14/05/2014  Happy Valley  Race 2

SWEET BEAN began only fairly and was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. When being steadied passing the 1100 Metres, GENTILIS got its head up on a number of occasions and initially proved difficult to settle. Near the 850 Metres, GENTILIS, which was continuing to prove difficult to settle, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of RED COURAGE which shifted in. In the Straight, ELECTRONIC GOSPEL hung in and approaching the 250 Metres was checked away from the heels of NIGHTLIGN. After this, ELECTRONIC GOSPEL continued to hang in under pressure. When questioned, T H So (NIGHTLIGN) stated that he had been asked to obtain a position behind the leaders if possible. He said in the early stages he intended to position NIGHTLIGN behind GENTILIS, however, after the 1100 Metres that horse was steadied by its rider and because of this he was not able to shift NIGHTLIGN in behind GENTILIS before PERI PERI SAFFRON was able to improve its position to his inside. He added that this resulted in NIGHTLIGN being left racing three wide and without cover after the 900 Metres. Mr A Lee, the trainer of NIGHTLIGN, stated that the horse had been racing well of late when ridden behind the speed and he was concerned that if NIGHTLIGN had to be ridden along from barrier 10 to obtain the lead, it would not be able to finish off the race. He said as he anticipated there were a number of runners in the race which were able to take up forward positions, he felt that it was in the best interests of NIGHTLIGN to obtain a position behind the speed which was in keeping with its recent races. He added that it would not be his intention in the future for NIGHTLIGN to be ridden along to obtain the lead and that the horse would only lead without having to be made use of. HAYHAY and GENTILIS were sent for sampling. <15/5/2014 Additional Veterinary Reports>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that PERI PERI SAFFRON was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, PERI PERI SAFFRON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.