30/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

At declaration time, G Boss was mistakenly declared as the rider of HARRY HARRY when G Mossé had been formally engaged to ride the horse. Mr K L Man, trainer of HARRY HARRY, was fined $2,000 for this error. On jumping, WONDERFUL BLESSING and ROMANTIC GREEN bumped. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, CHAMPION LAD, which was being shifted in, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER SURPRISE, got its head up and was checked. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, WONG'S FAVOURITE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FRONTIER and tight inside SWEET BABY. At the 300 Metres, SUPER SURPRISE was checked when disappointed for running between WONG'S FAVOURITE and WONDERFUL BLESSING. H W Lai (BARRACUDA), which tailed out after having travelled wide and without cover throughout, reported at no stage of the race did his mount handle tonight's track conditions. The performance of BARRACUDA was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, BARRACUDA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SWEET BABY, G Boss said his mount travelled satisfactorily until after the 700 Metres. He said at this time he shifted to a three wide position in an endeavour to improve, however, SWEET BABY did not respond to his riding. He said in his opinion the poor performance of SWEET BABY was attributable to it not handling tonight's track conditions. E Saint-Martin (WONDERFUL BLESSING) said his mount travelled satisfactorily throughout the race until entering the Home Straight where it did not respond to his riding and gave ground quickly. WONDERFUL BLESSING, SOARING DRAGON and BARRACUDA were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WONDERFUL BLESSING and BARRACUDA after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, SOARING DRAGON was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart beat. Before being permitted to race again, SOARING DRAGON will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WONG'S FAVOURITE and FRONTIER were sent for sampling.