21/09/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

APACHE SPIRIT was withdrawn on 20.9.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PEARL WARM WARM (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, APACHE SPIRIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that BLAZE STAMINA had blood at its mouth. BLAZE STAMINA was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. BLAZE STAMINA began awkwardly. In the early stages, COURAGEOUS BROTHER was steadied and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 800 Metres, BLAZE STAMINA and GREAT CHARM raced tight as BLAZE STAMINA shifted away from the rail. Passing the 800 Metres, HAPPY BAO BEI got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOP BONUS. BLAZE STAMINA, which was following HAPPY BAO BEI, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence and then near the 700 Metres struck the heels of HAPPY BAO BEI and blundered badly. PEARL WARM WARM, which was following, was severely checked away from the heels of BLAZE STAMINA in consequence. COURAGEOUS BROTHER, which was following PEARL WARM WARM, was also checked away from the heels of that horse. After this, COURAGEOUS BROTHER commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NUMERO UNO near the 600 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY BAO BEI immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a superficial wound to the inside of the right hock. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, DIGITAL PIONEER momentarily raced in restricted room inside BLAZE STAMINA which was racing tight inside GREAT CHARM which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 100 Metres, DIGITAL PIONEER was eased when crowded for room inside PEARL WARM WARM which was taken in by MR RIGHT which shifted in when giving ground. A veterinary inspection of BLAZE STAMINA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY BAO BEI, CAGA FORCE and COURAGEOUS BROTHER were sent for sampling.