25/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 3

THUNDER VALLEY proved very difficult to load, causing a delay to the start. Having in mind THUNDER VALLEY's previous record of barrier behaviour, the Stewards advised Trainer D J Hall that the horse would be required to pass a series of official barrier trials before being permitted to race again. As the gates opened, BIG KAHUNA sat back and as a consequence was slow to begin. GRAND GENERAL, which was standing with its head turned to the left, was slow to begin. On jumping, BEST NOODLE was bumped by EMBRACES, then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, GRAND GENERAL was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of MIGHTY SUN. MAJESTIC HEART, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Near the 800 Metres, GRAND GENERAL got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MIGHTY SUN. Approaching the turn at the 600 Metres, KAISER’S CHOIX raced tight inside GRAND GENERAL which improved inside the heels of MIGHTY SUN. After the 100 Metres, GRAND GENERAL was momentarily steadied away from the heels of DR WELL (M Chadwick) when being carried wider by that horse. M Chadwick was told in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. Throughout the race, FLORAL PICASSO travelled wide and without cover. FLORAL PICASSO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FLORAL PICASSO after the race did not show any significant findings. MAJESTIC HEART, THUNDER VALLEY and KAISER’S CHOIX were sent for sampling.