11/03/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

Prior to leaving the holding stable, WHATAFANTASY had its right hind plate refitted. STRIKING MASCOT began awkwardly and lost ground. WONG’S FAVOURITE was a little slow to begin. OASIS DAVIS was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, WONG’S FAVOURITE and WHATAFANTASY lost their positions when crowded for room between MULTI MILLIONS which shifted out slightly and DANABAA which on jumping shifted in. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WHATAFANTASY was crowded for room between MULTI MILLIONS and STRIKING MASCOT. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, DANABAA was steadied away from the heels of DASHING CHAMPION (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Leung was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. At the 1300 Metres, STRIKING MASCOT was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned, W M Lai (EVERGREEN) said he was instructed from a wide barrier to endeavour to find the fence. He said he was also asked not to make use of EVERGREEN in the early stages. He said EVERGREEN began well, he immediately looked to his inside and endeavoured to shift across in the hope that he might be able to obtain a position as instructed around midfield. He said when a number of runners held their positions to his inside, he was required to take EVERGREEN back to the rear to obtain a position on the fence as instructed. He said EVERGREEN travelled comfortably in the run and he commenced to improve his position along the rail from the 500 Metres. He said on straightening when shifting out to find clear running, he was checked to avoid the heels of PACIFICO which was giving ground. He said after this he continued to shift EVERGREEN wider on the track and the horse closed the race off strongly. Following the race, J Winks (PACIFICO) reported he was concerned with the action of his mount after entering the Home Straight and he therefore eased it down. PACIFICO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, PACIFICO was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings. However, it was noted the horse had lost its left hind plate. The performance of PACIFICO, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, PACIFICO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DANABAA was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. FOREVER FORTUNE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DANABAA and FOREVER FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. VANQUISH DELIGHT and OASIS DAVIS were sent for sampling.