10/10/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

DILIGENT III was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between NOBLE DE BEST and VIVA GUY which shifted in after being bumped by RAY’S FAVOURITE which, after beginning awkwardly, was taken in a short distance after the start by FORTUNE BRAVO. After this, RAY’S FAVOURITE was taken across behind runners to obtain cover. Shortly after the start, BRILLIANT CHARIOT shifted in and bumped BLOSSOM DAILY. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TOM’S EIGHTH was left racing wide and without cover and shortly after this was allowed to stride forward into the lead. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DILIGENT III was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BLOSSOM DAILY for some distance. VIVA GUY, which was following DILIGENT III, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, RAY’S FAVOURITE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VIVA GUY. Passing the 1300 Metres, SUNNY SKY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NOBLE DE BEST. Near the 1200 Metres, NOBLE DE BEST (A Suborics) became unbalanced when bumped by DILIGENT III (B Prebble) which shifted in. Approaching the 800 Metres, NOBLE DE BEST shifted in after being bumped by DILIGENT III. Then passing the 800 Metres, DILIGENT III was taken wider by NOBLE DE BEST which was racing close to the heels of BLOSSOM DAILY. Jockeys A Suborics and B Prebble were spoken to regarding the number of occasions during this race that their respective mounts raced in close quarters, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Both riders were advised that whilst the Stewards appreciate competitive riding, they must ensure that at all times they ride within the Rules. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, HOME WITH GLORY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRILLIANT CHARIOT. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DILIGENT III, B Prebble stated that although his mount became unbalanced after being bumped on a number of occasions throughout the race and that it was left racing wide and without cover for the majority of the race, DILIGENT III was nonetheless disappointing in that it came under pressure as far out as the 600 Metres from the finish to hold its position. He said he placed the horse under pressure prior to the 500 Metres to maintain its position, however, despite being ridden along, DILIGENT III gave ground and weakened badly in the Straight. He did say that he had ridden DILIGENT III in two barrier trials in the lead up to tonight’s race as well as riding it in track work and based on its performance in training, he believed the horse would perform well in tonight’s race. Mr K W Lui, the trainer of DILIGENT III, confirmed the horse had been working well in the lead up to tonight’s race and a forward showing was anticipated. He said the only reason for tonight’s disappointing performance, in his opinion, was that the circumstances of tonight’s race did not benefit DILIGENT III, but nonetheless the horse was disappointing given the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of DILIGENT III after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DILIGENT III was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DILIGENT III will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of RAY’S FAVOURITE and VIVA GUY after the race did not show any significant findings. BLOSSOM DAILY, FORTUNE BRAVO and TOM’S EIGHTH were sent for sampling.