23/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the barriers, HIGH POINT had its left front plate refitted. HIGH POINT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Prior to the gates being released, NORMAN INVADER lunged at the front gates. TUSCAN SPIRIT blundered at the start, shifted in and bumped TAI SING YEH. SWEET SANETTE began awkwardly. Near the 700 Metres, KILDARE was checked away from the heels of TAI SING YEH. Near the 500 Metres, SUNNY KING became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by VITAL FLYER which shifted out. At the entrance to the Straight, TUSCAN SPIRIT and NORMAN INVADER bumped as NORMAN INVADER shifted to the outside of OUR LUCKY BABY into clear running Passing the 250 Metres, PERFECT STYLE was checked when disappointed for running between SWEET SANETTE and BRILLIANT CHAPTER which was giving ground. Passing the 200 Metres, KILDARE was hampered when disappointed for running between TUSCAN SPIRIT and NIGHTLIGN, both of which shifted slight ground. Throughout the race, VITAL FLYER got its head on the side and hung out. In the Straight, VITAL FLYER continued to hang out and because of this could not be ridden out properly. The racing manners of VITAL FLYER were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VITAL FLYER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. Throughout the race, NIGHTLIGN and BRILLIANT CHAPTER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of OUR LUCKY BABY, Apprentice T H So stated that he was able to lead the race without having to make use of the horse to do so. He added however the horse did not travel throughout the race as it did when he had ridden it previously. He said OUR LUCKY BABY came under pressure prior to the Home Turn and in the Straight gave ground quickly. A veterinary inspection of OUR LUCKY BABY and BRILLIANT CHAPTER after the race did not show any significant findings. TAI SING YEH and HIGH POINT were sent for sampling.