19/12/2007  Happy Valley  Race 5

After the 1600 Metres, DR WELL was steadied when awkwardly placed between DR POSSI and KINGSGATE GLORY. For the major part of the race, QUALITY-QUALITY hung in, near the 500 Metres was unable to maintain its position between JUBILOSO and BUTTERFIELD, then approaching the 200 Metres was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of DR POSSI which was giving ground. After this, QUALITY-QUALITY then had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not properly tested. Also for the major part of the race, BUTTERFIELD travelled wide and without cover. G Mossé (NOBLE HEART) said he had discussed how the horse should be ridden with the connections prior to the race. He said it was agreed NOBLE HEART should not be made use of to take advantage of its inside barrier in the early stages, but rather allowed to travel where it was comfortable. He said NOBLE HEART began awkwardly and lost ground, he then allowed the horse to travel where it was comfortable. He said after entering the Back Straight he shifted out to follow DR WELL, however, that horse was being ridden along without improving its position. He said because of this he shifted back in to follow ELFHELM, however, when that horse quickened making the Home Turn, despite his riding NOBLE HEART was unable to follow it through. He said in the Straight NOBLE HEART closed the race off fairly. When questioned regarding the poor performance of DR POSSI, C Soumillon said his mount travelled comfortably in a forward position as anticipated. He said coming onto the Home Turn DR POSSI gave him the feel that it would figure in the finish of the race, however, when under pressure in the Straight did not quicken. He said the work of DR POSSI leading into tonight’s race had in his opinion been good and he was not able to account for the horse’s performance. Trainer C H Yip was unable to offer an explanation for the poor performance of DR POSSI. He said the horse was fancied by the stable tonight on the strength of its good track work since its last start. DR POSSI was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DR POSSI after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DR POSSI, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, DR POSSI will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BUTTERFIELD was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of BUTTERFIELD after the race did not show any significant findings. ELFHELM and VICTORY TREASURE were sent for sampling.