28/10/2007  Happy Valley  Race 8

Shortly after the start, CRYSTAL was bumped by SOLAR MIGHTY which was carried out by WINNING FELLOWSHIP. Also shortly after the start, MULTO EXPRESSO and CONGRATULATION bumped. Near the 1100 Metres, MULTO EXPRESSO was checked when crowded for room between LUCKY FRUIT and CONGRATULATION which continued to shift in after initially being carried in by TYCOON TAYLOR. No action was taken. At the 1100 Metres, CRYSTAL was steadied away from the heels of SOLAR MIGHTY after being bumped by HAPPY GO LUCKY which shifted in. In this incident, HAPPY GO LUCKY also became unbalanced. From on straightening until after the 150 Metres, LUCKY FRUIT had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the early part of the Home Straight, CONGRATULATION hung in. At the 150 Metres, LUCKY FRUIT was checked when disappointed for running between TYCOON TAYLOR and HAPPY GO LUCKY (B Prebble) which shifted out. As the Stewards were not satisfied LUCKY FRUIT had properly established rightful running, B Prebble was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. Near the 100 Metres, CONGRATULATION, which was improving towards a narrow run, was checked when crowded for room between SOLAR MIGHTY and TYCOON TAYLOR which was taken out slightly by HAPPY GO LUCKY which shifted slightly further. B Prebble was severely reprimanded and told he would be expected to stop riding and straighten sooner than he did on this occasion. When questioned, S K Sit (SOLAR MIGHTY), which had drawn barrier 2, explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position. He said accordingly he rode his mount along in the early stages and approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres when CHATER POWER which was clear of him shifted across, he endeavoured to steady his mount. He said when he did this SOLAR MIGHTY got its head up, raced ungenerously and shifted out. He said when this happened, HAPPY GO LUCKY improved to his inside and as a consequence he then travelled in a three wide position for the remainder of the race and after the 800 Metres was left racing without cover. After the race, SOLAR MIGHTY was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had significant abrasions/ulceration to the inside of its left cheek which in his opinion had been present for a number of days. After taking some evidence from Mr A Lee regarding this condition, the Stewards adjourned the matter to a date to be fixed. Before being allowed to race again, SOLAR MIGHTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Beadman (PLEZAYRE) said he had been instructed to go forward on the horse and endeavour to find a position with cover, however, if the pace of the race was not quick, it would even be satisfactory for him to lead. He said PLEZAYRE was standing awkwardly in the barriers and leaning in against the inside of the stalls as the start was effected. As a consequence of this PLEZAYRE was slow to begin. He said on jumping the horses drawn to his inside and outside both shifted ground which meant it was not possible for him to improve his position, he therefore immediately elected to steady PLEZAYRE, shift it across behind runners and ride for luck. He said throughout the race PLEZAYRE only travelled fairly and on occasions made an abnormal breathing noise. He did say in his opinion this was because the horse was holding its breath. CONGRATULATION was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CONGRATULATION after the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING FELLOWSHIP, CHATER POWER and BEAUTIFUL DREAMER were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 29 October 2007) After the race, SOLAR MIGHTY was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time the horse had significant abrasions/ulceration to the inside of its left cheek. SOLAR MIGHTY was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be have a swollen left hind cannon with a cut. As previously advised, SOLAR MIGHTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.