06/06/2012  Happy Valley  Race 2

TOWERING STORM was withdrawn on 5.6.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BILLION (O Doleuze). Before being allowed to race again, TOWERING STORM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SCENT OF OSMANTHUS was crowded for room at the start between GOOD GAINS and SADDLERS LODGE, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, NOBODY BUT YOU and HOME WITH GLORY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SADDLERS LODGE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SCENT OF OSMANTHUS when being shifted across behind that horse. Passing the 1200 Metres, JOYFUL WINNER II was left racing wide and without cover and after the 900 Metres was allowed to improve into a more forward position. Approaching the 200 Metres, O Doleuze dropped his whip. Having in mind O Doleuze’s prior record of having dropped his whip in races, he was fined the sum of $5,000. T H So (GOOD GAINS) reported that his whip broke near the 150 Metres. This was confirmed by the Stewards. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SADDLERS LODGE, D Whyte stated that he was able to obtain a good position in the early stages on the rail. He said SADDLERS LODGE travelled satisfactorily during the race, however, at various times throughout the race got its head on the side and was inclined to lay in. He said rounding the Home Turn he was able to improve his position when runners in front of SADDLERS LODGE shifted away from the fence and at this time he was able to obtain clear and uninterrupted running. He said however that SADDLERS LODGE continued to lay in and, despite being ridden out, did not respond to his riding and did not quicken at any stage in the Straight and in fact weakened noticeably over the concluding stages. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JOYFUL WINNER II had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of GO LUCKY GO and SADDLERS LODGE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of NOBODY BUT YOU after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. SADDLERS LODGE, BILLION and HEI HEI POSH were sent for sampling.