21/01/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

When being led to the Parade Ring, RELY ON ME kicked a rail. RELY ON ME was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being boxed, BRILLIANT TREASURE became fractious, reared and sat down in its stall. As a result, W M Lai sustained an injury to his right leg. BRILLIANT TREASURE was removed from its stall and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. However, W M Lai said he was experiencing considerable discomfort and was not able to fulfil his riding engagement. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of BRILLIANT TREASURE. Before being allowed to race again, BRILLIANT TREASURE will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. On jumping, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was taken back. EURO SWIFTLY was slow into stride, then shortly after the start was checked severely when crowded for room between FOREVER FRIENDSHIP which shifted in and SUPER GOAL MASTER which became unbalanced and shifted out after bumping with FUN. In this incident, SUPER GOAL MASTER and FOREVER FRIENDSHIP bumped heavily, causing both horses to become badly unbalanced. No action was taken. Approaching the 400 Metres, FOREVER FRIENDSHIP was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASCOT FORTUNE. Shortly after straightening, FOREVER FRIENDSHIP was checked when disappointed for running between LONGWAH RISING and MASCOT FORTUNE. For a considerable distance after straightening, BRILLIANT ONE was checked away from the heels of JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE which commenced to give ground quickly. At the 200 Metres, EURO SWIFTLY, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted towards the outside of FUN to obtain clear running. As EURO SWIFTLY was shifted out, FUN also shifted out, causing EURO SWIFTLY to be checked. Throughout the race, RELY ON ME travelled wide and without cover. C Soumillon (SUPER GOAL MASTER), 6th placegetter, was reminded of his responsibility to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. SUPER GOAL MASTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPER GOAL MASTER after the race did not show any significant findings. MASCOT FORTUNE, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC and EURO SWIFTLY were sent for sampling.