20/01/2010  Happy Valley  Race 1

WINNING PAL was slow to begin. Rounding the first turn near the 2000 Metres, WINNING PAL became badly unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside SEXY BABY (M Chadwick). M Chadwick was advised that whilst SEXY BABY did not shift a significant amount of ground, in similar circumstances he would be expected to ensure runners around him had sufficient racing room. Shortly after entering the Straight on the first occasion, HUMONGUS was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of HEALTHY CONTENDER. Passing the 500 Metres, DECENT FELLOW was steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON TEMPLE which shifted out. At the 400 Metres, NATURAL ECHO, which was commencing to give ground, became unbalanced when bumped by KINGSTON TEMPLE which was improving. Also at the 400 Metres, GALAXEE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of HUMONGUS which shifted in slightly. STORM’S DESTINY, which was racing to the inside of GALAXEE, was steadied in consequence. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, CENTENNIAL SMILE hung in and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position or lead on NATURAL ECHO if possible. He said NATURAL ECHO did not show any natural early speed and on entering the Straight on the first occasion was left in a position three wide. He said he had hoped that the pace of the race would slacken which would allow NATURAL ECHO the opportunity to roll forward and lead. He said approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, when travelling three wide outside HUMONGUS, he did not consider steadying NATURAL ECHO and obtaining a position behind that horse as when he had looked at that position earlier in the Straight, he had noticed that GALAXEE was racing in a one-off position which would have prevented him from shifting in. G Cheyne agreed, after viewing the video, that the opportunity presented itself passing the winning post on the first occasion to shift in behind HUMONGUS, however, he stated that he had committed himself to going forward in the race as instructed and was not aware this opportunity had eventuated. G Cheyne was advised his explanation would be reported, however he should, wherever possible, avoid cover unnecessary ground. KINGSTON TEMPLE and CENTENNIAL SMILE were sent for sampling.