16/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 7

MASTER CRISTO, which was leaning on the side of its gate, began awkwardly and lost ground. CLASSA FOR EVER shifted out at the start and bumped SILENT DRAGON. TEAM WORK and FLAG FINDER bumped shortly after the start. Near the 700 Metres, ENCOSTA DON was steadied when crowded for room inside TEAM WORK (O Doleuze) which shifted in momentarily. A short distance later, ENCOSTA DON was again steadied when TEAM WORK shifted in. O Doleuze was reprimanded. Near the 600 Metres, MAGIC TURBO shifted in and brushed the running rail on a number of occasions. Approaching the 200 Metres, ENCOSTA DON was steadied away from the heels of KIMBERLEY MINES which shifted out. AMO hung out in the Straight, resulting in its rider, A Delpech, changing his whip through to his left hand passing the 200 Metres. SILENT DRAGON hung out under pressure in the Straight. MASTER GREEN travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PROFITING CHAMPION, G Mossé said he had discussed with Trainer A Lee prior to the race where PROFITING CHAMPION should be ridden. He said it was decided as this was the horse’s first start at Happy Valley and having in mind that the horse previously raced well when being ridden off the pace, PROFITING CHAMPION should be ridden in a position about midfield. He said PROFITING CHAMPION was fractious in the barriers and made solid contact with the front gates. He said after obtaining a position in about midfield, PROFITING CHAMPION refused to settle for some time, however, in his opinion travelled satisfactorily in the run. He added shortly after straightening PROFITING CHAMPION changed stride and after this in his opinion did not stretch out as he felt it should. He said he became concerned with the action of PROFITING CHAMPION and for this reason he did not ride the horse out as he normally would. Mr A Lee, trainer of PROFITING CHAMPION, confirmed the riding instructions issued to G Mossé. He said PROFITING CHAMPION had pleased him in the lead up to tonight’s race and in his opinion the horse was disappointing. PROFITING CHAMPION was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, PROFITING CHAMPION was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had sustained mild abrasion wounds to the upper lip and upper gum. The performance of PROFITING CHAMPION was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, PROFITING CHAMPION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TEAM WORK and SILENT DRAGON were sent for sampling.