16/04/2014  Happy Valley  Race 3

After being loaded, ROMAN WIN became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, ROMAN WIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After being bumped by EASTERN PROMISE on jumping, SPEEDYGONZALEZ then shifted in, resulting in COUR VALANT becoming unbalanced when crowded for room outside SUMARAND DRAGON which also became unbalanced after being bumped by COUR VALANT. From wide barriers, ROMAN WIN and ELITE SPIRIT were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn after the 1100 Metres, COUR VALANT got its head on the side and lay out when racing keenly. After this, COUR VALANT continued to over-race, proved difficult to settle and raced ungenerously on occasions when in the lead. Near the 850 Metres, SPEEDYGONZALEZ became unbalanced when proving very difficult to settle and being checked away from the heels of COUR VALANT. SUMARAND DRAGON, which was following, was hampered in consequence and shifted in, resulting in AFFLUENCE OF RAIN being momentarily crowded for room. Near the 650 Metres, SUMARAND DRAGON commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of SPEEDYGONZALEZ. Approaching the 100 Metres, ELITE SPIRIT was shifted in away from the heels of ROMAN WIN. At the 100 Metres, EASTERN PROMISE was shifted out away from the heels of SUPER PLUS which shifted out slightly under pressure. Over the concluding stages, ELITE SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REGENCY LUCK. When questioned, Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of SUPER PLUS, stated that he had instructed T H So to ensure that he obtained cover on the horse from barrier 8 and it was felt that this would result in it being in about a midfield position. He said SUPER PLUS began better than he expected tonight as in a number of previous starts the horse had appeared to have lost some of its early speed. He said nonetheless he believed that were SUPER PLUS to be ridden in a forward position the horse would not be able to obtain cover and accordingly may not be able to finish off its race. He added that, from a better barrier, were circumstances to permit, SUPER PLUS would be able to obtain a more forward position than it occupied tonight from its awkward barrier. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that he had concern regarding the action of EASTERN PROMISE. A subsequent examination of the horse did not reveal any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ROMAN WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPEEDYGONZALEZ and KING’S STEED were sent for sampling. <2014/4/17 Additional Veterinary Reports> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that REGENCY LUCK was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY LUCK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.