08/04/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

Prior to leaving the holding stables, REAL REJOICING had its right front plate refitted. REAL REJOICING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After arriving at the Start, DECENT FELLOW had its tongue tie refitted. TRAVEL LEADER began awkwardly, got its head up and lost ground. GLOBAL WAY, which was standing with its head turned to the right, began awkwardly and was slow into stride. At the 1700 Metres, GLOBAL WAY, which was proving difficult to settle, became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON. When GLOBAL WAY was being steadied, it shifted in and caused some crowding to REAL REJOICING. After this, GLOBAL WAY was shifted out and allowed to stride forward. At the 800 Metres, SAMMY’S FORTUNE, which was inclined to hang in, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of NOBLE TWINS. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, REAL REJOICING raced tight inside SAMMY’S FORTUNE which continued to hang in. Prior to straightening, REAL REJOICING was steadied when tightened for room inside SAMMY’S FORTUNE. When questioned regarding the poor performance of DECENT FELLOW, B Prebble said his mount did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and in his opinion did not feel normal in its action. He said after the 600 Metres he endeavoured to improve his position, however, DECENT FELLOW did not respond. He said in the Straight when riding DECENT FELLOW out, he felt the horse’s action deteriorated further whilst it gave ground. He said after the race DECENT FELLOW was making an abnormal breathing noise. DECENT FELLOW was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of DECENT FELLOW after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, DECENT FELLOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. J Lloyd (KEEN SPIRIT) said from an awkward barrier he intended to ride the horse in a position with cover if possible as in the past it had hung out badly. He said it was felt if KEEN SPIRIT was ridden to go forward in the early stages, with a short run to the first turn, the horse might again hang out. He said KEEN SPIRIT did not begin well. He said after this approaching the first turn he elected to come back on KEEN SPIRIT and when he did this the horse commenced to hang out. He said he continued to take KEEN SPIRIT back to a position at the rear in an endeavour to prevent the horse from hanging. He said KEEN SPIRIT travelled only fairly in the run, after the 600 Metres again hung out noticeably and was difficult to ride. He said in the Straight because of the manner in which KEEN SPIRIT was racing, he did not persevere in riding his mount out. KEEN SPIRIT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of KEEN SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KEEN SPIRIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, KEEN SPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SURE GAIN and NOBLE TWINS were sent for sampling.