07/02/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

HAPPY ROCKY was crowded for room on jumping between CLOUD NINE and GOOD DAYS, both of which shifted ground. KING BOUNTIFUL was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, PREMIUM CHAMPION was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Despite being hard ridden in the early stages, CLOUD NINE was slow to muster speed. After being ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, FRUITFUL LIFE was left racing wide making the first turn near the 2000 Metres and was consequently steadied to obtain a position with cover. Passing the 2000 Metres, PROUD SKY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOLLY GAINS. Near the 1800 Metres, GOOD DAYS commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of GLORY STAR. After the 1800 Metres, JOLLY GAINS was left racing wide and without cover and after passing the winning post on the first occasion was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead. After the 1200 Metres, PROUD SKY was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, GOOD DAYS was hampered as GARLIC YEAH (Z Purton) shifted to the outside of KING BOUNTIFUL to obtain clear running. HAPPY CONTENDER, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. The performance of FRUITFUL LIFE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FRUITFUL LIFE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of GOOD DAYS in the Straight, P-C Boudot stated that he had ridden the horse aggressively from near the 700 Metres to have it travel better. He said GOOD DAYS was racing at Happy Valley for the first time tonight and was never balanced and he had to ride the horse along for a considerable distance in an endeavour to have it maintain its position. He said after being aggressively ridden in the lead up to the Home Turn, GOOD DAYS again lost balance and its momentum when hampered rounding the Home Turn. He said after shifting his horse to the inside of runners, he balanced up GOOD DAYS before commencing to use the whip in the right hand which he did on a number of occasions in a backhand manner. He added he felt that GOOD DAYS was finishing off the race as best as it was able given that it was never comfortable in the race and he did not believe that riding the horse any more aggressively with the whip would have resulted in it finishing any closer, particularly given that he had ridden GOOD DAYS along since prior to the 700 Metres. P-C Boudot was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he uses sufficient vigour on his horses so that his riding is not open to query. A veterinary inspection of PREMIUM CHAMPION, HAPPY CONTENDER and FRUITFUL LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY ROCKY and GARLIC YEAH were sent for sampling.