28/09/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

Whilst in the saddling stalls, MAGIC FIGHTER had a left front nail replaced. MAGIC FIGHTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SWEETIE MUSIC began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, RAINBOW SEEKER was taken across behind runners at the start. Despite the efforts of its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, CAGA SPIRIT hung in and away from LUCKY TOGETHER at the 1100 Metres, resulting in SAMMY’S FALCON being checked when tightened onto the hindquarters of OYSTER which was also hampered. PAR EXCELLENCE, which was racing to the inside of OYSTER, was also hampered in this incident. After this, PAR EXCELLENCE then got its head up when being steadied to allow LUCKY TOGETHER to cross. When momentarily tightened for room inside PAR EXCELLENCE on the Home Turn, MAGIC FIGHTER made contact with the running rail and became unbalanced. LUCKY BOY and NATURAL FLAME raced wide and without cover throughout the event. Z Purton reported that after bumping with LUCKY BOY near the 500 Metres, NATURAL FLAME lost its action and refused to stretch out. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL FLAME and CAGA SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OYSTER after the race showed the horse to have a swollen left stifle. CAGA SPIRIT, SAMMY’S FALCON and LUCKY TOGETHER were sent for sampling.