONGUS and inside SAMMY’S FORTUNE and then over the concluding stages was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HUMONGUS. For this reason, VINSANTO was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. For the majority of the race, MARS EXPRESS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MASTER TOWER, Apprentice T H So said that the horse commenced to lay in after entering the Back Straight. He said that passing the 700 Metres MASTER TOWER came off the bridle and he was obliged to ride the horse along to have it maintain its position. He said that MASTER TOWER then commenced to hang in badly and continued to do so for the remainder of the race. He added that in the Straight MASTER TOWER gave ground abruptly. A veterinary inspection of MASTER TOWER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MASTER TOWER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER TOWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY AMICI after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GREAT UNITY after the race revealed that the horse had sustained a mild abrasion to its right hock. NICKU and MASTER DRAGON were sent for sampling. <1/11/2010 Additional Veterinary Report >GREAT UNITY was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse had sustained a mild abrasion to its right hock. GREAT UNITY was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer D Cruz 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, GREAT UNITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.