22/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

PILLOWIN had its right hind plate refitted in the saddling stalls. Following consultation with Mr A T Millard, the trainer of PILLOWIN, the horse was found to be suitable to race. W M Lai (LUCKY RED) was fined $2,000 for initially weighing out without a girth. In the Parade Ring, MI SAVVY became fractious and threw its head up, resulting in O Doleuze being struck in the face. O Doleuze was examined by the Club’s medical officer who said that he was suitable to fulfil his riding engagement. PRIMROSE BOY was slow to begin. NAMJONG BLOSSOMS was crowded for room at the start between MI SAVVY and VITAL SMART which was taken in by HANNIBAL BARCA. PILLOWIN was crowded for room at the start between DIAMOND KNIGHT and O’HALO which jumped in. After the 800 Metres, HANNIBAL BARCA got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, MI SAVVY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY RED which shifted in when barely clear. Making the Home Turn, VITAL SMART shifted in slightly, resulting in SUPER BROTHER momentarily racing in restricted room to the inside of that horse. A short distance later, SUPER BROTHER became badly unbalanced, shifted out and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of VITAL SMART, causing both horses to be checked. As the Stewards did not attribute this incident to any rider error, no further action was taken. DIAMOND KNIGHT, which was following, was shifted away from the heels of VITAL SMART. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, LUCKY RED raced tight inside PILLOWIN which got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Near the 150 Metres, DIAMOND KNIGHT was hampered when attempting a tight run between DEPOSER and O’HALO which shifted out slightly. Close to the finishing line, O’HALO was steadied when crowded for room inside DIAMOND KNIGHT (U Rispoli) which shifted in when being ridden out. U Rispoli was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he should stop riding and straighten his mount. Throughout the race, DEPOSER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that VITAL SMART had sustained a wound to the left front fetlock and that PILLOWIN had sustained a cut to the right front cannon. A veterinary inspection of HANNIBAL BARCA and O’HALO after the race did not show any significant findings. MI SAVVY and RIDE ON THE FIRE were sent for sampling.