12/10/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

FORTUNE WINNER was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of HEALTHY BLUEBERRY which shifted out. After the 200 Metres, FULL SPIRIT and FORTUNE WINNER raced tight as FULL SPIRIT attempted to shift to the outside of OWNERS’ GLORY into clear running. Then near the 50 Metres, FULL SPIRIT was momentarily steadied and shifted to the inside of OWNERS’ GLORY when unable to obtain clear running between OWNERS’ GLORY and FORTUNE WINNER. Near the 100 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART was shifted in away from the heels of HO WONGCHOY which shifted in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HO HO LIFE, D Whyte stated that passing the winning post on the first occasion he was able to obtain a position one horse off the fence behind FORTUNE WINNER. He said that near the 1300 Metres the tempo of the race slackened and HO HO LIFE improved close to the heels of FORTUNE WINNER. He said when this happened, HO HO LIFE got its head on the side and shifted out slightly which allowed VICTORY MASCOT the opportunity to improve its position to the inside of HO HO LIFE. He said this resulted in HO HO LIFE being obliged to race three wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. He said that although HO HO LIFE was not able to obtain cover, the horse relaxed in the middle stages. He added that after the 500 Metres HO HO LIFE came off the bridle and he was not able to improve its position to prevent VICTORY MASCOT shifting out on his inside. He said after this HO HO LIFE did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of HO HO LIFE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of NORDIC STAR after the race revealed that the horse had sustained a mild abrasion to the left front heel. OWNERS’ GLORY and FORTUNE WINNER were sent for sampling.