24/04/2013  Happy Valley  Race 3

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, GOLDEN LEGEND was crowded for room between GRACYTOM and COSMO ONE which was taken in by ENJOY THE FUN. From the outside barrier, CREATIVE UNION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, when being steadied to obtain a position with cover, GENERAL DANROAD got its head up when crowded for room between CRIMSON and FORTUNE TERRITORY which shifted out. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, GENERAL DANROAD was hampered when crowded for room inside CRIMSON which, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and shifted in away from SUPER BROTHER. Also making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, GOLDEN LEGEND got its head on the side and lay out. After this, GOLDEN LEGEND proved difficult to settle and making the turn after the 600 Metres shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of CRIMSON which became unbalanced. GOLDEN LEGEND was then steadied away from the heels of CRIMSON and lost ground. In the early part of the Straight, COSMO ONE got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by Z Purton, the rider of GRACYTOM, which finished 3rd, against FORTUNE TERRITORY (C Y Ho), which finished 2nd, alleging interference to his mount after the 200 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that after the 200 Metres FORTUNE TERRITORY shifted out under pressure, resulting in GRACYTOM being taken wider and being momentarily crowded for room between COSMO ONE and FORTUNE TERRITORY. In this incident, GRACYTOM bumped COSMO ONE. Having in mind the nose margin between the horses at the end of the race, the Stewards were comfortably satisfied that had the interference not occurred GRACYTOM would have finished in front of FORTUNE TERRITORY at the end of the race. Accordingly, the protest/objection was sustained and the placings amended to read No. 4, CREATIVE UNION, 1st; No. 3, GRACYTOM, 2nd; No. 9, FORTUNE TERRITORY, 3rd; and No. 8, CASA JUNIOR, 4th. Throughout the race, SUPER BROTHER travelled wide and without cover. D Whyte (SUPER BROTHER) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels in the run to the finishing line. After the race, M Chadwick (CRIMSON) reported that his saddle shifted back in the middle stages, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE TERRITORY, CREATIVE UNION and GRACYTOM were sent for sampling.