25/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

HANNAH KING PRAWN knuckled over on jumping. WINNING REWARD began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, UNION’S STAR and REWARDING STAR were crowded for room between GREAT ACHIEVEMENT which shifted out and BLUE SKY which shifted in after bumping OLE OLE. For some distance in the early and middle stages, WATCH WHAT HAPPENS proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied away from the heels of CONGRATS. Throughout the race, OLE OLE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of OLE OLE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of OLE OLE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, OLE OLE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Z Purton (BLUE SKY) said he had been instructed to ride his mount positively in the early stages to obtain a position on the fence as it was felt that horses racing on the fence were advantaged tonight. He said he was instructed that if another horse continued forward, he should allow that horse to cross, otherwise he was to maintain his position in the lead. He said after obtaining the lead, he steadied BLUE SKY to allow FAT DRAGON to go forward, however, when that horse did not continue forward, he held his position on the rail inside of FAT DRAGON. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of NOBLE MAN, D Whyte said he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said after obtaining a position one off the fence passing the 1200 Metres, NOBLE MAN travelled kindly, however, when placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn, the horse failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of NOBLE MAN after the race did not show any significant findings. HANNAH KING PRAWN, GREAT ACHIEVEMENT and BLUE SKY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CONGRATS had lost its left hind plate.