12/09/2007  Happy Valley  Race 3

TOUCH DOWN was slow to begin and then taken across behind runners. LA MERVEILLE was slow to muster speed in the early stages and then lost ground when awkwardly placed between SILVERBIRD and STEP FORWARD. CAPTAIN BUNNY, which had been ridden along from the wide draw, travelled wide and without cover for the major part of the race. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, DANZIGMOUNTAIN, which was racing tight outside LA MERVEILLE, was steadied to avoid the heels of CHINA SPORTFIELD (B Prebble) which shifted in when not quite clear. B Prebble was advised to exercise care. At the 1200 Metres, CHALLENGER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CAPTAIN BUNNY. Approaching the 400 Metres, WONG'S FAVOURITE became unbalanced when tightened for room inside DRAGON STRIDE which shifted in momentarily. Also approaching the 400 Metres, CHALLENGER became unbalanced and lost ground when awkwardly placed between LA MERVEILLE and CAPTAIN BUNNY which commenced to give ground. At the 50 Metres, LA MERVEILLE was bumped by STRIKE TO WIN which shifted out. Over the concluding stages, WONG'S FAVOURITE shifted wide when being ridden out. Just prior to the winning post, STRIKE TO WIN was crowded for room between KNIGHT TEMPLAR and LA MERVEILLE (E Saint-Martin) which shifted in. E Saint-Martin was reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. Because of this crowding, STRIKE TO WIN was not ridden out right to the end of the race. DRAGON STRIDE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, DRAGON STRIDE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. CHINA SPORTFIELD, LA MERVEILLE and TOUCH DOWN were sent for sampling.