10/12/2008  Happy Valley  Race 4

HAPPY ELITE began awkwardly and then from the outside barrier was taken across behind runners. On jumping, LIONS' FORTUNE was taken back. NATURAL FLAME began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, NATIONAL GLORY was steadied away from the heels of SOU MA TAM. Approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres, when racing wide on the track, RED RULER was steadied and taken back to a position with cover. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, COSMO SUCCESSOR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FUN. After entering the Back Straight, RAINBOW STAR got its head on the side, shifted in and became unbalanced. Rounding the Home Turn, LIONS' FORTUNE was held up and unable to improve. On straightening, SOU MA TAM and NATURAL FLAME bumped. Over the concluding stages, RED RULER hung in. When questioned, C Soumillon (SOU MA TAM) said he had been instructed to ride his horse forward from the start, endeavour to cross in the lead or race outside the lead. He said SOU MA TAM began fairly, he initially rode his mount to go forward and then noticed KINGSTON MARBLE which was drawn to his inside also being ridden along to go forward together with other runners. He said in his opinion when racing wide on the track approaching the turn at the 1000 Metres he would have been required to make too much use of SOU MA TAM to go forward and cross to race outside FUN in the lead. He said as a consequence he travelled in a three wide position without cover throughout the race. He said in the Straight SOU MA TAM did not close the race off. Mr C Fownes, trainer of SOU MA TAM, confirmed the riding instructions issued and after viewing the video said whilst he accepted use would have been required to be made of SOU MA TAM to cross and race either in the lead or outside the leader, he nonetheless would have preferred to have seen SOU MA TAM being ridden more vigorously in the early stages. C Soumillon was told his riding of SOU MA TAM had come under notice and he should where circumstances permit make a greater effort to follow the riding instructions issued to him and also to avoid covering unnecessary ground where possible. SOU MA TAM was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. NATIONAL GLORY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SOU MA TAM and NATIONAL GLORY after the race did not show any significant findings. FUN and NATURAL FLAME were sent for sampling.