18/06/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

FANTUZZI was withdrawn on 17.6.08 by order of the Stewards (see notice published on 17.6.08). On jumping, WONDERFUL BLESSING was taken across behind runners. Shortly after the start, NORTHERNER lost its position when crowded for room between ELECTRONICS SPUR and WARM EMBRACES. In the early stages, HAPPY CRUSADER travelled wide and without cover and approaching the 1200 Metres was steadied and taken to a position behind CALIFORNIA BISHOP. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, CALIFORNIA BISHOP was checked severely when crowded for room between AMSTERDAM which after improving to the outside of KING ACRYLIC was carried out by that horse which had been hanging out for some distance and at this time shifted ground and HAPPY CRUSADER which was carried in by PRIME TARGET which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, HAPPY CRUSADER also lost its position. In the circumstances, no action was taken. H W Lai (CALIFORNIA BISHOP) reported after his mount was checked at the 600 Metres, it failed to respond to his riding on tonight’s track conditions. Near the 500 Metres, CALIFORNIA BISHOP and KOWLOON FIT bumped M Du Plessis (KOWLOON FIT) reported after this bump, his mount failed to respond to his riding on tonight’s track conditions. For the major part of the race, PRIME TARGET travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble (WONDERFUL BLESSING) explained in the early part of the Straight his mount responded fairly to his riding. He said near the 200 Metres WONDERFUL BLESSING commenced to shift wider on the track, got its head up and stopped responding to his riding. He said because of this he looked down to ensure nothing was amiss with WONDERFUL BLESSING before resuming riding his mount out fully to the end of the race. CALIFORNIA BISHOP was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA BISHOP after the race did not show any significant findings. PRIME TARGET and AMSTERDAM were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 19 June 2008) CALIFORNIA BISHOP, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CALIFORNIA BISHOP was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have restricted action. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA BISHOP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.