06/06/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

MAGNUMOUS was steadied when crowded for room at the start between BENEFACTOR and MR AWARD which got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. From the outside barrier, POCKET ROCKETS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shorty after the start, the saddle of K C Leung (EMPEROR BLITZ) shifted to the right hand side, resulting in him being inconvenienced until approaching the 600 Metres at which time he was able to correct the position of his saddle. Near the 650 Metres, POCKET ROCKETS commenced to over-race and shifted out when being checked away from the heels of GREEN ZONE. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MERRY ANNIVERSARY, W C Marwing stated that his mount was fractious in the barriers and as the start was effected began awkwardly and lost ground. He said shortly after the start he commenced to ride MERRY ANNIVERSARY along to make up lost ground and the horse, which had previously made a respiratory noise in its races, immediately made an abnormal breathing noise which continued throughout the race. He said, in his opinion, because of this respiratory issue, MERRY ANNIVERSARY was then not able to race competitively. A veterinary inspection of MERRY ANNIVERSARY after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MERRY ANNIVERSARY, a favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MERRY ANNIVERSARY 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 POCKET ROCKETS and GREEN ZONE after the race did not show any significant findings. MERRY ANNIVERSARY, AMEDEO and EVER BEAUTY were sent for sampling.