19/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

SUPREME TAIJI was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was bumped by SECRET OF WINNING which shifted out. This resulted in SECRET OF WINNING becoming unbalanced. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, PERFECT FIT failed to muster speed and became detached from the field. Then despite being ridden along for the remainder of the race, PERFECT FIT continued to race detached from the field. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT FIT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PERFECT FIT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT FIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial. Near the 700 Metres, EVER BEAUTY was steadied away from the heels of WINDICATOR RETURNS which shifted in when barely clear. Approaching the 600 Metres, SOLAR UP proved difficult to settle. Also approaching the 600 Metres, SUPREME DE UNION shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of ROYAL DOCTOR which became unbalanced. Passing the 600 Metres, WINDICATOR RETURNS shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of WIND DAMPER, resulting in SUPREME TAIJI being taken out onto SUPREME DE UNION which was crowded for room inside ROYAL DOCTOR. EVER BEAUTY, which was following WINDICATOR RETURNS, was steadied in consequence. Near the 100 Metres, SECRET OF WINNING was steadied when unable to remain racing between WIND DAMPER which shifted out and ASSURE which was taken in slightly by SMART CHOICE which, when obtaining a tight run, was taken in by WINDICATOR RETURNS. Because of this, SECRET OF WINNING was not able to be properly tested in the Straight. Over the concluding stages, SMART CHOICE and ASSURE raced tight. Throughout the race, ROYAL DOCTOR travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards opened an inquiry into J Lloyd’s handling of SUPREME DE UNION. After evidence was taken from J Lloyd and Mr D E Ferraris, the trainer of SUPREME DE UNION, the inquiry was adjourned until a date to be fixed. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME DE UNION after the race showed that the horse had an epiglottic entrapment. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME DE UNION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EVER BEAUTY and SUPREME TAIJI were sent for sampling.