24/06/2009  Happy Valley  Race 5

While in the holding stables, DA JUDGE had its left hind foot replated. DA JUDGE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DA JUDGE was slow into stride. EASY began awkwardly and stumbled. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, FUN failed to muster speed. Near the 400 Metres, THUNDER FLASH lost ground when being steadied while awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of YOUNG LABEL which got its head on the side and shifted in momentarily. On straightening, FUN was bumped by EVER BEAUTY which shifted out. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, THUNDER FLASH, which was endeavouring to improve into a run between EASY and YOUNG LABEL (A Gryder), was hampered and carried wider by YOUNG LABEL which shifted out. The Stewards were satisfied THUNDER FLASH had not established running to the outside of YOUNG LABEL, however, A Gryder was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. At the 50 Metres, EASY, which was giving ground, was steadied when awkwardly placed between THUNDER FLASH and EVER BEAUTY. When questioned, W C Marwing (INDUSTRIAL MARVEL) said he was not issued specific riding instructions for the horse, however, he anticipated dropping back in distance the horse might not show enough pace to lead as it does when racing over further. He said his intention however was to have the horse travel as prominently as possible where it was comfortable. He said on jumping he rode INDUSTRIAL MARVEL along for a short distance, however, the horse was immediately out-paced and then lost further ground when awkwardly placed outside the hindquarters of TEAM WORK near the 900 Metres. He said as a consequence INDUSTRIAL MARVEL travelled in a rearward position. He said INDUSTRIAL MARVEL travelled well in the run, however, did not quicken as he had hoped in the early part of the Straight when being ridden along hands and heels. He said inside the final 150 Metres INDUSTRIAL MARVEL when being ridden with the whip might have appeared to be making ground, however, did not take any ground off those horses which were closing the race off around it. He said over about the final 50 Metres he was required to steady INDUSTRIAL MARVEL away from the heels of EASY which was giving ground. He said because of this INDUSTRIAL MARVEL was not fully tested to the end of the race. W C Marwing was told his explanation would be reported, however, he should do his utmost at all times to ensure his mounts are fully tested. FUN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FUN after the race did not show any significant findings. ALWAYS SOMETHING and YOUNG LABEL were sent for sampling.