23/03/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

BEAUTY FLAME was withdrawn on 22.3.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY FLAME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst parading, FAT CHOY HONG KONG bumped a rail. On arrival at the Start, FAT CHOY HONG KONG was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TOP ACT began awkwardly and then was crowded for room shortly after the start between FAT CHOY HONG KONG which initially shifted out and FLAME HERO which shifted in after being brushed by HELENE HAPPY STAR. PACKING LLAREGYB was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. From the outside barrier, GOT FLY was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When being steadied to obtain cover, HELENE HAPPY STAR proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions approaching the winning post on the first occasion. After being ridden along in the early stages, HELENE SUPER STAR failed to muster speed and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After the 800 Metres, HORSE OF FORTUNE and ROMANTIC TOUCH raced tight as HORSE OF FORTUNE attempted to shift out away from the rail and ROMANTIC TOUCH held its line. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, TOP ACT and FLAME HERO raced tight. Near the 250 Metres, PACKING LLAREGYB was momentarily crowded for room inside TOP ACT which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. Passing the 150 Metres, GOT FLY was inconvenienced by ROMANTIC TOUCH which shifted out under pressure. Throughout the race, KHAYA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HELENE HAPPY STAR, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley tonight, J Moreira said that after proving somewhat difficult to settle in the early stages, HELENE HAPPY STAR came off the bridle as far out as the 1000 Metres. He said after this HELENE HAPPY STAR did not travel comfortably and he was obliged to niggle at the horse throughout the middle stages in an endeavour to have it maintain its position. He added HELENE HAPPY STAR did not improve its position after being placed under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and then was disappointing in its failure to run on in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HELENE HAPPY STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HELENE HAPPY STAR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HELENE HAPPY STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ROMANTIC TOUCH and TOP ACT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HELENE HAPPY STAR, HORSE OF FORTUNE and GOT FLY were sent for sampling.