02/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

PRINCE KALAMOUN was slow to begin. MAJESTIC HEART began awkwardly and threw its head up on a number of occasions. Shortly after the start, DASH AHEAD was steadied when crowded for room between FLORAL NIRVANA and MAN IN THE MIRROR which was taken in by DASHING THUNDER. For some distance between the 2000 Metres and the 1800 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART proved difficult to settle when being checked away from the heels of REAL SPECIAL. Near the 1800 Metres, MAN IN THE MIRROR was checked away from the heels of MAJESTIC HEART. Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL SPECIAL. Near the 900 Metres, FLORAL NIRVANA and MAJESTIC HEART bumped as FLORAL NIRVANA shifted out from behind ANTIPASTO. Then, near the 800 Metres, FLORAL NIRVANA was hampered when crowded for room between ANTIPASTO which shifted out slightly away from the heels of BILLION and MAJESTIC HEART which shifted in slightly. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (BILLION) stated that he was instructed to lead or to race outside the leader. He said STRAWBERRY was ridden along in the early stages to lead, therefore he elected to steady his mount and race outside of that horse rather than be caught in a speed battle in the early stages. He said BILLION travelled kindly for him outside STRAWBERRY and even though the speed was slow, he was reluctant to allow BILLION to improve its position to lead as he felt that the horse may over-race if allowed to stride forward. He said near the 900 Metres REAL SPECIAL and MAN IN THE MIRROR improved quickly around BILLION and he was unable to maintain his position racing to the outside of STRAWBERRY. He said due to the manner in which REAL SPECIAL and MAN IN THE MIRROR improved their positions quickly at this time, this resulted in those horses being able to shift in in front of BILLION and BILLION losing its prominent position. Apprentice So was advised that his riding of BILLION passing the 900 Metres lacked judgement and that he should be more aware, particularly in slowly run races, of the likelihood of horses improving to his outside. He was further advised that wherever possible he should maintain advantageous positions in races. A veterinary inspection of PRINCE KALAMOUN after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, PRINCE KALAMOUN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FLORAL NIRVANA after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left hind plate. STRAWBERRY and MAN IN THE MIRROR were sent for sampling.