12/09/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

Just prior to the start being effected, WINSOME became fractious and lunged at the front gates which resulted in them opening marginally prior to the remaining gates. As the Stewards were of the view that WINSOME, 6th placegetter, had not gained an unfair advantage at the start, no further action was taken. WELL DONE shifted in at the start and bumped AUSPICIOUS START. Shortly after the start, WINSOME shifted in and brushed IMPECCABLE which in turn shifted in and made contact with CHARMGOLD. From the outside barrier, TEAM WORK was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 900 Metres, NOSTALGIA became unbalanced after shifting in away from REGAL ARMY towards the running rail. Near the 700 Metres, REGAL ARMY momentarily raced tight inside WINSOME which shifted in. Passing the 600 Metres, REGAL ARMY became unbalanced when racing tight between NOSTALGIA and WINSOME. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that approaching the 1000 Metres he steadied WINSOME with a view to shifting in to a trailing position one horse off the fence behind IMPECCABLE. He said passing the 1000 Metres he was still placed outside the heels of IMPECCABLE and was not able to immediately shift in. He said near the 900 Metres he was able to shift in behind the heels of IMPECCABLE, however, at this time REGAL ARMY was ridden along to improve its position to the inside of WINSOME which resulted in him being unable to shift in as he had hoped. He added that after receiving a call from the rider of REGAL ARMY, he shifted WINSOME out before again attempting to shift in after the 800 Metres. He said however that he was not able to give sufficient clearance to REGAL ARMY and for this reason was left racing in a three wide position and for the majority of the race without cover. WELL DONE and NATURAL FLAME were sent for sampling.