26/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

FINN MACCOOL was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, FINN MACCOOL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VICTORY CONQUEROR, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly. Approaching the 400 Metres, EL ZONDA, which was racing tight inside SUNSEEKER, was steadied away from the heels of PACKING POWER. When questioned, Z Purton stated that it had been intended for SUNSEEKER to be ridden in about a midfield position or just in advance of midfield. He said travelling along the Back Straight he raced behind WATCH WHAT HAPPENS and endeavoured to maintain a position behind that horse, however, passing the 800 Metres he received a bump on his hindquarters from EL ZONDA which shifted out and at the same time SUNSEEKER was racing tight to the inside of ELEGANCE DESIRE. He added, for this reason, SUNSEEKER was somewhat reluctant to maintain its position between those horses. He said he rode along after this to prevent ELEGANCE DESIRE from shifting in in front of SUNSEEKER, however, he continued to race in restricted room until rounding the Home Turn. He said SUNSEEKER responded to his riding in the early part of the Straight before its run ended passing the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of SUNSEEKER after the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING POWER, EASY WINNER and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS were sent for sampling.