31/10/2007  Happy Valley  Race 8

After arriving at the Start, it was noted RAINBOW OASIS had blood present in its mouth. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. NOBLE SILENCE was slow to begin. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, FRIENDSHIP was checked to avoid the heels of RAINBOW OASIS (S K Sit) which after crossing to the lead steadied the pace. S K Sit was severely reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he should not steady the pace too abruptly. Prior to straightening, RAINBOW OASIS became unbalanced behind as a result of FRIENDSHIP being awkwardly placed close to its heels. FRIENDSHIP was then checked and shifted in abruptly away from the heels of RAINBOW OASIS. At the 250 Metres, AWARD was checked and shifted out when disappointed for running inside NOBLE HEART which shifted in. After the 200 Metres, HOLD HANDS became unbalanced when being shifted out from behind VICTORY TREASURE into clear running. For the major part of the race, OPERA MAGIC travelled wide and without cover. F Coetzee (LUMINOUS) explained from a wide barrier he was instructed to obtain a position where the horse was travelling comfortably without being made use of. He said on jumping he immediately noticed a number of runners to his inside going forward, so he elected to shift across behind those horses. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he was hopeful he might be able to obtain a position in midfield. He said as he attempted to shift towards this position, QUALITY-QUALITY and other runners which were to his inside improved their positions, he therefore steadied LUMINOUS and shifted across behind those runners at the rear of the field. He said LUMINOUS travelled only fairly, approaching the 1000 Metres dropped the bit and because of this he rode his mount along to stay in touch. He said in the Straight LUMINOUS was disappointing in the manner in which it finished its race off. HOLD HANDS and NOBLE SILENCE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported NOBLE SILENCE had lost its right hind plate and RAINBOW OASIS had lost its left front plate.