10/06/2015  Happy Valley  Race 1

TOUCH GO, which was fractious in the barriers, began only fairly. FISHKING THUNDER lost ground on jumping when crowded for room between MI SAVVY and NATURAL TEAM which shifted out. Shortly after the start, PEARL WARM WARM was bumped by MI SAVVY due to both horses shifting ground. PEARL WARM WARM then shifted out, resulting in RUGBY AMBASSADOR being inconvenienced. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, EXTREMELY FUN failed to muster speed and shortly after the start was taken across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, FISHKING THUNDER was steadied away from the heels of RUGBY AMBASSADOR after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Passing the 900 Metres, EXTREMELY FUN got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly. Near the 750 Metres, PEARL WARM WARM got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NATURAL TEAM. In this incident, PEARL WARM WARM shifted in, resulting in SAMMY’S EMPIRE being momentarily crowded for room. Making the turn passing the 600 Metres, SAMMY’S EMPIRE momentarily raced in restricted room inside PEARL WARM WARM. After the 600 Metres, MI SAVVY (N Rawiller) got its head on the side and hung out. MI SAVVY continued to hang out until passing the 450 Metres at which point the horse shifted in, resulting in SEA WARRIOR being hampered when crowded for room. N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised that in assessing the incident, the Stewards were cognizant of the fact that MI SAVVY was hanging out and proving difficult to manage, however, he must at all times ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. Passing the 300 Metres, TOUCH GO was bumped by EXTREMELY FUN which shifted out away from the heels of JOYFUL THE GREAT which was taken out by PEARL WARM WARM. Passing the 100 Metres, RUGBY AMBASSADOR was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PEARL WARM WARM. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he had been asked to ride JOYFUL THE GREAT conservatively due to having drawn the outside barrier. He said it was explained to him that JOYFUL THE GREAT had previously weakened when ridden in a forward position from a wide alley over the course and distance and therefore it was hoped that tonight the pace of the race would be sufficient that the horse would be able to settle after obtaining cover. He added after initially getting its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied in the early stages, he was able to shift JOYFUL THE GREAT across to race behind TOUCH GO near the 1000 Metres, however, JOYFUL THE GREAT commenced to prove difficult to settle and had to be shifted out to avoid the heels of that horse after the 1000 Metres. He said this resulted in JOYFUL THE GREAT racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. D Whyte (TOUCH GO) expressed concern regarding the horse making an abnormal breathing noise during the race. A veterinary inspection of TOUCH GO including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRAN BOLIVAR and MI SAVVY were sent for sampling.