14/12/2016  Happy Valley  Race 2

GAINFULJET was withdrawn on raceday afternoon by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (distressed following transit incident). Before being allowed to race again, GAINFULJET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, PROPEL REPEL shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of MANHATTAN STRIKER. MANHATTAN STRIKER then became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in PROPEL REPEL being crowded for room inside FOREVER FUN. From the outside barriers, TELECOM BOOM and ABLE TALENT were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. When being steadied after the 1000 Metres, NOBLE BUDDIES travelled keenly and after the 900 Metres was allowed to improve into the lead. After the 800 Metres, HAPPY CENTURY was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, FOREVER FUN got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of SIR JOHN. Also making the turn after the 600 Metres, TELECOM BOOM shifted out and raced tight inside PROPEL REPEL. Near the 50 Metres, PROPEL REPEL was crowded for room between NOBLE BUDDIES which shifted out marginally and SIR JOHN which shifted in under pressure. In this incident, NOBLE BUDDIES and PROPEL REPEL both became unbalanced after bumping. When questioned regarding the performance of MANHATTAN STRIKER, J Moreira stated that he was able to obtain a good position on the horse from an inside barrier and MANHATTAN STRIKER travelled well until near the 500 Metres. He said after this point MANHATTAN STRIKER came off the bridle and he had to ride the horse along in order to have it maintain its position. He said MANHATTAN STRIKER did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race after the 300 Metres. A veterinary inspection of MANHATTAN STRIKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MANHATTAN STRIKER, one of the favoured runners of the race and which finished last, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MANHATTAN STRIKER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHOWING CHARACTER and HAPPY CENTURY were sent for sampling.