27/05/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

DORDENMA was slow into stride. Shortly after the start, CONGRATS lost ground when crowded for room between TOP HONOR and SLEEP WELL. After this, CONGRATS was shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1300 Metres, PRINCE KALAMOUN, REAL SPECIAL and TOP HONOR raced tight inside the heels of TOM'S SIX. At the 1300 Metres, TOP HONOR was checked when crowded for room between TOM’S SIX (W C Marwing) which shifted in and REAL SPECIAL which shifted out after being carried in onto PRINCE KALAMOUN. In the circumstances, W C Marwing was severely reprimanded and told to ensure he leaves sufficient room for runners to his inside where circumstances permit. When TOP HONOR checked, SLEEP WELL, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Near the 800 Metres, REAL SPECIAL was steadied away from the heels of FLUKE. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, REAL SPECIAL got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FLUKE. Near the 200 Metres, Apprentice K C Leung (REALLY HAPPY) dropped his whip. For the major part of the race, DISGUISE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BERIO, B Prebble said his mount travelled satisfactorily until making the turn at the 600 Metres. He said making the turn at the 600 Metres BERIO did not appear to appreciate racing in restricted room to the inside of DORDENMA. He said at the 500 Metres he commenced to ride BERIO along to ensure it maintained its position. He said when placed under pressure after straightening BERIO initially responded to his riding, however, commenced to give ground shortly afterwards. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. BERIO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of BERIO after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CONGRATS, D Whyte explained his mount was obliged to race further back than intended after receiving crowding at the start. He said while CONGRATS had performed well at its most recent start on rain affected ground, in his opinion the horse did not handle tonight’s track conditions and was not comfortable at any stage of the race. CONGRATS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CONGRATS after the race did not show any significant findings. REALLY HAPPY and FLUKE were sent for sampling.