16/03/2011  Happy Valley  Race 1

VINSANTO, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly. RAISING SUN began awkwardly. KING CREOLE was steadied on jumping when crowded for room between NEWSWIRE TOO and WHITE DRAGON, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, BLESS US ALL was checked when crowded for room between MAGIC KING which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by BLESS US ALL and SEIZE THE DAY which shifted out. Near the 800 Metres, RAISING SUN was steadied away from the heels of SEIZE THE DAY. Near the 650 Metres and again after the 600 Metres, VINSANTO was momentarily crowded for room inside WHITE DRAGON. Near the 550 Metres, BLESS US ALL raced tight inside SEIZE THE DAY. Near the 200 Metres and again near the 100 Metres, KING CREOLE was steadied when disappointed for running between WHITE DRAGON and VINSANTO. Close to the finishing line, TRANSCENDENCE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BLESS US ALL. For the majority of the race, HAPPY WIN travelled wide and without cover. Throughout the race, WHITE DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that passing the 200 Metres as he was gathering up the reins on SEIZE THE DAY prior to him drawing the whip on the horse, SEIZE THE DAY and BLESS US ALL brushed which resulted in SEIZE THE DAY becoming unbalanced. He said he then rebalanced SEIZE THE DAY and as he was of the opinion that the horse was giving of its best, he elected not to pull the whip on the horse but rather ride it out vigorously hands and heels to the finishing line. When questioned, M W Leung stated that throughout the race RAISING SUN was constantly unbalanced in its action and failed to stretch out at any stage. A veterinary inspection of RAISING SUN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of RAISING SUN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RAISING SUN 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 WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NEWSWIRE TOO had lost its left front plate. METRO RIDER, THINK BIG and MAGIC KING were sent for sampling.