09/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

NOBLE SILENCE was slow to begin. In the early stages, BEST POWER was taken across behind runners. Also in the early stages, MY LUCK proved difficult to settle and after entering the Back Straight was shifted into a three wide position and allowed to stride forward into the lead. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, DIAMOND ERA was hampered and carried wider by NOBLE SILENCE (A Delpech) which was endeavouring to establish running on the outside of SUPER WONGCHOY. A Delpech was advised to exercise care. Near the 400 Metres, NOBLE SILENCE and SUPER WONGCHOY were checked away from the heels of THE WITCH’S BROOM which at this time was carried back through the field by DR WELL which was giving ground. No action was taken. Approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER WONGCHOY was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running. DR WELL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DR WELL after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DR WELL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, DR WELL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FAT DRAGON and PRIME DELIGHT were sent for sampling. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on BEST POWER at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Officer said this examination showed the horse to have an epiglottic entrapment.