10/11/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

From the outside barrier, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, FOR AARON got its head up and proved difficult to settle. After the 800 Metres, GO FAY FAY was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé stated that it had been intended for ACHILLES OF TROY to race in a handy position. He said that after being loaded, ACHILLES OF TROY turned its head to the right on two occasions and as the start was effected was leaning against the outside of its stall. He said ACHILLES OF TROY was then crowded for room between SOARING RIVER and PAR EXCELLENCE shortly after the start which resulted in the horse racing further back than had been intended. He said approaching the 500 Metres he was following ASTROKID and when that horse shifted out, he attempted to improve his position between ASTROKID and SOARING RIVER, however, at this time SOARING RIVER shifted out to improve around the runner in front of it and therefore he was not able to continue riding ACHILLES OF TROY forward. He said passing the 400 Metres ASTROKID shifted out further and as a result he was able to ride ACHILLES OF TROY along in an endeavour to improve his position. He said ACHILLES OF TROY quickened well in the early part of the Straight, however, approaching the 100 Metres was awkwardly placed when unable to improve between MY TIME and PAR EXCELLENCE. He said as he was not able to obtain clear running between these horses, ACHILLES OF TROY was not able to be tested over the concluding stages. He added that after passing the winning post ACHILLES OF TROY faltered in its action and then trotted back lame. A veterinary inspection of ACHILLES OF TROY after the race revealed that the horse was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ACHILLES OF TROY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC in the Straight, J Lloyd stated that prior to the turn he commenced to ride CONFUCIUS CLASSIC along to have it improve its position. He said after initially riding the horse along in the early part of the Straight, he became concerned with the action of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC as it appeared to him to shorten stride. He said for this reason he momentarily hesitated in his riding of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC approaching the 200 Metres. He said he then resumed riding CONFUCIUS CLASSIC along until the end of the race, however, in his opinion, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC did not feel right in its action. A veterinary inspection of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHOWTIME, OUR PEGASUS and SUPER PLUS were sent for sampling. <11/11/2010 Additional Veterinary Reports>CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer S Woods this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. As previously advised, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.