28/09/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

ALL GREAT FRIENDS was withdrawn on 27.9.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter EXCEL ONESELF (S Clipperton). Before being allowed to race again, ALL GREAT FRIENDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On jumping, VICTORY FOLLOW ME and NAVAS were crowded for room between CIRCUIT KING and MOMENTUM LUCKY, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, BOTH LUCKY, RAINBOW FIGHTER and THE SHOW were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After passing the 1000 Metres, NAVAS and MISSION POSSIBLE bumped which resulted in both horses becoming badly unbalanced. After being steadied away from the heels of CIRCUIT KING which shifted in at the 650 Metres, MOMENTUM LUCKY shifted out on the turn at the 600 Metres and bumped EXTREMELY FUN. In the early part of the Straight, MISSION POSSIBLE was inclined to lay in towards the hindquarters of HANG’S DECISION. Then passing the 250 Metres, MISSION POSSIBLE was awkwardly placed behind EXTREMELY FUN which was giving ground. For the majority of the race, EXCEL ONESELF travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice K K Chiong stated that having instructions to lead on WONDERFUL JOURNEY, she rode the horse along in the early stages to maintain its positon inside CIRCUIT KING which was also ridden positively. She said upon reaching the first turn near the 900 Metres, WONDERFUL JOURNEY commenced to over-race and near the 850 Metres became unbalanced when it shifted in towards the running rail. She said WONDERFUL JOURNEY then continued to race very fiercely throughout the middle stages despite her best endeavours to have the horse settle in the lead. Apprentice Chiong was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that she had made sufficient endeavour to restrain WONDERFUL JOURNEY in the lead, she must do all in her power to ensure that her mounts are rated in such a manner so that they are able to finish off their race. When questioned, O Doleuze (RAINBOW FIGHTER) stated that in the early part of the Straight he improved to be racing behind NAVAS but was unable to shift to the outside of that horse due to the positioning of EXCEL ONESELF. He said whilst there was a narrow run to the inside of NAVAS, he could detect EXTREMELY FUN weakening quickly and also observed MISSION POSSIBLE shifting out to his inside. He said thereafter RAINBOW FIGHTER was not able to be tested as he could not shift to either the inside or the outside of NAVAS due to the positioning of EXCEL ONESELF and MISSION POSSIBLE. When questioned, N Callan stated that he had to ride aggressively in the early stages in order for EXTREMELY FUN to take up a customary forward position. He said due to the fast tempo of the race, EXTREMELY FUN was not able to travel on the bit and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn before weakening in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of EXTREMELY FUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT KING and MISSION POSSIBLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, both horses were unable to be scoped due to being fractious. BOTH LUCKY and HANG’S DECISION were sent for sampling. <29/9/2016 Additional Veterinary Report>EXTREMELY FUN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. EXTREMELY FUN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer L Ho this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, EXTREMELY FUN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.