28/04/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

LEO’S PRIDE, which was leaning against the outside of its barrier, was slow to begin. From wide barriers, ROYAL KNIGHT and O’REILLY MAGIC were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. A short distance after the start, MERIDIAN PRIDE was checked when crowded for room between HOLIDAY SUN which shifted out and MASTER GUNNER which was taken in slightly by GREAT GUY. Near the 1300 Metres, MERIDIAN PRIDE was checked when briefly crowded for room inside MASTER GUNNER which shifted in slightly. When MERIDIAN PRIDE was checked, it shifted out, resulting in ROYAL KNIGHT and O’REILLY MAGIC being taken out. At the 400 Metres, HOLIDAY SUN was steadied when disappointed for running between SUPERNOVA and MASTER GUNNER which improved quickly around HOLIDAY SUN. SUPERNOVA was not able to obtain clear running until the 150 Metres whilst TEAM WORK was badly held up for the majority of the Straight. Throughout the race, MOON CHASER travelled wide and without cover. W C Marwing pleaded guilty to a charge of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride the 6th placegetter, SUPERNOVA, to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. W C Marwing was fined a sum of $20,000. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of O’REILLY MAGIC, B Prebble was not able to offer any explanation. He said from a wide barrier O’REILLY MAGIC travelled back in the field but was under pressure as far out as the 1000 Metres from the finish to maintain its position. He said O’REILLY MAGIC did not respond to his riding at any stage of the race. A veterinary inspection of O’REILLY MAGIC after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. In the circumstances, the performance of O’REILLY MAGIC was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, O’REILLY MAGIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. O’REILLY MAGIC, HOLIDAY SUN and ROYAL KNIGHT were sent for sampling.