25/09/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

CASA JUNIOR was withdrawn on 24.9.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swelling all four limbs) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BILLION GAINS (W C Marwing). Before being allowed to race again, CASA JUNIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MOUNT VICTORY had its tongue tie refitted behind the barriers. As the start was effected, BILLION GAINS, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began awkwardly and lost ground. From the outside barrier, HORSESHOE FORTUNE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, both CLEMENT SPIRIT and BULLISH POWER failed to muster speed. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, HOLLYWOOD KISS proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAY’S FAVOURITE. Passing the 1000 Metres, HORSESHOE FORTUNE shifted out towards the heels of BULLISH POWER and as a result was checked and lost ground. Near the 900 Metres, BULLISH POWER was shifted out away from behind DARK SECRET after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse which in turn was racing close to the heels of HOLLYWOOD KISS. After this, BULLISH POWER was allowed to stride forward to share the lead. When BULLISH POWER shifted out, NOSTALGIA, which was following that horse, was hampered in consequence. Passing the 500 Metres, BILLION GAINS got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HUMONGUS. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, when held up for clear running, HOLLYWOOD KISS was checked away from the heels of SUPREME TYCOON when racing tight inside BULLISH POWER. HOLLYWOOD KISS was then unable to obtain clear running until the concluding stages and consequently was not able to be tested. BILLION GAINS, which was held up for clear running until after the 200 Metres, was checked away from the heels of SUPREME TYCOON and shifted in to avoid the heels of that horse passing the 250 Metres. Near the 50 Metres, CLEMENT SPIRIT was inconvenienced when awkwardly placed outside the heels of DARK SECRET which shifted out. Throughout the race, YOUNG HERO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, T Angland stated that after beginning awkwardly, he immediately became concerned with the action of MOUNT VICTORY. He said for this reason he looked down at the horse to see whether anything was obviously amiss with it. He said after allowing MOUNT VICTORY to become balanced, the horse then improved its position to be racing on the back of HORSESHOE FORTUNE in the middle stages. He said however that MOUNT VICTORY did not feel right in its action at any stage of the race and after being placed under pressure did not respond to his riding and gave ground. He added, in his opinion, MOUNT VICTORY did not feel comfortable behind. A veterinary inspection of MOUNT VICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Having considered Jockey Angland’s evidence, the Stewards deemed MOUNT VICTORY’s performance to be unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MOUNT VICTORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CLEMENT SPIRIT and DARK SECRET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HOLLYWOOD KISS, HUMONGUS and BILLION GAINS were sent for sampling.