25/11/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

MR VANILLA began only fairly and shortly after the start was momentarily steadied away from the heels of GLORIOUS VICTORY. On jumping, ZACHARY stumbled after beginning very awkwardly. Then in the early stages, despite being ridden along, ZACHARY failed to muster speed. ZACHARY then travelled wide and without cover throughout the race and in the Straight tailed out. A veterinary inspection of ZACHARY immediately following the race revealed the horse to have sustained superficial overreach wounds to both heels of the right front foot. The performance of ZACHARY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ZACHARY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From wide barriers, OXFORD CHARLEY, VIVA GUY and ISLAND FLYER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 200 Metres, VIVA GUY was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of KEEN TACTICS. Approaching the 100 Metres, HONG KONG FAT became unbalanced. Near the 50 Metres, BORNFREE and CHOICE EXCHEQUER raced tight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SWEET BEAN, G Mosse stated that it had been hoped that SWEET BEAN would be able to obtain a position in about midfield from the horse's favourable draw. He said after beginning only fairly SWEET BEAN lost ground when crowded for room between HONG KONG FAT and KEEN TACTICS, both of which shifted ground. He said after this he rode his mount along in an endeavour to make up lost ground, however, SWEET BEAN did not show any early speed and consequently was obliged to race further back in the field than had been intended. He added SWEET BEAN travelled satisfactorily throughout the race, however, was unable to quicken after the 500 Metres when placed under pressure He said SWEET BEAN initially commenced to finish off the race one-paced, however, was disappointing in that over the final 100 Metres the horse, despite being ridden out, lost ground. He stated that he had ridden SWEET BEAN in a piece of work in the lead up to tonight's race and based on that work he expected that it would perform well. Trainer C Fownes was unable to offer any explanation for the horse's disappointing performance other than he had been disappointed that the horse was unable to utilize its favourable barrier and race in a more forward position. He said when successful at its last start SWEET BEAN was able to obtain inside runs and on that occasion it finished off the race well. He said he agreed with Jockey Mosse that SWEET BEAN's work leading up to the race had indicated to him that it had not shown any regression since its last start win. A veterinary inspection of SWEET BEAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SWEET BEAN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SWEET BEAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. OXFORD CHARLEY, HONG KONG FAT and KEEN TACTICS were sent for sampling.