28/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

While being transported to the course, KEEN SPIRIT sustained an abrasion to the left hock. KEEN SPIRIT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After arriving at the Start, D Beadman expressed concern over the action of REWARDING STAR during the preliminary. REWARDING STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was stiff, had a restricted hindlimb action and was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of REWARDING STAR. Before being allowed to race again, REWARDING STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PERFECT MATCH and CLASSA WIN were slow to begin. In the early stages, KAISER’S CHOIX travelled wide and without cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SUPER IDEAL got its head on the side, shifted in and brushed the hindquarters of PERFECT MATCH, then in the Home Straight hung in badly and proved difficult to ride. After the 1200 Metres, TREMENDOUS PLUS was left racing wide and without cover. After the 250 Metres, CLASSA WIN improved into a narrow run between ME THE BEST and SUDDEN SPLENDOR. When questioned, M Du Plessis (KEEN SPIRIT) explained he had been advised prior to the race the horse at its last start went forward from a wide barrier and was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. He said therefore tonight when the horse again drew a wide barrier he was instructed to take the horse across behind runners in the early stages and endeavour to have it finish its race off. He said he rode his mount in accordance with these instructions and travelled with the rear of the field throughout. He said KEEN SPIRIT became unbalanced on the corners, generally travelled greenly throughout and finished the race off only fairly. He said in his opinion KEEN SPIRIT raced in a manner which indicated it lacks maturity. SUDDEN SPLENDOR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SUDDEN SPLENDOR was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SUDDEN SPLENDOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WAVY PEAK and PERFECT MATCH were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 29 May 2008) SUDDEN SPLENDOR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. SUDDEN SPLENDOR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer Y S Tsui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have sustained an injury to the right front tendon. As previously advised, SUDDEN SPLENDOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.