30/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

At declaration time, T Queally was declared as the rider of both SEA THE PEARLS and EASY SUCCESS. It was established that T Queally had a firm commitment to ride SEA THE PEARLS. As such, the Stewards permitted B Prebble to be substituted as the rider of EASY SUCCESS. For this declaration error, T Queally was fined $2,000. On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie carried by EASY SUCCESS was replaced. SEA THE PEARLS began only fairly, shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of DREAM BUILDER, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Shortly after the start, RAINBOW FIGHTER raced tight between DREAM BUILDER and BRILLIANT PROPOSAL which shifted in. From wide barriers, HAPPY CHAMPION and BRIGHT STAR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metre s, BRILLIANT PROPOSAL and O’HALO bumped. After the 900 Metres, GOLD BALL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSHINE KID. After the 800 Metres, DREAM BUILDER was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, BRIGHT STAR got its head on the side, shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PROLIFIC CHAMPION. Near the 500 Metres, GOLD BALL and RAINBOW FIGHTER raced tight as GOLD BALL attempted to shift out. Shortly after entering the Straight, SUNSHINE KID shifted in and bumped SEA THE PEARLS which became unbalanced. Near the 200 Metres, SUNSHINE KID, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room between O’HALO and SEA THE PEARLS (T Queally) which, when being ridden along, got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. T Queally was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst SEA THE PEARLS was inclined to hang out at this time, nonetheless he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount in similar circumstances. After this, SEA THE PEARLS continued to get its head on the side and lay out for the remainder of the race. PROLIFIC CHAMPION, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE KID in consequence. Near the 50 Metres, RAINBOW FIGHTER got its head on the side and hung in, resulting in its rider, W C Marwing, correcting his mount. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had been instructed to ride EASY SUCCESS positively in the early stages with a view to obtaining a forward position on the horse if possible. He said EASY SUCCESS began well and he rode it along in the early stages, however, there were a number of horses being ridden for speed which were better drawn than EASY SUCCESS and he felt that had he continued forward it would be left racing wide and therefore he elected, approaching the 1100 Metres, to shift his mount across behind runners and obtain a position with cover closer to the rail. When questioned further regarding his riding of EASY SUCCESS in the Straight, B Prebble stated that at the 400 Metres he placed the horse under heavy pressure including using the whip on it to have it quicken. He said at the entrance to the Straight he immediately shifted his mount to the outside of RAINBOW FIGHTER and continued to place it under pressure. He said shortly after entering the Straight he changed his whip from his left hand into his right hand and continued to ride the horse out. He said after the 150 Metre as he felt that EASY SUCCESS was giving its best, he elected to put the whip away and continued to ride the horse out hands and heels. He said EASY SUCCESS continued to close off the race well, however, over the concluding stages he was not able to ride it out and had to steady his mount to avoid the heels of RAINBOW FIGHTER which shifted out after being corrected by its rider. B Prebble was severely reprimanded for his riding of EASY SUCCESS over the final 150 Metres. He was told that the Stewards were concerned over the vigour and the intensity of his riding over the final 150 Metres, notwithstanding the Stewards accepted that over the concluding stages he was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAINBOW FIGHTER. He was advised that his riding had come under notice and he must ensure that he rides his mounts with sufficient purpose so as to leave no room for query. A veterinary inspection of GOLD BALL and SUNSHINE KID after the race did not show any significant findings. DREAM BUILDER, PERFECT FINISH and RAINBOW FIGHTER were sent for sampling. <31/1/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>GOLD BALL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. GOLD BALL was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer R Gibson this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD BALL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.