23/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

SAPELLI shifted in abruptly shortly after the start, resulting in ROCKET POWER being bumped and taken in onto SUPERNOVA which was hampered. For some distance approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, FORTUNE RED PEPPER got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE. Near the 150 Metres, FORTUNE RED PEPPER was shifted to the outside of LUMINOUS to continue improving its position, then near the 50 Metres was steadied when unable to improve between LUMINOUS and EASY AHEAD due to both those horses shifting ground. Because of this, FORTUNE RED PEPPER was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPERNOVA, a last start winner, J Lloyd stated that after being hampered at the start, SUPERNOVA was out-paced in the early stages. He said SUPERNOVA was not suited by the tempo of the race slackening in the middle stages and for this reason the horse was not able to make up ground in the Straight. He said that whilst the performance of SUPERNOVA was somewhat disappointing, the tempo of the race did not suit the horse tonight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ROCKET POWER, Apprentice M Chadwick stated that after being hampered at the start, he shifted his mount across behind runners to ensure it had cover. He said ROCKET POWER travelled satisfactorily until near the 900 Metres at which time the horse was checked away from the heels of WINNING REWARD. He said after this ROCKET POWER did not travel for the remainder of the race and was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. The performance of ROCKET POWER, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, ROCKET POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MELLIFLUOUS, ROCKET POWER and SUPERNOVA after the race did not show any significant findings. SAPELLI, LUMINOUS and EASY AHEAD were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SAPELLI had lost its right front plate.