16/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 6

On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie carried by ROYAL KNIGHT was replaced. On jumping, PERI PERI SAFFRON and ROYAL KNIGHT bumped due to both horses shifting ground. PERI PERI SAFFRON then shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of GAMEKEEPERS, resulting in PERI PERI SAFFRON becoming unbalanced and shifting back in, making contact with ROYAL KNIGHT which also became unbalanced. From the outside barrier, FLYING IN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After reaching the lead after the 1200 Metres, DASHING FORTUNE proved very difficult to settle for some distance. FLYING IN was unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 250 Metres was shifted in away from the heels of ZACHARY which was giving ground. After being held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, PERI PERI SAFFRON was severely checked passing the 200 Metres when disappointed for running between GAMEKEEPERS and JUMBO GOLD (C Y Ho) which shifted in. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that PERI PERI SAFFRON had not properly established running between GAMEKEEPERS and JUMBO GOLD at the time of the incident, nonetheless C Y Ho was reminded of his obligation to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. When PERI PERI SAFFRON was severely checked, it bumped the hindquarters of GAMEKEEPERS which became unbalanced. Near the 150 Metres, GAMEKEEPERS and DASHING FORTUNE, which was giving ground, bumped. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of G Mossé (FLYING IN), placed 5th, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of JUMBO GOLD after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of HORSE APLENTY, ZACHARY and PERI PERI SAFFRON after the race did not show any significant findings. FORGIVE AND FORGET and SPIRIT SOARING were sent for sampling.