10/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

Shortly after the start, FORTUNE RED PEPPER was taken across behind runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GRAND DANCER raced tight between SUNRISE and FORTUNE HAVEN which shifted in momentarily. Near the 900 Metres, GRAND DANCER got its head up and proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FORTUNE HAVEN. Passing the 250 Metres, HANNAH KING PRAWN was steadied and shifted to the outside of GRAND DANCER to obtain clear running. YOUNG HERO, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HANNAH KING PRAWN at this time. For the majority of the race, MELLIFLUOUS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of VIVA FIGHTER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, VIVA FIGHTER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (PACKING BUDDY) stated that he had been instructed to lead if possible, however, if the rider of CHINA HERO was intent on leading, he should allow that horse to cross and then sit to the outside of that horse. He added he was further instructed to allow his mount to stride forward approaching the 600 Metres in an endeavour to find the fence as it was believed that PACKING BUDDY finishes its races best when able to find the fence. He said he rode PACKING BUDDY along in the early stages in accordance with his instructions, however, he allowed CHINA HERO to cross his mount passing the 1300 Metres when that horse was being hard ridden to lead. He said after allowing CHINA HERO to cross, he immediately shifted outside of that horse. He said after entering into the Back Straight CHINA HERO eased the tempo of the race, therefore he permitted PACKING BUDDY to stride forward of its own accord and passing the 700 Metres allowed PACKING BUDDY to continue forward of CHINA HERO in an endeavour to ride to his instructions to obtain the fence. He said approaching the 500 Metres PACKING BUDDY was sufficiently clear of CHINA HERO to cross to the fence. Trainer L Ho confirmed the riding instructions issued to Apprentice So tonight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GREEN JACKET, O Doleuze stated that from barrier 6 he was asked to have the horse racing in about midfield if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he was obliged to ride GREEN JACKET along and the horse was able to obtain a position behind GRAND DANCER in the run. He said GREEN JACKET travelled only fairly throughout the race and after being shifted wider passing the 500 Metres to make its finishing run, GREEN JACKET was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding as it did when it was successful at Happy Valley two starts ago. The performance of GREEN JACKET, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, GREEN JACKET will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE HAVEN, GREEN JACKET and VIVA FIGHTER after the race did not show any significant findings. GREEN JACKET, FORTUNE RED PEPPER and SUNRISE were sent for sampling. <11/3/2010 Additional Veterinary Report> The Veterinary Officer reported that MELLIFLUOUS was found to be lame in its right front leg this morning. Before being allowed to race again, MELLIFLUOUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.