04/05/2016  Happy Valley  Race 1

MEDIC SWORDSMAN was crowded for room on jumping between GLORY STAR and DRAGON ENERGY which shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. LUCKY BALL and NOVEL START bumped at the start. For some distance after the start, GLORY STAR got its head up and raced awkwardly when being ridden along. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, KHARU raced tight inside MIGHTY WONGCHOY which raced in restricted room inside NOVEL START. Near the 1400 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN was hampered when awkwardly placed inside HEAR THE ROAR which was steadied to avoid the heels of LUCKY BALL (N Rawiller) which shifted in. N Rawiller was reprimanded. Approaching the 1300 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN was momentarily crowded for room inside HEAR THE ROAR which was taken in by MR VANILLA which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to the runners inside. Passing the 1300 Metres, HEAR THE ROAR got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of LUCKY BALL. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, GLORY STAR became unbalanced of its own accord. Passing the 100 Metres, LUCKY BALL lost its right hind plate. Throughout the race, MR VANILLA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY BALL, N Rawiller stated that in the early stages he was able to obtain a good position in about midfield. He said when MR VANILLA improved to the outside of LUCKY BALL after the 800 Metres he had hoped that that horse would continue forward which would provide him with the opportunity to follow that horse into the race as the slow sectionals were not to LUCKY BALL’s advantage. He said however that MR VANILLA did not continue forward which resulted in LUCKY BALL being positioned inside that horse until after straightening. He added at the entrance to the Straight he immediately shifted LUCKY BALL to the outside of runners in the hope that it would close off the race, however, as LUCKY BALL is one-paced and due to the slow early sectionals, the horse did not quicken sufficiently for it to threaten in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY BALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MEDIC SWORDSMAN and NOVEL START immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY BALL, KHARU and MIGHTY WONGCHOY were sent for sampling.