19/11/2008  Happy Valley  Race 4

After arriving at the Happy Valley holding stables, it was noted SERIOUS PLAY had a blood stain on its right nostril. SERIOUS PLAY was examined by the Veterinary Officer including an endoscopic examination. He said there was no blood present in the right nasal passage and in his opinion the horse was suitable to race. Whilst in the holding stalls, LIGHTNING MOUNT had its right hind plate refitted. LIGHTNING MOUNT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TRAVEL LEADER, which became fractious as the start was effected, was slow to begin. KINGSTON TEMPLE was slow into stride. Shortly after the start, FISHKING EXCELLENT and ALL FOR ONE were tightened for room between HEADINGLEY and LIGHTNING MOUNT. Prior to straightening, DENDRANTHEMA LOVE was checked when crowded for room between HAPPY HEROES and LIGHTNING MOUNT which was carried out slightly by OCTAGONAL CANYON which when improving towards the run on the outside of DECAGONAL was carried out by that horse which shifted out to avoid the heels of HEADINGLEY which commenced to give ground. In the circumstances, no action was taken. On straightening, LIGHTNING MOUNT was steadied away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON which shifted out into clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, DECAGONAL got its head on the side and hung in behind KINGSTON TEMPLE. For some distance after the 200 Metres, DECAGONAL continued to hang in and was reluctant to shift out from behind KINGSTON TEMPLE into clear running. For the major part of the race, ALL FOR ONE travelled wide and without cover. D Beadman (HEADINGLEY) said the intention had been to take a position with cover behind the lead if possible. He said HEADINGLEY was having its first start over 1800 Metres tonight and after beginning well he allowed his mount to go forward and cross to the fence in the lead. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion HEADINGLEY commenced to over-race badly and hang out. He said when no other runner went forward to cross him, he was left racing in the lead and HEADINGLEY did not relax. He said near the 1100 Metres HEADINGLEY changed legs and as a consequence was on the wrong leg making the turn at the 1000 Metres and was not comfortable in its action. He said HEADINGLEY travelled only fairly along the Back Straight and when FISHKING EXCELLENT improved on his outside near the 700 Metres again wanted to hang out. He said making the turn at the 600 Metres HEADINGLEY made a significant breathing noise which indicated to him that the horse might have been holding its breath. He said shortly after this HEADINGLEY felt unbalanced in its action. He said after this he did not ride HEADINGLEY out because of the manner in which the horse was travelling. He said on pulling up HEADINGLEY was heaving noticeably. Mr A T Millard, trainer of HEADINGLEY, said the horse had worked well in the lead up to this race and was expected to perform accordingly. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of HEADINGLEY, however, he did say following the race D Beadman had reported to him that the horse was not comfortable in its action and had made a significant breathing noise. HEADINGLEY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of HEADINGLEY after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being permitted to race again, HEADINGLEY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the poor performance of FISHKING EXCELLENT, Apprentice K C Leung explained he had been instructed if possible to ride his mount in a forward position and find the fence. He said FISHKING EXCELLENT began only fairly and did not show natural speed. He said he therefore rode FISHKING EXCELLENT vigorously in the early stages in an attempt to cross to the rail in the lead. He said HEADINGLEY which was racing to his inside appeared to be travelling keenly. He said near the 1200 Metres he looked to his inside to see if there was an opportunity for him to shift to the rail behind HEADINGLEY, however, as another runner was already positioned there, he was unable to do so. He said he continued to ride FISHKING EXCELLENT along after entering the Back Straight. He said in his opinion he made too much use of his mount and it was for this reason FISHKING EXCELLENT performed poorly. FISHKING EXCELLENT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FISHKING EXCELLENT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FISHKING EXCELLENT was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, FISHKING EXCELLENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DECAGONAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DECAGONAL after the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL LEADER and OCTAGONAL CANYON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported KINGSTON TEMPLE had sustained a cut to the inside of the left hind heel.