08/10/2008  Happy Valley  Race 3

On jumping, SOUNDS BEST, which was being taken back, was crowded for room between FAT DRAGON and MELLIFLUOUS which was carried in by HORACE’S CHOICE. In the early stages, HORACE’S CHOICE and TOWERING FEELING were taken back. At the 1300 Metres, SOUNDS BEST was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of HORACE’S CHOICE. In the early and middle stages, TOWERING FEELING proved difficult to settle. At the 600 Metres, ELFHELM was steadied away from the heels of MELLIFLUOUS which shifted to the inside of VIVA HONG KONG as that horse commenced to give ground. On straightening, SOUNDS BEST became unbalanced when crowded for room between HORACE’S CHOICE and VIVA HONG KONG which continued to give ground. At the 250 Metres, HORACE’S CHOICE was shifted wider to obtain clear running. VIVA HONG KONG was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, VIVA HONG KONG, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. As this is the second occasion on which VIVA HONG KONG has been reported to have displayed an irregular heart rhythm, the horse will now be barred from racing for a period of 6 months and will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being permitted to race again. MELLIFLUOUS, LOTZATOW and FAT DRAGON were sent for sampling.