09/11/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

Whilst in the holding stalls, SPEEDY ACHIEVER had its right front plate refitted. After this plate was refitted, SPEEDY ACHIEVER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, Z Purton reported that E-SUPER coughed on a number of occasions when proceeding to the barriers. E-SUPER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race. An endoscopic examination conducted on E-SUPER after the race did not reveal any significant findings. BOLSHOI BALLET and ROUNDABOUT both began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, APACHE SPIRIT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages after being slow to jump. Near the 1000 Metres, BOLSHOI BALLET got its head on the side and shifted out across the heels of NAVAS (C Schofield) which was racing tight to the outside of BOLSHOI BALLET. As the Stewards could not be satisfied that NAVAS shifting in had been the cause of the incident rather than BOLSHOI BALLET hanging out, C Schofield was afforded the benefit of the doubt, however, he was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in future. From approaching the 900 Metres until after passing the 700 Metres, SPEEDY ACHIEVER proved very difficult to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of TIMELY ARRIVED. Near the 850 Metres, APACHE SPIRIT was momentarily crowded for room inside BOLSHOI BALLET which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, APACHE SPIRIT travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. Passing the 300 Metres, NAVAS was held up for clear running when attempting to improve into tight running between SUPER LEADER and SPEEDY ACHIEVER. Over the final 100 Metres, I’M A WITNESS had difficulty obtaining clear running and close to the finishing line raced tight inside ROUNDABOUT which raced in restricted room between I’M A WITNESS and TIMELY ARRIVED. Consequently I’M A WITNESS, ROUNDABOUT and TIMELY ARRIVED were not able to be fully tested over the concluding stages. Passing the 50 Metres, E-SUPER was steadied away from the heels of EXTREMELY FUN as a result of WHO ELSE BUT YOU getting its head on the side and hanging out under pressure. Consequently, J Moreira, the rider of WHO ELSE BUT YOU, was obliged to stop riding and straighten his mount. EXTREMELY FUN and WHO ELSE BUT YOU were sent for sampling.