05/12/2007  Happy Valley  Race 3

MEGA BULLET and CLASSA WIN were slow to begin, then lost further ground when crowded for room between WATCHMAN and NEW COMMAND, both of which shifted ground. In the early stages, SUPER FIGHTER was taken back across behind runners. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, LIMONCELLO was checked to avoid the heels of NEW COMMAND (T Durcan) which shifted in when not properly clear. In the circumstances, T Durcan was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. On straightening, CLASSA WIN clipped the heels of JOYFUL WORLD, blundered and fell, resulting in D Oliver, its rider, being dislodged. BIG KAHUNA, which was following, was hampered and shifted out. SOHNA, which was also following, was hampered and shifted in and SUPER FIGHTER was inconvenienced. In the opinion of the Stewards, the fall was accidental. Near the 50 Metres, MEGA BULLET, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied when unable to obtain clear running between LIMONCELLO and PICTURE PERFECT. Over the concluding stages, SUPER FIGHTER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CHAMPION LAD which shifted in. For the major part of the race, FREEBIRD hung out. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SOHNA, C Soumillon explained he had been instructed from the outside barrier to take the horse across behind runners and endeavour to make ground over the final 300 Metres. He said SOHNA put its head up at the start, was slow to begin and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. He said after this he shifted to race on the rail, however, SOHNA did not travel well at any stage of the race. He said SOHNA received interference shortly after straightening, however, this was of little significance as the horse was most disappointing in the manner in which it finished the race off afterwards. SOHNA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SOHNA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOHNA was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, SOHNA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BIG KAHUNA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BIG KAHUNA after the race did not show any significant findings. CHAMPION LAD and JOYFUL WORLD were sent for sampling.