23/05/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

FLYING GODSPELL began only fairly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN SLEEP as a result of both horses shifting ground. This resulted in FLYING GODSPELL racing back in the field. SHOWING CHARACTER began awkwardly, resulting in its rider, Apprentice H N Wong, becoming unbalanced. A veterinary inspection of SHOWING CHARACTER immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor overreach wound to the left fore heel. From wide barriers, CAPTAIN BOSS and VICTORY POWER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 850 Metres, FLYING GODSPELL lost ground when momentarily crowded for room between GOLDEN SLEEP and VICTORY POWER which got its head on the side and shifted out away from GOLDEN GLORY. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP lost ground after making the turn awkwardly and shifting out towards the heels of GALLANT RETURN. VICTORY POWER, which was racing outside GOLDEN SLEEP, was inconvenienced in consequence. Approaching the 400 Metres, DOCTORS DELIGHT was momentarily awkwardly placed behind GOLDEN SLEEP. Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, SHOWING CHARACTER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of VICTORY POWER when improving into tight running between that horse and CAPTAIN BOSS. Passing the 200 Metres, GALLANT RETURN got its head on the side and lay in away from MASTER VIKING, resulting in GALLANT RETURN being awkwardly placed outside the heels of LAMAROSA until passing the 150 Metres. Near the 175 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP was inconvenienced by LOTUS BREEZE when that horse shifted to the outside of GOOD COMPANION. Passing the 100 Metres, SHOWING CHARACTER was briefly steadied away from the heels of VICTORY POWER which shifted out after initially being directed out by MASTER VIKING when that horse was taken out by GALLANT RETURN which shifted ground to obtain clear running. Also passing the 100 Metres, LAMAROSA angled its head to the right, resulting in its rider, Z Purton, having to stop riding and straighten his mount. Close to the finishing line, GALLANT RETURN raced tight inside the heels of GOLDEN GLORY. Throughout the race, MASTER VIKING travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on LAMAROSA at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LAMAROSA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LOTUS BREEZE, GOLDEN GLORY and FLYING GODSPELL were sent for sampling.