17/04/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

OLE OLE shifted in and bumped VITALITY EXPRESS on jumping. From the outside barrier, CHEER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance near the 2000 Metres, JAMESINA got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of VITALITY EXPRESS. Passing the 500 Metres, OLE OLE was held up for clear running behind VITALITY EXPRESS which was commencing to give ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of VITALITY EXPRESS, D Whyte stated that approaching the 700 Metres his mount commenced to make an abnormal breathing noise. He said he rode the horse along for some distance after this to have it improve its position, however, VITALITY EXPRESS continued to make an abnormal breathing noise. He said he considered retiring the horse out of the event, however, as VITALITY EXPRESS was maintaining its position, he continued to ride the horse along.  He added rounding the Home Turn VITALITY EXPRESS became unbalanced and knuckled over and when the horse gave ground quickly, he eased it out of the race. He said when being eased out of the race, VITALITY EXPRESS continued to make an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of VITALITY EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. Before being permitted to race again, VITALITY EXPRESS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CHEER after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, CHEER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FEARLESS after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. PACKING OK and SUPER PISTACHIO were sent for sampling.