27/12/2017  Happy Valley  Race 5

On arrival at the barriers, Apprentice M F Poon expressed concern regarding GRACYDAD’s action. GRACYDAD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. I’M A WITNESS began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. BEAUTY CONNECTION (Apprentice H T Mo) shifted out at the start, resulting in CLEAR CHOICE being crowded and NOBLE DE BOY also being crowded and making contact with the hindquarters of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT which became unbalanced. Apprentice Mo was advised that he would be expected to react quicker to his mount shifting ground than he did on this occasion. Approaching the first turn near the 1000 Metres, BEAUTY CONNECTION was steadied when racing tight to the inside of GRACYDAD (Apprentice M F Poon) which shifted in acutely before being corrected. Apprentice Poon was warned against the practice of shifting in too abruptly. At the entrance to the Straight, CLEAR CHOICE was disappointed for running between BORN DRAGON and PLANET STAR which shifted in. NOBLE DE BOY, which was racing to the inside of CLEAR CHOICE, was obliged to shift in away from the heels of that horse. Passing the 200 Metres, ENERGETIC CLASS and GRACYDAD brushed as ENERGETIC CLASS improved into a run between GRACYDAD and BOND ELEGANCE. Following the race, Z Purton reported that CLEAR CHOICE did not feel entirely comfortable in its action during the race. A veterinary inspection of CLEAR CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY CONNECTION and I’M A WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CLEAR CHOICE, BORN DRAGON and ENERGETIC CLASS were sent for sampling. <28/12/2017 Additional Veterinary Report> The Stewards were incorrectly advised that BEAUTY CONNECTION was reported to have no significant findings following a post-race veterinary inspection.  The Department of Veterinary Regulation and Biosecurity Policy has subsequently advised the Stewards that an endoscopic examination conducted on BEAUTY CONNECTION found that horse to have a substantial amount of blood in its trachea.  Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY CONNECTION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that BOND ELEGANCE was lame in its right hind leg with multiple superficial wounds.  Before being allowed to race again, BOND ELEGANCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.