24/06/2009  Happy Valley  Race 3

SUGAR ON TOP was withdrawn on 23.6.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BIG KAHUNA (W Pike). Before being allowed to race again, SUGAR ON TOP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, JOLLY BIRD and WIN-A-LOT were taken back. BIG KAHUNA was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, STEEL NERVES was checked when crowded for room inside SUPER PLUS which got its head on the side and shifted in away from OWNERS LAD after initially being carried in by that horse. No action was taken. In the early stages, when travelling wide on the track, TAI HANG'S PRIDE was taken back to a position with cover. At the 600 Metres, WIN-A-LOT, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of ASIAN CITRUS. At the 500 Metres, WIN-A-LOT was steadied when awkwardly placed between TAI HANG’S PRIDE and BIG KAHUNA. On straightening, JOLLY BIRD was steadied away from the heels of TAI HANG’S PRIDE which was shifted out into clear running. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, FAIRWOOD CROWN was held up and unable to improve. Throughout the race, OWNERS LAD travelled wide and without cover. STEEL NERVES was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of STEEL NERVES after the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER PLUS and JOLLY BIRD were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GO STITCH had lost its right front plate.