21/01/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

KEEN SOUL was withdrawn on 20.1.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left fore tendon injury) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter YUE LU TREASURE (C W Wong). Before being allowed to race again, KEEN SOUL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KINDACROSS began awkwardly, causing C Soumillon, its rider, to become unbalanced. FORTUNE SPIRIT, EASY and YUE LU TREASURE were slow to begin. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, EASY was steadied when momentarily crowded for room inside the heels of PLAN B. After the 200 Metres, DESTINY’S CHILD, which when commencing to give ground, shifted out and was then checked to avoid the heels of MR COOL which also shifted in. YUE LU TREASURE, which was closing the race off strongly, was checked in consequence and shifted out to avoid the heels of DESTINY’S CHILD. In the circumstances, no action was taken. From the 200 Metres until near the 100 Metres, CLASSIC NAVIGATOR was steadied when unable to obtain clear running, then near the winning post was again steadied and shifted out away from the heels of MR COOL to continue going forward. Throughout the race, PLAN B travelled wide and without cover. C Soumillon (KINDACROSS) said the intention had been to have the horse ridden in 4th or 5th position with cover if possible. He said as a result of KINDACROSS beginning awkwardly, the horse travelled further back than intended and at the rear of the field. He said KINDACROSS travelled comfortably throughout the race, on straightening he shifted KINDACROSS out into clear running and rode his mount along vigorously hands and heels. He said KINDACROSS responded well to his riding and continued to make ground in the run to the line. He said in his opinion KINDACROSS was giving of its best and therefore he did not resort to pulling the whip on the horse. C Soumillon was told to ensure he rides his mounts in a manner which is not open to query. M Du Plessis (LUCIA) said the intention had been to have the horse ridden in a forward position. He said LUCIA was slow to begin, then throughout the race travelled greenly, for some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres hung in badly and proved difficult to ride, then approaching the turn at the 600 Metres again hung in, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLY HIGH and bumped the running rail. He said after this LUCIA continued to be difficult to ride and in the Straight failed to finish the race off. Mr J Size, the trainer of LUCIA, said he was not able to account for the racing manners of LUCIA. He said it is now his intention to consult the owners regarding the future of LUCIA. LUCIA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUCIA after the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners of LUCIA were considered unsatisfactory. Before being permitted to race again, LUCIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial. PLAN B and TOWKAY FLYER were sent for sampling.