05/03/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

PRIME DELIGHT was withdrawn on 4.3.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left fore tendon). Before being allowed to race again, PRIME DELIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, SOUNDS BEST was steadied and taken across behind runners. From the outside barrier, LHOJONG was taken across behind runners. In the early and middle stages, GALEN WIN proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied away from the heels of NILOMETER. Also in the early and middle stages, ROCKET WIN proved difficult to settle. At the 1500 Metres, YOUNG HERO was steadied away from the heels of INFINITE DELIGHT while racing tight outside ROCKET WIN. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, YOUNG HERO had difficulty obtaining clear running. Throughout the race, ELFHELM travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. G Boss (TOM'S SIX) said he had been instructed to ride the horse in 4th, 5th or 6th position. He said TOM'S SIX began well and when there was no pace in the early stages, he allowed TOM'S SIX to stride forward to cross runners to his inside so as not to be left racing wide without cover. He said he did not ride TOM'S SIX along, however, the tempo of the race was such that the horse was able to cross and race outside the leader without being pressured to do so. Mr C Fownes, trainer of TOM'S SIX, confirmed the riding instructions issued to G Boss and said the horse travelled more prominently than intended. YOUNG HERO and ELFHELM were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG HERO and ELFHELM after the race did not show any significant findings. GALEN WIN, TOM'S SIX and NILOMETER were sent for sampling.