30/11/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, AMEDEO, which made contact with the rail on proceeding to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. Also on arrival at the Start, D Beadman reported that ELITE SIXTY-SIX had coughed on a number of occasions when proceeding to the barriers. A veterinary examination of ELITE SIXTY-SIX revealed no significant abnormalities and after the necessary consultations was passed suitable to race. WITHINMYHEART and HORSE GALORE bumped at the start. PROLIFIC CHAMPION was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SUPER BOY which shifted in. When being taken across behind runners shortly after the start, ELITE SIXTY-SIX shifted out, resulting in VITAL FLYER being crowded for room inside HAPPY REUNION. Passing the 200 Metres, WITHINMYHEART was steadied away from the heels of EL ZONDA which was taken out by HAPPY REUNION. In the Straight, HAPPY REUNION got its head on the side and hung in. O Doleuze (ROMANTIC CITY) was warned for raising his whip arm above shoulder height in the early part of the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLYING COLOURS, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that after being slow to begin, he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, FLYING COLOURS did not show any early speed. He said although his saddle slipped back marginally in the early stages, this did not have any significant bearing on his ability to ride the horse out. He said he continually rode FLYING COLOURS along in the early and middle stages to make up ground, however, FLYING COLOURS took some time to gather momentum. He added that prior to the Home Turn FLYING COLOURS appeared to travel better, however, when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of FLYING COLOURS after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ELITE SIXTY-SIX and AMEDEO after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HORSE GALORE had lost its left front plate. HORSE GALORE and AT MOMENT IN TIME were sent for sampling.