19/09/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

Shortly after the start, GOOD FELLOW and SMART KIDS were crowded for room between MASTER RIO which shifted out and BEST WIN which shifted in after being bumped by MY GOAL which itself shifted in after becoming unbalanced when bumped by BENEFACTOR. After this, MY GOAL was ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, did not show sufficient speed and making the turn after the 1000 Metres was taken across behind runners to obtain cover. After the 1000 Metres, BEST WIN got its head on the side and hung out for a short distance. After the 600 Metres, SHAHJEE and MASTER RIO bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Also after the 600 Metres, SMART KIDS raced in restricted room between FLYING SMART and MY GOAL. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by Apprentice C Y Ho, the rider of FLYING SMART, which finished 5th, against first placed, ALL VICTORY (M Chadwick), alleging interference to his mount approaching the 150 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that approaching the 150 Metres FLYING SMART, which was establishing running between ALL VICTORY and BENEFACTOR, made contact with BENEFACTOR which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. A short distance later, FLYING SMART was steadied and shifted to the inside of ALL VICTORY when disappointed for running between BENEFACTOR and ALL VICTORY which shifted out. Having in mind the contributing influence of BENEFACTOR’s shift as well as the margin between FLYING SMART and ALL VICTORY at the end of the race, the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that had the interference not occurred that FLYING SMART would have beaten ALL VICTORY. Accordingly, the protest/objection was overruled and correct weight was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Throughout the race, MASTER RIO travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SMART KIDS had lost its right hind plate. A veterinary inspection of MASTER RIO after the race did not show any significant findings. GLORY HORSIE, ALL VICTORY and BEST WIN were sent for sampling.