28/06/2017  Happy Valley  Race 6

PHOTON WILLIE and UNICORN were slow to begin. From a wide barrier, THE SLYPH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain a position with cover, SUPER LEADER shifted in shortly after the start and bumped OUTLAWED which became unbalanced. Near the 1150 Metres, GRANITE BELT commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of WISKY, resulting in OUTLAWED being taken wider and awkwardly placed inside HIGH VOLATILITY. GRANITE BELT then shifted back in to resume its position behind WISKY. For some distance after the 700 Metres, GRANITE BELT raced with its head on the side and lay in towards the running rail. Approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER LEADER was awkwardly placed outside JADE FORTUNE. Close to the finishing line, DR LISTENING shifted out abruptly under pressure and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he had been instructed to obtain the lead on HIGH VOLATILITY if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount hard for a considerable distance in the early stages, however, HIGH VOLATILITY did not show sufficient speed to be able to cross runners to its inside which were also being ridden along. He said for this reason passing the winning post on the first occasion he elected to obtain a trailing position behind initially LAND GRANT with a view to shifting in behind THUNDER STOMP with cover after the 1100 Metres. He said however that during the middle stages OUTLAWED maintained its position inside HIGH VOLATILITY and consequently HIGH VOLATILITY travelled wide and without cover throughout. A veterinary inspection of HIGH VOLATILITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, J Moreira was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of WISKY. He said the horse was able to obtain a good trailing position behind the speed throughout the race and he expected that WISKY would then be able to quicken when asked to respond in the Straight. He said however that WISKY came under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and then was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of WISKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WISKY, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WISKY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JADE FORTUNE, OUTLAWED and DR LISTENING were sent for sampling. <29/6/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>WISKY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WISKY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a stiff and restricted action and to be mildly lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, WISKY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.