02/05/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

OYSTER, which was fractious after being placed in the barriers, began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly, resulting in its rider, O Doleuze, becoming unbalanced and being dislodged. Before being allowed to race again, OYSTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. When OYSTER shifted out, REDOUTE’S FORTUNE was crowded for room inside EASTERN EMPIRE. After the race, O Doleuze was examined by the Club’s medical officer who passed him fit to fulfil his remaining riding engagements. From wide barriers, FASTPLUS MASTER and ROMANCING TAMAR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, CHAMPION MOUNT was severely checked away from the heels of FELAROF which was also hampered when taken out by the riderless, OYSTER. Approaching the 800 Metres, EASTERN EMPIRE was checked away from the heels of MING HOI TREASURE which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FELAROF and in doing so shifted out, resulting in REDOUTE’S FORTUNE being hampered when taken wider. Approaching the 150 Metres, REDOUTE’S FORTUNE shifted out across the heels of PERFECT JOY to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, GOOD GAINS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHAMPION MOUNT, D Whyte stated that after being severely checked approaching the winning post on the first occasion, he had to ride his mount along to recover lost ground. He said after the 1200 Metres CHAMPION MOUNT was able to obtain a good position following PERFECT JOY and the horse, which was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight, travelled as though it was going to figure in the finish. He said however that after the 600 Metres CHAMPION MOUNT came off the bridle and then finished off the race only fairly. He said, in his opinion, CHAMPION MOUNT coped well with racing at Happy Valley for the first time, however, he recommended to the connections that they consider claiming on the horse in the future as this may advantage its chances in its upcoming races. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FELAROF had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION MOUNT after the race showed that the horse had blood at the mouth emanating from a small abrasion at the tip of the tongue. The Veterinary Officer reported that there were no significant findings, however, as CHAMPION MOUNT was fractious, an endoscopic examination was unable to be conducted. MING HOI TREASURE and FELAROF were sent for sampling. <3/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> CHAMPION MOUNT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time it was noted that the horse had blood at the mouth emanating from a small abrasion at the tip of the tongue. CHAMPION MOUNT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer S Woods this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, CHAMPION MOUNT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.