06/01/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

When entering the track, BLADE FORCE broke away from its handler and due to Apprentice M Chadwick, its rider, not having proper control of his mount at this time, the horse was unable to be restrained and galloped for some distance. BLADE FORCE was subsequently withdrawn by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice. Before being allowed to race again, BLADE FORCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER GOAL MASTER was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, NUGGET WARRIOR raced tight between MEGABUCKS and MAGIC SWEEP. On the Home Turn, NUGGET WARRIOR was briefly held up behind NOBLE CHOICE which was giving ground. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that due to the anticipated fast pace of the race, he had been instructed to allow BLESSING to settle towards the rear of the field and commence to improve his position from the 600 Metres and to shift away from the fence as it was felt that horses racing in a forward position would give ground. He said he was further instructed to shift out to ensure that BLESSING had clear running in the Straight. He said BLESSING began well, however, as anticipated, the pace of the race was fast in the early stages. He said he shifted BLESSING across behind MAGIC SWEEP, however, due to the tempo of the race BLESSING got further out of its ground than he had hoped. He said he commenced to allow BLESSING to improve its position to get onto the back of MAGIC SWEEP passing the 600 Metres and he became momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse near the 550 Metres as he shifted BLESSING away from the fence as instructed. He said he followed MAGIC SWEEP rounding the Home Turn and at the entrance of the Straight shifted to the outside of that horse. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight, BLESSING responded well to his riding and finished off the race strongly. Y T Cheng was advised his explanation would be reported, however, he should ensure he does not leave his mounts with too much to do when circumstances permit. When questioned regarding his riding of MEGABUCKS, J Lloyd stated that he had been instructed to obtain the lead if possible. He said in the gates MEGABUCKS was fractious and as the start was effected lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. He said he rode MEGABUCKS along in the initial stages, however, it soon became apparent to him that horses drawn around him displayed superior pace and therefore he elected to allow MEGABUCKS to race behind LOYAL ARMY. He said passing the 600 Metre when following LOYAL ARMY, MEGABUCKS raced close to the heels of that horse, therefore he shifted out away from the heels of LOYAL ARMY. He said he had intended to shift back in behind that horse, however, when presented without cover MEGABUCKS improved to the outside of LOYAL ARMY and he was not able to shift back in behind that horse. He said he followed FUN rounding the Home Turn and when he elected to go to the outside of that horse, MEGABUCKS was taken wider when FUN shifted out when giving ground. He said due to MEGABUCKS being taken very wide on the turn, the horse was unbalanced in its action.  He said he placed his mount under pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, in his opinion MEGABUCKS did not respond to his riding, therefore he elected not to continue to ride the horse out vigorously in the Straight. J Lloyd was advised that his riding of MEGABUCKS passing the 600 Metres had come under notice and that he should make more of an attempt to remain racing behind LOYAL ARMY as by shifting out at this time, this allowed CARS KING PRAWN to shift away from the fence to follow LOYAL ARMY. He was further advised that he has an obligation to ride his mounts in such a manner which leaves no room for query and in similar circumstances he would be expected to continue riding his mount out until the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of MEGABUCKS and FUN after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SHY BALDY after the race revealed that the horse was an early “roarer”. LOYAL ARMY and CARS KING PRAWN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NUGGET WARRIOR had lost its right front plate.