24/10/2007  Happy Valley  Race 3

TRIUMPHANT GLORY was withdrawn on raceday afternoon by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (laceration wound to left hind cannon). Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPHANT GLORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CRUSH ON YOU, PROGRESSING TIMES and TOP SPEED were slow to begin. At the 900 Metres, GREAT HERO lost ground when being steadied away from the heels of DIVINE TOUCH which at this time was momentarily steadied away from the heels of SUNNY GOLF which shifted across when barely clear. Throughout the race, DIVINE TOUCH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding in the early part of the Straight, Apprentice K L Chui (CRUSH ON YOU) explained he had ridden his mount along hands and heels throughout the race, however, the horse did not have sufficient speed to stay in touch with the main body of the field. He said in the early part of the Straight he continued to ride CRUSH ON YOU hands and heels because he felt the horse would shift in if ridden with the whip. He said CRUSH ON YOU made fair ground and after the 200 Metres when being ridden out did shift in towards SIMPLY JOY. Apprentice Chui was told his riding in the early part of the Straight had come under notice and he should ride his mounts in a manner which is not open to query. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CHINA HERO, A Delpech said in his opinion the horse did not appear properly balanced racing with the rail in the C+3 position. He said the intention had been to lead if possible or if not sit on the fence behind the leader. He said CHINA HERO did not show sufficient speed to cross to the lead and he was then not able to obtain a position behind SUNNY GOLF. As a consequence, CHINA HERO raced outside the leader and did not relax. He said when CHINA HERO has raced in this manner in the past, it has also performed poorly. The performance of CHINA HERO, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, CHINA HERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHINA HERO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CHINA HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. FEEL-SO-GOOD and ONE TOUCH were sent for sampling.