31/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

DANZULU was withdrawn on 29.3.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HAPPY PRESTIGE. Before being allowed to race again, DANZULU will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded, CALIFORNIA MEMORY became fractious and kicked out repeatedly. CALIFORNIA MEMORY was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained a wound to the right thigh and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of CALIFORNIA MEMORY. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA MEMORY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PACKING BUDDY (H W Lai) blundered on jumping and then was checked when crowded for room between REALLY HAPPY and FORTUNE RED PEPPER which shifted out abruptly at the start. PACKING BUDDY was then ridden to obtain a forward position, however, near the 1600 Metres was steadied away from the heels of REALLY HAPPY. When caught three wide and without cover, PACKING BUDDY was allowed to stride forward approaching the 1200 Metres, however, travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. H W Lai reported that in the early stages his saddle shifted back, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. This was confirmed on the official video. Shortly after the start, HAPPY PRESTIGE was crowded for room between MY HOME TOWN and HAPPY SEVEN which shifted out. After this, HAPPY PRESTIGE was taken across behind runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, MY HOME TOWN was momentarily crowded for room inside PACKING BUDDY which shifted in slightly. Near the 1300 Metres, ROYAL PANACHE was steadied when crowded for room between HAPPY PRESTIGE which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOVIET PEARL and ALWAYS SOMETHING which shifted in slightly before being directed outwards to relieve the tightening to ROYAL PANACHE. Rounding the Home Turn, ALWAYS SOMETHING was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE RED PEPPER. A veterinary inspection of PACKING BUDDY after the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE RED PEPPER and ALWAYS SOMETHING were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JOYFUL WINNER had lost its right hind plate.