24/02/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

FORTUNE DRAGON was slow to begin and then shortly after the start became unbalanced when bumped by TREMENDOUS PLUS which shifted in. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TREMENDOUS PLUS was steadied away from the heels of ALMIGHTY which shifted in. Near the 200 Metres, FANTASTIC DANCER, which was held up for clear running, was steadied away from the heels of CENTRAL ROLE. A short distance later, FANTASTIC DANCER was again awkwardly placed close to the heels of CENTRAL ROLE which shifted out. Throughout the race, HARRY HARRY travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards spoke to B Prebble, the rider of VICTORY MASCOT, regarding conduct he displayed in his celebratory gesture after passing the winning post. B Prebble was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his actions were inappropriate and could present a safety issue not only to himself but also to other horses and riders. B Prebble was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right rump/thigh. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that B Prebble had been penalized for previous offences. A veterinary inspection of ALMIGHTY after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. VICTORY MASCOT and TREMENDOUS PLUS were sent for sampling.