02/04/2008  Happy Valley  Race 1

While in the holding stables prior to Race 1, HEADINGLEY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had a fever and in his opinion was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of HEADINGLEY. Before being allowed to race again, HEADINGLEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MAGIC KING began awkwardly, got its head up and lost ground. Shortly after the start, DASHING WINNER was checked when crowded for room between BUDDIES SPIRIT which shifted in and SUPER SPECIAL which was carried wider by SOU MA TAM which in turn was carried wider by BATURO. At the 950 Metres, SUPER SPECIAL was checked and SOU MA TAM was steadied when crowded for room between BUDDIES SPIRIT and BATURO which shifted further out despite the efforts of P H Lo, its rider, to prevent his mount from shifting ground. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, SOU MA TAM was steadied when awkwardly placed between SUPER SPECIAL which shifted in slightly and MAGIC KING which shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of TRIUMPHANT GLORY. E Saint-Martin (MAGIC KING) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in a rearward position and on the rail as it had performed strongly when ridden in this manner at its most recent race start. He said MAGIC KING began better than he had anticipated, in the early stages despite not riding his mount along it travelled keenly and maintained a position outside TRIUMPHANT GLORY. He said because of the instructions he had been issued, approaching the turn at the 600 Metres he steadied his mount to come back to a position on the rail behind TRIUMPHANT GLORY. He said when ridden in this manner MAGIC KING closed the race off strongly. SUPER SPECIAL and BATURO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUPER SPECIAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of BATURO after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT ATHLETE and SUPER RED were sent for sampling.