22/04/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

After being boxed, ACE OF SPADES became unbalanced and kicked out behind. On jumping, SOARING RIVER stumbled. When the gates opened, PACHINKO bounded in the air and lost ground. In the Straight, PACHINKO hung in and approaching the 200 Metres shifted ground and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FINGERS CROSSED. Passing the 200 Metres, HAPPY WIN was inconvenienced when FLYING GALLOP shifted out. When questioned, Y T Cheng (FAVOURITE SUPREME) said he was instructed to have his mount begin well, go forward and endeavour to obtain a position with cover in midfield. He said in accordance with those instructions he rode FAVOURITE SUPREME along in the early stages and making the turn at the 1000 Metres shifted across to a three wide position initially with cover. He said near the 900 Metres FAVOURITE SUPREME was left racing without cover for the remainder of the race. The performance of ACE OF SPACES, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, ACE OF SPADES will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. OUR LUCKY BABY and SOARING RIVER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ACE OF SPADES had lost its right front plate.