11/02/2015  Happy Valley  Race 6

As the start was effected, STAR MAJESTIC lifted its front feet off the ground and began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, STAR MAJESTIC and TRENDY WIN bumped. After this, TRENDY WIN was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. From the outside barrier, LEOWL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, STAR MAJESTIC shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL GENEROUS, resulting in BEAUTY LEAD being momentarily crowded for room. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, ROCK THE TREE was left racing wide and after the 1300 Metres was allowed to stride forward into the lead. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, FIRST SIGHT LOVE was crowded for room between HO IN ONE and TRENDY WIN which got its head on the side and shifted out marginally. In the Straight, FIRST SIGHT LOVE got its head on the side and lay out under pressure and over the concluding stages was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BEAUTY LEAD. Throughout the race, HO IN ONE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to take up a forward position on GRIFFINDOR if possible. He said after the blindfold was removed from GRIFFINDOR, the horse immediately became fractious and lunged at the front gates prior to the start being effected. He said then when the gates were released GRIFFINDOR began only fairly. He said he did consider riding GRIFFINDOR along, however, as there were a number of horses already in front of GRIFFINDOR which were taking up forward positions, he felt that he would have had to either make too much use of the horse to go forward as instructed or in the alternative it may be left racing very wide, therefore he made the decision to shift GRIFFINDOR across behind runners in the early stages and obtain cover. A veterinary inspection of STEP HIGH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAR MAJESTIC and TRENDY WIN were sent for sampling.