12 September 2007
Port Louis — Prior to the start, Dougan broke through its stall, and shortly after Tambour Battant's gate opened, dislodging their respective riders, the former running the entire course and the latter running part of the course.
Consequently, acting under Rule 140 of the Rules of Racing, both horses were withdrawn from the race. In view of this, all bets on these horses were ordered to be refunded and the winning bets with bookmakers were paid less 5 cents per rupee in both cases, the average price of Dougan being 12-1 and Tambour Battant 19-1 at the time of withdrawal. Trainer V. Allet was told that Dougan will need to trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards before being allowed to race again. At the start Express Mail and Awanago were slow out, both losing about one length. On jumping Camp Delta stumbled badly, becoming unbalanced over a few strides.
Approaching the 800 metre-crossing, Jose Mourinho (Rama) hesitated and shifted out, Jet Propelled (Neisius) which was racing on its outside was slightly inconvenienced. From the 500 metres Express Mail was taken out to improve its position and raced wide from thereon. Passing the 300 metres New Recruit was held up for a run when unable to improve behind Piper's Promise, shifted in and brushed the running rails over a short distance. Fortunate Act raced wide throughout. The Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that Awanago was lame on both hind legs. In view of this report, trainer S. Ramdour was told that Awanago will need a veterinary certificate of soundness before being allowed to race.
Routine urine specimen was taken for analysis from Jet Propelled after the race.
â- RACE 2 - THE PRINCESS CUP
Shortly after the start, Sardonyx, when being settled, threw its head up, shifted in brushing Ten Hundred. Approaching the 1300 metres, when being taken closer to the fence, Sardonyx, which was racing fiercely, was inconvenienced off the heels of Astrakhan and had to be eased. Sardonyx raced fiercely from the 1200 metres to the 600 metres and approaching the 800 metres was taken out off the heels of Mutual Secret. Approaching the 1000 metres In Her Honour, which was racing fiercely, shifted out when being settled, taking Dancing Joshua, which was following, onto Ten Hundred, resulting in Dancing Joshua being inconvenienced on In Her Honour's heels and stumbling badly. Ten Hundred raced wide on the first turn. In Her Honour and Dancing Joshua raced fiercely from the 1000 to the 500 metres. Near the 350 metres, Sardonyx was taken out for a clear run and raced wide rounding the home turn. Approaching the 300 metres Laicep's was taken out for a run and, in doing so, carried In A Heart Beat onto Ten Hundred, resulting in In A Heart Beat being slightly cramped for room and being inconvenienced. Passing the 100 metres, Astrakhan was taken in off the heels of In Her Honour in order to obtain a clear run.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Laicep's, jockey Herholdt reported that this horse had pleased the stable during the week and he expected a much better run from this horse, however, when asked for an effort Laicep's failed to respond. He added that this gelding might run a better race when equipped with blinkers. A subsequent veterinary examination of Laicep's revealed that it bled from both nostrils and that it was coughing. In view of this, trainer B. Gujadhur was told that this horse has been suspended for one month and will need a veterinary clearance before being allowed to race again. Trainer C. Ramdin and jockey Boutanive were questioned as to the improved performance of Mutual Secret. Trainer C. Ramdin explained that this horse had worked well before its first run and he expected a good run from the latter. However, it raced green and failed to quicken when asked for an effort. So, he is of the opinion that Mutual Secret needed that run. Since then, Mutual Secret had shown improvement in its work and he decided against running it in blinkers on this occasion since the gelding had pleased the stable in its work without this equipment.
He concluded by saying that the early fast pace in the race might have contributed to its improved performance. Jockey Boutanive confirmed that his mount had been working better at track work and that in the early stages of the race was outpaced and, when asked for an effort, quickened up nicely. He added that he expected a better run this time out but he was pleasantly surprised by Mutual Secret's performance. The Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that Dancing Joshua was coughing after the race. A subsequent endoscoping examination of this gelding revealed traces of blood in its trachea. In view of this, Trainer S. Henry was told that Dancing Joshua should be treated accordingly.
Routine urine specimens were taken for analysis from Ticket To Space prior to and from Mutual Secret after the race.
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