02/12/2015  Happy Valley  Race 4

ROYAL SPIRIT shifted in at the start and bumped INDIGO WAY. From the outside barrier, RAPID TRIUMPH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1700 Metres, ROYAL SPIRIT and CALIFORNIA CHERISH were crowded for room inside OSCAR MIRACLE (K C Leung) which shifted in before being straightened. K C Leung was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to show more care than he did on this occasion. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, MONSIEUR MOGOK, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALIFORNIA CHERISH. For some distance after the 600 Metres, KING BOUNTIFUL was checked away from the heels of LOVING STAR which gave ground abruptly. When KING BOUNTIFUL shifted out away from the heels of LOVING STAR near the 500 Metres, RAPID TRIUMPH and AGIAAL were hampered and taken wider. A veterinary inspection of LOVING STAR immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. Before being allowed to race again, LOVING STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, B Prebble advised that ROYAL SPIRIT did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ROYAL SPIRIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL SPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. For the majority of the race, CASH COURIER travelled wide and without cover. D Whyte stated that due to an anticipated lack of pace, it was decided for CALIFORNIA CHERISH to be ridden in a more forward position than had previously been the case. A veterinary inspection of CASH COURIER and INDIGO WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAC ROW and MONSIEUR MOGOK were sent for sampling.