31/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 3

BLADE FORCE was withdrawn on 29.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (coughing and inappetant) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BULB TREASURE. As previously advised, BLADE FORCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. GLORY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped PERFECT TEN which itself began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, AMAZING FORTUNE and SPEEDY were crowded for room between SUPREME GOLD which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by SPEEDY and FUN RIDER which shifted out after being bumped by MARS EXPRESS. From the outside barrier, FULL PACK was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SUPREME GOLD got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of AMAZING FORTUNE. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, BULB TREASURE became unbalanced and got its head in the air when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLORY which shifted out slightly. After this, GLORY, when being restrained, got its head in the air on a number of occasions and proved very difficult to settle. Approaching the 800 Metres, MARS EXPRESS got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BULB TREASURE. Passing the 600 Metres, PERFECT TEN was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of BULB TREASURE which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Also passing the 600 Metres, MARS EXPRESS got its head on the side and hung out. Shortly after entering the Straight, FULL PACK shifted out away from the heels of AMAZING FORTUNE which itself shifted out at this time. The performance of GLORY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLORY 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 regarding the disappointing performance of SUPREME GOLD, J Lloyd stated that from barrier 10 he had been instructed to obtain a position in midfield with cover. He said in order to obtain cover, he was obliged to race further back in the field than had been hoped and, in his opinion, due to SUPREME GOLD lacking a turn of foot, the horse may not have been suited by having to be ridden back in the field tonight. A veterinary inspection of GLORY and SUPREME GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. FUN RIDER and PERFECT TEN were sent for sampling.