21/03/2018  Happy Valley  Race 8

HARBOUR ALERT was withdrawn on 20.3.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HAPPY GUY (N Callan). Before being allowed to race again, HARBOUR ALERT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NAVAS was crowded for room on jumping between HAPPY GUY and SHANGHAI MASTER, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, HAPPY GUY became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by NAVAS. MOST BEAUTIFUL began only fairly and then shortly after the start became unbalanced when crowded for room between BREEDERS’ STAR and MICKEY RICH, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, BREEDERS’ STAR and MICKEY RICH also became unbalanced. From a wide barrier, HARD PROMISE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE travelled wide and without cover until after the 700 Metres at which time the horse was able to shift in to race outside the lead. MICKEY RICH travelled wide and without cover from the 700 Metres. Passing the 700 Metres, MOST BEAUTIFUL was awkwardly placed behind GOOD COMPANION which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. MOST BEAUTIFUL was again awkwardly placed behind GOOD COMPANION making the Home Turn. J Moreira (BREEDERS’ STAR) dropped his whip near the 150 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, BRAVE LEGEND shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of BREEDERS’ STAR. When questioned regarding his riding of BRAVE LEGEND in the Straight, M Chadwick stated that he was able to improve into tight running inside HARD PROMISE rounding the Home Turn. He said in the Straight he balanced the horse up and commenced to ride it out shortly after entering the Straight. He said passing the 250 Metres he had to determine whether to improve to the inside of EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE or to the outside of that horse. He said he elected after the 200 Metres to shift to the outside of EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE as he believed this would provide him with the best opportunity to close off the race without his momentum being interrupted. He said whilst he did not use the whip on BRAVE LEGEND, at all times he was riding it along vigorously and BRAVE LEGEND was closing off the race strongly. M Chadwick was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ride his mounts with sufficient vigour so as to ensure that his riding does not come under notice. SHANGHAI MASTER and CHEERFULJET were sent for sampling.