24/11/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

BUCCANEER was slow to begin. CHEER was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of LONGWAH RISING which shifted in after bumping CARS KING PRAWN. After this, CHEER was taken across behind runners. JUGGERNAUT began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, MOON CHASER and HOLD HANDS raced in restricted room between VIVA GUY and VIVA FIGHTER which shifted out. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MOON CHASER, HOLD HANDS and VIVA GUY were crowded for room inside AMBITIOUS DRAGON which at this time got its head on the side and hung in away from JUGGERNAUT despite the efforts of its rider. A short distance later, MOON CHASER and HOLD HANDS were steadied when crowded for room inside VIVA GUY which at this time was taken in further by AMBITIOUS DRAGON which was steadied away from the heels of JUGGERNAUT which itself was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LONGWAH RISING. Throughout the race, AMBITIOUS DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. CARS KING PRAWN also travelled wide and without cover until after passing the 800 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, BUCCANEER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VIVA FIGHTER and then near the 250 Metres was again steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between CHEER and VIVA FIGHTER which shifted out. Passing the 200 Metres, CHEER was steadied and directed to the inside of the heels of VIVA GUY when disappointed for running between that horse and CARS KING PRAWN. A veterinary inspection of LONGWAH RISING after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of LONGWAH RISING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LONGWAH RISING 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 HAPPY SEVEN after the race did not show any significant findings. HOLIDAY SUN and CHEER were sent for sampling.