20/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 9

KING ON EARTH began awkwardly, then shifted in and bumped ROYAL KNIGHT. NAPA II was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1200 Metres, GOOD LUCK WIN, which was laying out, shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER CAGA. B Prebble (O’REILLY MAGIC) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that B Prebble had been penalized for previous offences. When questioned, Apprentice T H So stated that THUNDER DANCING commenced to hang out badly passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said at this time he attempted to shift the horse across to race outside OCEAN PRINCE, however, due to the horse hanging out, THUNDER DANCING was not able to shift across outside that runner. He said he allowed his mount to stride forward in the hope that THUNDER DANCING would race more tractably, however, THUNDER DANCING continued to hang out badly. He said on entering the Back Straight he hoped that the horse would improve its position to clear GOOD LUCK WIN to his inside. He added however that he was reluctant to ride the horse along at this time as he felt that it would hang out worse were he to place it under pressure. He said due to the manner in which THUNDER DANCING was racing, the horse travelled very wide. The performance of THUNDER DANCING was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, THUNDER DANCING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of OCEAN PRINCE after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, OCEAN PRINCE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ROYAL KNIGHT, O’REILLY MAGIC and SILVER SUN were sent for sampling.