09/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

Shortly after the start, ACHILLES OF TROY and JUGGERNAUT raced tight between LASKER and SPEEDY WARRIOR which was taken in slightly by MOON CHASER. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, CLASSA was briefly tightened for room inside LASKER which itself was momentarily taken in by JUGGERNAUT. Near the 1300 Metres, CLASSA was then checked when crowded for room inside LASKER which was taken in by JUGGERNAUT (H Bowman). H Bowman was severely reprimanded and told to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Also near the 1300 Metres, SUPER GENKI shifted out when steadied away from the heels of KENOBE which itself shifted in after being bumped by GREAT HERO. When SUPER GENKI shifted out, MINGS’ HERO was taken wider. Passing the 700 Metres, LASKER was steadied away from the heels of MOON CHASER which shifted in. Near the 300 Metres, CLASSA was checked when disappointed for running between JUGGERNAUT which shifted out slightly and THE WITCH`S BROOM which got its head on the side and shifted in. Passing the 200 Metres, KENOBE was steadied and shifted to the outside of ACHILLES OF TROY which shifted in. When questioned, Y T Cheng (THE WITCH`S BROOM) stated that he had been instructed to obtain a 3rd or 4th position if possible, however, if he was caught wide, to press on and race outside the leader which was anticipated to be JUGGERNAUT. He said THE WITCH`S BROOM began slowly and he was obliged to ride his mount along in the early stages to make up lost ground. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he was caught wide without cover, therefore, as instructed, he allowed THE WITCH`S BROOM to stride forward and race outside of the lead on entering the Back Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ACHILLES OF TROY, Trainer C Fownes was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s performance tonight. He said ACHILLES OF TROY had pleased him since its most recent run and he expected a forward showing tonight. He said he was particularly disappointed with ACHILLES OF TROY which appeared to be a beaten horse a long way from the finish. A veterinary inspection of ACHILLES OF TROY after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being permitted to race again, ACHILLES OF TROY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLASSA, MINGS’ HERO and MOON CHASER were sent for sampling.