07/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

UNITED EFFORTS was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality ). Before being allowed to race again, UNITED EFFORTS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After arriving at the Start, IRON FIST had its left front plate reset. IRON FIST was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From wide barriers, ELFHELM and BUTTERFIELD were taken back in the early stages. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, SOUNDS BEST was steadied away from the heels of TOM'S SIX. At the 1300 Metres, BUTTERFIELD became unbalanced after bumping the hindquarters of ELFHELM. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, NILOMETER hung in. Making the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, FAT DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NILOMETER and tight inside TOM' SIX. At the 200 Metres, NILOMETER, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied to avoid the heels of IRON FIST which at this time was carried wider by ENTHUSED (O Doleuze ) which shifted out. FAT DRAGON, which was following, was steadied in consequence. O Doleuze was told in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. When questioned regarding his riding of FIRM OFFER, E Saint-Martin said the intention was to ride the horse further forward than is usual tonight in a position about midfield with cover. He said FIRM OFFER began satisfactorily, a line of horses drawn to his inside initially held their position and because of this approaching the winning post on the first occasion he came back on FIRM OFFER in the hope of being able to obtain a position with cover. He said as he did this BUTTERFIELD which had drawn to his outside was ridden along to improve in a two wide line and he was therefore left racing three wide and without cover. He said after the 1300 Metres FIRM OFFER began to over-race and travelled keenly when racing without cover into the Back Straight. He said after the 900 Metres FIRM OFFER travelled more kindly and he did not ride along to maintain his position as he felt the horse would again commence to over-race. He said making the turn at the 600 Metres BUTTERFIELD shifted out on his inside and carried FIRM OFFER wider. He said prior to straightening he placed FIRM OFFER under pressure, rode his mount hands and heels, however, it failed to respond to his riding. He said near the 200 Metres he pulled the whip on FIRM OFFER, however, when the horse gave no response he did not persevere in riding his mount out. E Saint-Martin was told his explanation would be reported and he should where circumstances permit make every effort not to cover unnecessary ground throughout races. FIRM OFFER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FIRM OFFER after the race did not show any significant findings. ENTHUSED, IRON FIST and TOM'S SIX were sent for sampling.