05/06/2008  Happy Valley  Race 5

Shortly after the start, DASHING CHAMPION lost its position when crowded for room between JOYFUL YEARS and PUERTO RICO which was carried in slightly by BILLION (Y T Cheng). Y T Cheng was advised to exercise greater care. After the 1500 Metres, CLASSIC KING, which was shifting in, bumped the hindquarters of DASHING CHAMPION which was shifting out. As a result, DASHING CHAMPION became unbalanced and shifted further out, causing CLASSIC KING to lose its rightful running between that horse and KEY WINNER which shifted in. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Making the first turn, JUGGERNAUT was left racing wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres was ridden along to go forward to cross to a one off position. For the major part of the race, PUERTO RICO hung out, making the Home Turn hung out badly and finished tailed off. The performance of PUERTO RICO was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, PUERTO RICO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. G Boss reported after the race he noted JUGGERNAUT to have its tongue over the bit. After the race, Z Purton (CHINA SPORTFIELD) reported at no stage of the race did his mount stride out as he thought it should and because of this he did not ride it out over the final 200 Metres. The performance of CHINA SPORTFIELD, which finished distanced, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, CHINA SPORTFIELD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PUERTO RICO, JUGGERNAUT and CHINA SPORTFIELD were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PUERTO RICO, JUGGERNAUT and CHINA SPORTFIELD after the race did not show any significant findings. BILLION and TRIUMPH were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 6 June 2008) CHINA SPORTFIELD, which performed poorly, was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CHINA SPORTFIELD was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg. As previously advised, CHINA SPORTFIELD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.