17/12/2008  Happy Valley  Race 1

After arriving at the Start, SUPER SPECIAL had its right front plate reset. SUPER SPECIAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SUPER SPECIAL began awkwardly and got its head up. FAST WINNER was a little slow to begin and was then bumped by MAINLAND MASTER which shifted in. On jumping, PALIO KING and MR FLOODLIGHT were taken back from wide barriers. KING CREOLE was slow into stride. In the early and middle stages, MAINLAND MASTER proved difficult to settle, got its head on the side and hung in. At the 200 Metres, PALIO KING, which was commencing to close the race off, was checked when crowded for room inside SUPER SPECIAL which was steadied when disappointed for running inside FAST WINNER which initially got its head on the side and shifted in of its own accord and then was carried in further by GANBARIA. As the Stewards were satisfied SUPER SPECIAL had not established rightful running, no action was taken. Near the 100 Metres, MR FLOODLIGHT, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted to the inside of PERFECT ATHLETE to continue going forward. Throughout the race, PERFECT ATHLETE travelled wide and without cover. The performance of SPY KING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, SPY KING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPY KING and MAINLAND MASTER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPY KING and MAINLAND MASTER after the race did not show any significant findings. GANBARIA and KING CREOLE were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FAST WINNER had lost its left front plate.