07/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

CHATER DE LAGO began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped GALLANT FALCON which then was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPH. After this despite being ridden along, GALLANT FALCON did not muster speed. Throughout the race, MULTO EXPRESSO travelled wide and without cover and after the 500 Metres was bumped by KEY WINNER which endeavoured to shift out. At the 200 Metres, PERFECT MATCH, which was commencing to close the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of BLISS STAR which was giving ground. The declaration of weighed-in was deferred as the Stewards were of the opinion an incident occurred at the 200 Metres which cast doubt as to whether TRIUMPH ought to be declared the winner of the race. Consideration was given to a protest/objection lodged by B Prebble (LE ROSSIGNOL), 2nd placegetter, against TRIUMPH (M Du Plessis) being declared the winner for alleged interference at the 200 Metres. It was established that at the 200 Metres TRIUMPH shifted in when not clear of LE ROSSIGNOL which had established running to its inside. Because of this, LE ROSSIGNOL was momentarily steadied and shifted out across the heels of TRIUMPH. Having in mind the manner in which both horses finished the race off and the short head margin between the horses at the finish, the Stewards were of the opinion that had the inconvenience to LE ROSSIGNOL which did occur not taken place, LE ROSSIGNOL would have finished in front of TRIUMPH, therefore the protest/objection was sustained and the placings amended to 1st, No. 3, LE ROSSIGNOL; 2nd, No. 11, TRIUMPH; 3rd, No. 10, KEY WINNER; and 4th, No. 6, KINGSTON WINNER. Subsequently M Du Plessis was reprimanded and told he should ensure he is properly clear of other runners before shifting ground. Over the concluding stages, CHATER DE LAGO improved close to the heels of TRIUMPH. Because of this, CHATER DE LAGO was not ridden out right to the end of the race. MULTO EXPRESSO was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of MULTO EXPRESSO after the race did not show any significant findings. LE ROSSIGNOL and TRIUMPH were sent for sampling.