28/12/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

RAY’S FAVOURITE lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and then shifted in, resulting in VERY WELL being crowded for room outside FLORA DANICA. THE FAST LANE began awkwardly. SURE CHAMP, which was leaning on the outside of its gate, was slow to begin. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, RAY’S FAVOURITE (T Queally) got its head on the side and shifted in away from INTELLECTUALSTRIDE, resulting in VERY WELL being crowded for room. T Queally was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, THE FAST LANE was momentarily crowded for room inside HEART OF GRACE which shifted in abruptly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAY’S FAVOURITE. Passing the 1300 Metres, VERY WELL, which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MERIDIAN TREASURE, raced tight inside RAY’S FAVOURITE which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INTELLECTUALSTRIDE. HEART OF GRACE, which was following RAY’S FAVOURITE, was shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse and in doing so was checked away from the heels of SUNNY MORE. Rounding the Home Turn, RAY’S FAVOURITE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VERY WELL which shifted out. Approaching the 200 Metres, MERIDIAN TREASURE was steadied when crowded for room between REAL DRAGON and FLORA DANICA (R Fourie) which shifted out when commencing to give ground. R Fourie was severely reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he must make more of an effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground than he did on this occasion. For some distance after the 100 Metres, MERIDIAN TREASURE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL DRAGON. Because of this, MERIDIAN TREASURE was not able to be properly ridden out over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, SUNNY MORE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of JACKPOT MASCOT after the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. The performance of JACKPOT MASCOT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JACKPOT MASCOT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. INTELLECTUALSTRIDE and VERY WELL were sent for sampling.