12/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 4

YUAN’S FORTUNE began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of MEGABUCKS. Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, STALLION SUPREME got its head on the side and lay out. Near the 500 Metres, EL GRANDE became unbalanced and struck the running rail when reluctant to maintain its position inside KOENIGSBERG. Passing the 500 Metres, CAGA SPIRIT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TURIN CHAMPION. Near the 100 Metres, EL GRANDE shifted out under pressure and was steadied away from the heels of RIDE ON THE FIRE which was giving ground. When questioned, B Doyle (MEGABUCKS) stated that from barrier 10 he was asked to ride the horse with cover if possible in a position in about midfield. He said it was felt that there was considerable speed in the race which would be generated by horses drawn more favourably than MEGABUCKS and he was asked to ride the horse more quietly to avoid if possible being caught wide and without cover. He said in accordance with his instructions, he did not ride MEGABUCKS along in the early stages and attempted to shift the horse in to obtain cover. He said however that approaching the 800 Metres a number of horses were positioned to the inside of MEGABUCKS and as it was not possible for him to shift in, he allowed MEGABUCKS to stride into a more forward position than had been intended. He said however MEGABUCKS was not able to obtain cover and consequently raced wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RIDE ON THE FIRE, M Guyon explained that the horse was fractious in the barriers and as the gates opened was leaning against the outside of its stall. He added because of this RIDE ON THE FIRE was slow to begin. He said he rode the horse along to take up a forward position as instructed. He said after obtaining a position behind the leader, STALLION SUPREME, RIDE ON THE FIRE raced without cover unlike at its most recent start when the horse was able to be covered up and then finished off the race. He said because of the circumstances of tonight’s race, RIDE ON THE FIRE was not able to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of RIDE ON THE FIRE after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REAL DRAGON, M Chadwick stated that his mount raced greenly in the early and middle stages and making the first turn after the 600 Metres was inclined to lay out. He said REAL DRAGON continued to race somewhat greenly for the remainder of the race and in the Straight weakened when placed under pressure. A veterinary inspection of REAL DRAGON after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. The performance of REAL DRAGON was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, REAL DRAGON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. REAL DRAGON, STALLION SUPREME and ORIENTAL COURSER were sent for sampling.