01/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 10

STREET CAT bounded in the air at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. FLUKE began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, INTERCHINA STAR was hampered when crowded for room between TAN TAT BABY and IRISH JIG which shifted in slightly. A short distance after this, PLAN EX and INTERCHINA STAR were crowded for room inside IRISH JIG (D Beadman) which shifted in momentarily before shifting out and relieving the tightening. D Beadman was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he leaves sufficient room for his fellow riders in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, FLUKE travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice M Chadwick (REALLY HAPPY) reported that he was instructed to lead on the horse if possible. He said REALLY HAPPY was leaning against the side of the stall when the gates opened and consequently did not begin as well as it had in the past. He said due to the manner in which REALLY HAPPY began, he was then obliged to take it across behind runners due to the fact that horses drawn either side of him were able to go forward in the early stages. G Cheyne reported that near the 800 Metres STREET CAT faltered in its action and became badly unbalanced, giving him the feeling as though it had broken down. He said however the horse regained balance a short distance later and then commenced to travel satisfactorily. He said near the 500 Metres STREET CAT again became badly unbalanced in its action and, as he was concerned with the manner in which STREET CAT was travelling, he eased it out of the race. A veterinary inspection of STREET CAT after the race revealed that the horse had sustained a cut to the left front fetlock. In the circumstances, the Stewards ruled that STREET CAT must perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. In this incident near the 800 Metres, EXCELLENT BOY, which was following STREET CAT, was checked in consequence. A veterinary inspection of PLAN EX after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. INTERCHINA STAR, OPERATION SECRET and IRISH JIG were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EXCELLENT BOY had lost its right front plate.