30/05/2012  Happy Valley  Race 8

CHARLES THE GREAT began awkwardly. Making the first turn after the 1100 Metres, FLYING SMART shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of CHARLES THE GREAT which became unbalanced. Approaching the 1000 Metres, TALLEY CLOSE was steadied away from the heels of LEGENDARY DRAGON (M Du Plessis) which shifted in when not properly clear. M Du Plessis was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. In the early stages, TOUCH GO was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1000 Metres was allowed to improve its position. Approaching the 200 Metres, WINDICATOR POWER was steadied when improving into a tight run between CHARITY SPIRIT and GOOD WORDS, both of which shifted ground. When GOOD WORDS was shifted back in to relieve the tightening to WINDICATOR POWER, FLYING SMART was momentarily inconvenienced. After the 150 Metres, TOUCH GO got its head on the side and lay in, resulting in GOOD WORDS being inconvenienced. Close to the finishing line, WINDICATOR POWER got its head on the side and shifted in towards GOOD WORDS, resulting in its rider, B Prebble, correcting his mount. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TALLEY CLOSE had lost its right hind plate. A veterinary inspection of GOOD WORDS and TOUCH GO after the race did not show any significant findings. CHARLES THE GREAT, LEGENDARY DRAGON and TALLEY CLOSE were sent for sampling.