06/11/2007  Happy Valley  Race 2

NATIVE KID was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality). Before being allowed to race again, NATIVE KID will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NIRVANA bounded in the air at the start and lost ground. On jumping, DIAMOND BRILLIANCE was bumped by CLASSA FOR EVER. From the outside barrier, KINGIFLY was taken across behind runners. Approaching the turn at the 600 Metres, DIAMOND BRILLIANCE, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of FLAG FINDER and close to the heels of SHY BALDY. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, NIRVANA hung out. Making the Home Turn, FLAG FINDER became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by DIAMOND BRILLIANCE when endeavouring to improve towards the outside of CLASSA FOR EVER which at this time shifted out. In the circumstances, no action was taken. At the 50 Metres, NIRVANA, which was closing the race off fairly, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of DRAGON AND GOLD which was giving ground. Throughout the race, DRAGON AND GOLD travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Apprentice H W Lai (CLASSA FOR EVER) explained he had been instructed to lead on the horse. He said CLASSA FOR EVER did not show its usual early speed and because of this he was required to ride along to maintain a position to the inside of the heels of SHY BALDY. He said in the past CLASSA FOR EVER had shown itself to be best suited when leading and for this reason he decided against allowing SHY BALDY to shift to the rail. He said as a consequence of being hard ridden in the early and middle stages, over the final 200 Metres CLASSA FOR EVER gave ground quickly. CLASSA FOR EVER and DRAGON AND GOLD were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CLASSA FOR EVER after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, DRAGON AND GOLD was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. FLYING SPRINTER, GLORY YEARS and DIAMOND BRILLIANCE were sent for sampling.