12/04/2017  Happy Valley  Race 1

A short distance after the start, GOLDEN CANNON shifted out and bumped GLORY HORSIE, causing both horses to become unbalanced. GLORY HORSIE then shifted out and made heavy contact with INVISIBLE which was checked when crowded for room between GLORY HORSIE and HIGHLAND DRAGON. In this incident, INVISIBLE blundered badly and lost a considerable amount of ground. Also soon after the start, FUNNY BUDDIES was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ORIENTAL FANTASIA which shifted out. After the 800 Metres, when being steadied, GOLDEN CANNON commenced to prove difficult to settle. Then passing the 700 Metres, GOLDEN CANNON, which continued to get its head up when being restrained, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIGHLAND DRAGON (D Whyte) which shifted in when not properly clear. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that GOLDEN CANNON’s racing manners had contributed significantly to this incident, nonetheless D Whyte was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Passing the 750 Metres, LUCKY FRIENDS got its head up when being steadied after being awkwardly placed inside the heels of GOLDEN CANNON. Near the 650 Metres, LUCKY FRIENDS was awkwardly placed behind SEVEN LUCK. FUNNY BUDDIES was held up for clear running when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NOBLE BUDDIES in the early part of the Straight. FUNNY BUDDIES then had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 150 Metres and approaching the 100 Metres was shifted to the inside of HIGHLAND DRAGON to continue improving. Over the concluding stages, NOBLE BUDDIES raced tight inside FUNNY BUDDIES. Close to the finishing line, SEVEN LUCK was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPARKLING TALENT and consequently was not able to be fully tested all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, SPARKLING TALENT travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if RUGBY DIAMOND (N Rawiller) had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected RUGBY DIAMOND put its head down and to the left which resulted in the horse losing a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards were of the opinion that RUGBY DIAMOND’s barrier manners had been the sole reason for this incident occurring and that the incident had occurred simultaneous to the start being effected, RUGBY DIAMOND was deemed to have been afforded a fair start and accordingly, the horse was declared a runner. Whilst it had no bearing on the decision of the Stewards, it should be noted that neither N Rawiller nor Mr W Y So, the trainer of RUGBY DIAMOND, made an application for the horse to be declared a non-runner. Before being allowed to race again, RUGBY DIAMOND will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FUNNY BUDDIES at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FUNNY BUDDIES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RUGBY DIAMOND, ORIENTAL FANTASIA and SPARKLING TALENT were sent for sampling.