15/04/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

BUMPER STRIKE was withdrawn on 14.4.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HEI HEI POSH (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, BUMPER STRIKE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DARK SECRET, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and lost ground. ROMANCING TAMAR began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, ABSOLUTE FANTASY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, HEI HEI POSH raced with its head on the side and was inclined to lay out. Near the 1100 Metres, MING HOI TREASURE was left racing wide and without cover. HOME WITH GLORY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 150 Metres, DARK SECRET and CONNOISSEUR’S PICK bumped after racing tight. The Stewards interviewed B Prebble, the rider of HEI HEI POSH, after Mr C S Shum, the trainer of that horse, lodged a complaint with the Stewards in respect of Jockey Prebble’s demeanour following the race. B Prebble stated that HEI HEI POSH did not travel well at any stage of today’s race and its action deteriorated in the Home Straight when it was under pressure. B Prebble acknowledged that he had not provided an adequate amount of feedback to Mr Shum regarding the manner in which HEI HEI POSH had raced today and expressed a measure of contrition for failing to fulfil his obligation in this respect. B Prebble was told that he must at all times conduct himself in a professional manner. A veterinary inspection of HEI HEI POSH and ISTIDE after the race did not show any significant findings. CONNOISSEUR’S PICK, ABSOLUTE FANTASY and MING HOI TREASURE were sent for sampling.