05/06/2008  Happy Valley  Race 7

GALACTIC TACTIC was withdrawn on 4.6.08 by order of the Stewards (see notice published on 4.6.08) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter VICTORY CONQUEROR (D Beadman). WINNESSY was slow to begin. VICTORY CONQUEROR began awkwardly, shifted in, bumped the hindquarters of STAR OF FAME and then was taken across behind runners. Shortly after the start, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was bumped by CENTURY SUPER STAR. From a wide barrier, TOY STORY was taken back in the early stages. Throughout the race, THUNDER DANCING travelled without cover, hung out and making the first turn shifted wider. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, WINNESSY was steadied away from the heels of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC which shifted in. Prior to straightening, WINNESSY bumped the running rail and became unbalanced after initially being tightened for room inside VICTORY CONQUEROR (D Beadman) which after shifting in slightly made contact with WINNESSY and then was turned in further. TOY STORY, which was following, was checked to avoid the heels of WINNESSY. D Beadman was told to exercise greater care. At the 100 Metres, VICTORY CONQUEROR, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted to the outside of HAR HAR CHARMS to continue going forward. In the Straight, STAR OF FAME hung in. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC, D Whyte said his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early stages, however, near the 700 Metres commenced to travel in a manner which indicated to him that his mount was not suited on tonight's shifting surface. He said at no stage after the 700 Metres did CONFUCIUS CLASSIC feel comfortable and lacked dash when placed under pressure in the Straight. CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of OCEAN TRANQUIL, Z Purton said his mount began well, felt unbalanced in its action making the first turn, then after entering the Back Straight changed stride on a number of occasions. He said he rode his mount along to hold its position after the 800 Metres, however, it was reluctant to do so. He said because of the manner in which OCEAN TRANQUIL was galloping, he felt the horse might have bled. He said because of this near the 700 Metres he looked down at his breeches to see if he could detect any blood. He said when he did not see any blood, he then recommenced riding OCEAN TRANQUIL along, however, the horse did not respond. He said after straightening when OCEAN TRANQUIL was giving ground and he continued to be concerned with the manner in which the horse was galloping, he did not ride it out to the end of the race and eased it down. Mr C Fownes, trainer of OCEAN TRANQUIL, said he had given the horse a light preparation for tonight's race due to the distance being 1200 Metres which in his opinion is short of the horse's best performance at this stage of its career. He said after the horse last raced in early March, he elected to give it a freshen up. He said he was satisfied with OCEAN TRANQUIL leading into tonight's race and because of this he advised the connections that he believed the horse would be at least a good place chance. OCEAN TRANQUIL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OCEAN TRANQUIL after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of OCEAN TRANQUIL was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, OCEAN TRANQUIL 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 Mossé (ESPERANZA) said he had been instructed to ride his mount in a midfield or better position if possible. He said when the horse was successful at its last start over the same course and distance, ESPERANZA when being ridden along obtained a prominent position in the early stages. He said tonight he was required to make use of ESPERANZA in an endeavour to carry out his riding instructions as the horse did not show the same early speed. He said ESPERANZA travelled only fairly and failed to finish the race off. He said after the race he advised Mr P O'Sullivan, trainer of ESPERANZA, that the horse may now be better suited by stepping back up in distance. ESPERANZA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ESPERANZA after the race did not show any significant findings. COUNTRY MAGIC and CENTURY SUPER STAR were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 6 June 2008) The Veterinary Officer reported that VICTORY CONQUEROR was this morning found to have an ulcer to the left eye. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY CONQUEROR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.