26/10/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

After being loaded, EAGLE SPIRIT reared over after losing its footing. In this incident, EAGLE SPRIT hit its head on the overhead bar of the barrier. EAGLE SPIRIT was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of EAGLE SPIRIT. Before being allowed to race again, EAGLE SPIRIT will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was slow to begin and then was vigorously ridden along to obtain a forward position. FULL SPIRIT was crowded for room at the start between IRON EAGLE which was taken in by GOOD LUCK WIN and EASTERN EMPIRE which was taken out by MOON CHASER. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOOD LUCK WIN got its head up on a number of occasions when proving very difficult to settle. For some distance after this, GOOD LUCK WIN continued to over-race and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of initially JUN HUA and then HEALTHY BLUEBERRY. Then passing the 1100 Metres, GOOD LUCK WIN, which was continuing to over-race, was taken wider by ENABLING which shifted away from the fence. Because of this, GOOD LUCK WIN was left racing wide and without cover and due to the manner in which GOOD LUCK WIN was travelling, the horse was then allowed to stride forward by its rider passing the 1000 Metres. Near the 1300 Metres, EASTERN EMPIRE shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of MOON CHASER. After the 700 Metres, EASTERN EMPIRE was left racing wide and without cover. After the 500 Metres, GOOD LUCK WIN got its head on the side and hung out, resulting in EASTERN EMPIRE and HEALTHY BLUEBERRY being taken wider. Near the 150 Metres, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY shifted in and brushed the hindquarters of FULL SPIRIT, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. After this, FULL SPIRIT, which was commencing to close off the race fairly, was steadied near the 100 Metres when disappointed for running between MOON CHASER and WEALTH PARK (W M Lai) which shifted out. W M Lai was advised to ensure he makes every effort to keep his mounts on a straight course in future. Because of this, FULL SPIRIT was not able to be properly tested over the concluding stages. Approaching the 150 Metres, HO HO LIFE raced in restricted room between WEALTH PARK and MING HOI TREASURE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of IRON EAGLE, D Beadman stated that his mount, due to the tempo of the race, was inclined to race keenly throughout. He said he shifted IRON EAGLE to the outside of runners shortly after entering into the Straight and IRON EAGLE initially responded well to his riding, however, came under pressure near the 150 Metres and finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of IRON EAGLE and FULL SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. FULL SPIRIT, ENABLING and JUN HUA were sent for sampling.