04/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

LHOJONG and WONDERFUL BLESSING were slow to begin. After the 1600 Metres, SOMETHING SPECIAL became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of KENOBE (O Doleuze) which shifted in when not properly clear. O Doleuze was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, LHOJONG was steadied when crowded for room inside WONDERFUL BLESSING which was carried in by KENOBE as that horse which had been ridden along to improve its position was carried in by NILOMETER which shifted in after initially being carried back in by DASHING THUNDER. No action was taken. Near the 1300 Metres, CLASSIC REUNION was steadied when crowded for room between LHOJONG and SOMETHING SPECIAL which got its head up and shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of NILOMETER. At the 200 Metres, AMAZING CHOICE was momentarily crowded for room between PACIFICO and LHOJONG. Throughout the race, DASHING THUNDER travelled wide and without cover. M Du Plessis (CLASSIC REUNION) said he had been instructed from a wide barrier to ride the horse in a rearward position. He said CLASSIC REUNION began only fairly and he then took his mount back in accordance with his instructions. He said CLASSIC REUNION travelled comfortably throughout the run, then in the Straight when closing the race off strongly hung in. The Stewards will interview Trainer J Moore regarding the riding instructions at a date to be fixed. When questioned regarding the poor performance of KENOBE, O Doleuze said his mount enjoyed a good run throughout the race, became unbalanced in its action and shifted wider than he intended on the Home Turn, then was "flat" in the manner in which it closed the race off. KENOBE was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of KENOBE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KENOBE was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, KENOBE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Whyte was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of SOMETHING SPECIAL. He said SOMETHING SPECIAL enjoyed a good run throughout the race, was shifted to the outside on straightening as instructed, however, failed to respond to his riding and hung in. He said SOMETHING SPECIAL raced "flat" tonight. SOMETHING SPECIAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SOMETHING SPECIAL after the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY TREASURE and BILLION and were sent for sampling.