04/12/2019  Happy Valley  Race 9

BREEDERS’ SKY shifted out at the start and bumped NAMJONG SINGS. EVEN KEEL began only fairly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between LADY FIRST which was taken out by NAMJONG SINGS and ISLAND SHINE which shifted in. From the outside barrier, BEAUTY SPARK was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. BUOYANT BOY was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When racing wide after the 1100 Metres, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was steadied to obtain cover. Making the first turn near the 1050 Metres, EVEN KEEL shifted in towards the rail and became unbalanced of its own accord. Near the 850 Metres, JOYFUL UNION improved to be racing tight inside BREEDERS’ SKY which was commencing to shift in towards the rail. DANCING FIGHTER, which was racing outside BREEDERS’ SKY, shifted in with that horse as it commenced to shift close to the rail. When BREEDERS’ SKY attempted to shift out to relieve the tightening to JOYFUL UNION, DANCING FIGHTER (J Moreira) continued to shift in which resulted in BREEDERS’ SKY being awkwardly placed inside and close to the heels of DANCING FIGHTER until after the 700 Metres. J Moreira was advised that whilst he was only following BREEDERS’ SKY across in the early part of the incident, nonetheless when it became apparent that there were two horses to his inside, he should have made more effort than he did on this occasion to relieve the tightening to BREEDERS’ SKY. He was told that in similar circumstances to do his utmost to ensure that runners to his inside have sufficient racing room. After the 800 Metres, AMAZING KIWI was steadied away from the heels of ISLAND SHINE (A Badel) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Badel was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Near the 700 Metres, NAMJONG SINGS was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, LADY FIRST (G van Niekerk) attempted to improve between NAMJONG SINGS and BREEDERS’ SKY which shifted out. This resulted in LADY FIRST clipping the heels of BREEDERS’ SKY and blundering badly. In this incident, BREEDERS’ SKY lost its left hind plate. G van Niekerk was severely reprimanded and advised that he must ensure that he exercises due care when attempting to improve into tight runs in similar circumstances. Approaching the 150 Metres, LADY FIRST shifted out and bumped TAKE WHAT YOU NEED. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MERRYGOWIN was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, MERRYGOWIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SHINE, NAMJONG SINGS and BREEDERS’ SKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOYFUL UNION, DANCING FIGHTER and AMAZING KIWI were sent for sampling.