01/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

NOBLE DE BEST was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (urticaria). Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE BEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BUMPER STRIKE was slow to begin. GILDED FLIGHT was crowded for room at the start between SNITZEL KID and JUGGERNAUT, both of which shifted ground. CHARMGOLD travelled wide and without cover until near the 600 Metres. Near the 500 Metres, EL GRANDE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BUMPER STRIKE. Near the 100 Metres, EL GRANDE and GILDED FLIGHT bumped on a number of occasions as EL GRANDE established running between GILDED FLIGHT and SNITZEL KID. Over the concluding stages, EL GRAND, which hung in in the Straight, got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in GILDED FLIGHT being awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOLLY WONGCHOY. Over the concluding stages, N Callan (SNITZEL KID) dropped his left rein. When questioned, M Chadwick (REAL DRAGON) stated that he was able to obtain a position behind SNITZEL KID one horse off the fence after the 1100 Metres. He said approaching the 1000 Metres the pace of the race slackened and REAL DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SNITZEL KID. He said making the turn at the 1000 Metres REAL DRAGON got its head on the side and lay out which it had done previously in both its races and in track work. He said this resulted in REAL DRAGON shifting out away from the heels of SNITZEL KID. He said as this was happening CHARMGOLD improved its position to be racing outside of REAL DRAGON which caused REAL DRAGON to race keenly. He said because of this he was not able to immediately shift REAL DRAGON back behind SNITZEL KID as REAL DRAGON had improved its position to be racing to the outside of the heels of that horse. He said after the 900 Metres he attempted to shift REAL DRAGON back behind SNITZEL KID, however, BUMPER STRIKE improved its position to be racing to the inside of REAL DRAGON and for this reason he was not able to shift in. He added because of this REAL DRAGON was then required to race wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. M Chadwick was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must at all times make every effort to continue to avail himself of advantageous positions and he must ride his mounts in a competitive manner wherever circumstances permit. GILDED FLIGHT, SNITZEL KID and BUMPER STRIKE were sent for sampling.