29/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 1

MEGA CASTLE was crowded for room at the start between SMART FORTUNE and NAMJONG TURBO which shifted in. In this incident, MEGA CASTLE became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in NAMJONG TURBO being taken out and bumping FLORA DANICA which became unbalanced. From the outside barrier, WEALTH PARK was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, HOLLYWOOD KISS failed to muster speed. Approaching the 1300 Metres, FLORA DANICA got its head on the side and shifted in away from MEDIC CHAMPION and in doing so bumped FIERY RAIDER. Passing the 1200 Metres, NAMJONG TURBO commenced to over-race and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLORA DANICA, resulting in NAMJONG TURBO shifting out to avoid the heels of FLORA DANICA. Passing the 1100 Metres, FLORA DANICA proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SMART FORTUNE. After this, FLORA DANICA continued to prove very difficult to settle for some distance. Near the 900 Metres, KING ON EARTH, which was following FLORA DANICA, shifted out, resulting in KINGSTON ELITE being taken wider and being left without cover. When left racing in a four wide position without cover, KINGSTON ELITE was then allowed to improve its position into the lead approaching the 600 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, FIERY RAIDER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MEGA POSH. In the early part of the Straight, FLORA DANICA was badly held up for clear running when having to be checked away from the heels of NAMJONG TURBO which was giving ground. After the 200 Metres, KING ON EARTH hung in under pressure. When questioned regarding his riding out of KINGSTON ELITE, 4th placegetter, over the concluding stages, D Whyte stated that he was riding his mount with the whip in the left hand when MEGA POSH and KING ON EARTH improved their positions to his outside. He said several strides from the winning post MEGA POSH shifted in after initially being directed in by KING ON EARTH, raced tight outside KINGSTON ELITE and made contact with his horse. He said he was unaware as to whether MEGA POSH would continue to shift in, therefore he corrected his mount after being brushed by MEGA POSH. He said when MEGA POSH was shifted out and relieved the tightening to KINGSTON ELITE, he immediately recommenced riding the horse out to the end of the race. D Whyte was advised that his explanation was accepted. A veterinary inspection of MEGA CASTLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KING ON EARTH and MEGA POSH were sent for sampling.