17/05/2017  Happy Valley  Race 4

After beginning awkwardly, DARING HEART was then steadied and shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier. From wide barriers, SPINNING DANCER and GOOD CHOICE were also steadied soon after the start and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. A short distance after the start, PO CHING TREASURE had to be checked and lost ground when crowded for room between DYNAMIC LIONS which jumped in and LEOWL which was taken out by AMAZING GOLD which shifted out at the start. As there was no rider error associated with this incident, no further action was taken. At the 1000 Metres, AMAZING GOLD had to be checked away from the heels of SUPERIOR BOY which was steadied behind CALL ME AWESOME (C Y Ho) which had been steadied after assuming the lead. C Y Ho was cautioned and advised to ensure that he does not steady the pace too abruptly in similar circumstances. DARING HEART, which was following AMAZING GOLD, was checked away from the heels of that horse at the 900 Metres. When ridden forward to improve its position at the turn near the 1000 Metres, CASA MASTER (Apprentice H T Mo) ran out, resulting in PO CHING TREASURE being hampered when taken wider. Apprentice Mo was severely reprimanded for his riding at this stage and his lack of control over his mount which was subsequently allowed to stride forward to assume the lead in the Back Straight. DYNAMIC LIONS raced wide and without cover until the 700 Metres at which stage that horse came under severe pressure. For some distance after the 500 Metres, GLENEALY PRIZE was held up behind DYNAMIC LIONS as that horse continued to give ground. When questioned, S Clipperton stated that GLENEALY PRIZE was inclined to hang out in the middle stages and then after being held up behind DYNAMIC LIONS for some distance approaching the Home Turn, the horse did not respond to his riding and, in his opinion, raced "flat”. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY PRIZE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, J Moreira stated that in accordance with his instructions he had LEOWL positioned in a prominent position. He said however that LEOWL came under severe pressure approaching and rounding the Home Turn and at the entrance to the Straight commenced to give ground. He said after being further tested, LEOWL continued to give ground and became unbalanced in its action and as he had concerns that there might be something amiss with the horse, he eased it down over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of LEOWL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LEOWL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LEOWL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING GOLD and DARING HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LEOWL, CALL ME AWESOME and AGIAAL were sent for sampling.