06/06/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

JUN DAO was withdrawn on 5.6.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HAPPY FRIENDS (T Angland). Before being allowed to race again, JUN DAO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY FRIENDS, which was fractious in the barriers, and HAPPY DRUMMING were slow to begin. STAR OF FAME raced in restricted room shortly after the start between HIGH RETURN and WIND CHARGER. Also shortly after the start, DIVINITY POWER shifted out and bumped PETIT PRINCE. DIAMOND ANGEL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, HIGH RETURN was momentarily crowded for room inside ALWAYS WELL which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Throughout the race, SOLAR SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover and making the turn after the 600 Metres got its head on the side and lay out. SOLAR SPIRIT continued to lay out rounding the Home Turn. At no stage in the Straight was SUNSHINE KID able to obtain clear running and because of this was not able to be tested. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had been not been issued with any firm instructions on how DIVINITY POWER should be ridden, however, it was anticipated that the horse may not have sufficient speed to cross runners to its inside without considerable use having to be made of it. He said although DIVINITY POWER began well, there was a line of horses to his inside and rather than be left racing wide he elected, shortly after the start, to shift DIVINITY POWER across behind runners and obtain a position closer to the rail. He said DIVINITY POWER, which was racing at Happy Valley for the first time, raced greenly throughout the race and near the 800 Metres shifted out towards the heels of WIND CHARGER. He added he placed DIVINITY POWER under pressure near the 500 Metres, however, the horse did not quicken as it had done at its recent races at Sha Tin. He said whilst DIVINITY POWER was disappointing, he was of the belief that the horse had not handled the Happy Valley circuit at its first time of asking. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WIND CHARGER had lost its left hind plate. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DIVINITY POWER including an endoscopic examination after the race confirmed the horse to be a “roarer”. DIVINITY POWER, HIGH RETURN and OCEAN WIDE were sent for sampling.