02/04/2014  Happy Valley  Race 5

Prior to being saddled, SUNNY PEARL became fractious in the holding stables and sustained a superficial abrasion to its head. SUNNY PEARL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SUNNY PEARL shifted out at the start and bumped GUN PIT which became unbalanced. Near the 1300 Metres, FUN HEROES was crowded for room between SPIRIT SOARING and PANTHER RUN, both of which shifted ground. After the 1000 Metres, GUN PIT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLD PRECIOUS. SKIP COURT and PANTHER RUN, which were following GUN PIT, were inconvenienced in consequence. FUN HEROES lost its left front plate near the 800 Metres. The Stewards inquired into incidents involving GUN PIT (Z Purton) and KOKODA (O Doleuze) from near the 800 Metres until making the turn after the 600 Metres. The Stewards found that passing the 850 Metres KOKODA was racing in a loose three wide position which allowed GUN PIT the opportunity to shift out slightly towards the outside of GOLD PRECIOUS, a horse that GUN PIT had initially been following. The Stewards also found that after the 800 Metres KOKODA was ridden along in an attempt to prevent GUN PIT from shifting out further, however, GUN PIT was able to shift out into a legitimate three wide position after the 700 Metres and established itself outside the heels of GOLD PRECIOUS. At this time GOLD PRECIOUS got its head on the side and lay in slightly which created the opportunity for GUN PIT to improve further to that horse's outside. As KOKODA was vigorously ridden along in order to prevent being taken wider, this resulted in GUN PIT and KOKODA racing tight and making contact for some distance. The Stewards advised both riders that, in their opinion, Z Purton had ridden GUN PIT competitively and within the Rules of Racing in shifting out into a three wide position as although this resulted in some contact between the horses, at no stage was that contact excessive or inappropriate. The Stewards also questioned O Doleuze regarding his right elbow being extended away from his body during this incident. O Doleuze stated that when riding KOKODA along to prevent GUN PIT from shifting out, he had significant pressure on his right rein in order to direct KOKODA in, thus preventing GUN PIT from being able to shift out. He added at no time did his right elbow make contact with Z Purton in this incident. Z Purton stated that he did not feel O Doleuze's elbow making contact with him at that time. The Stewards found that at the stage that O Doleuze initially extended his right elbow, this was in order to assist KOKODA in maintaining its position and that at the relevant time O Doleuze's body's position was behind that of Z Purton and thus no inappropriate contact was made between O Doleuze's right elbow and the body of Z Purton. Nonetheless O Doleuze was warned against the practice of extending his elbow away from his body. Near the 650 Metres, SUNNY PEARL was crowded for room inside GOLD PRECIOUS which got its head on the side and shifted in of its own accord. Then making the turn near the 550 Metres, SUNNY PEARL was checked when crowded for room inside GOLD PRECIOUS which again got its head on the side and shifted in when racing tight inside GUN PIT. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider error attached to this incident, no further action was taken. After this, SUNNY PEARL gave ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY PEARL immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SUNNY PEARL will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. For the majority of the race, SPIRIT SOARING travelled wide and without cover. H W Lai (GOLD PRECIOUS) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels wherever circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of GOLD PRECIOUS immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained wounds to the right hind leg. GUN PIT and KOKODA were sent for sampling.