23/05/2018  Happy Valley  Race 7

EPTIMUM began only fairly and then was crowded for room between TEAM FORTUNE and KINGSFIELD which shifted out. In this incident, TEAM FORTUNE became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by EPTIMUM. SUPER TURBO began only fairly, then shifted out on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of FORTUNE BOOTH which became unbalanced. From a wide barrier, MR GENUINE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, CALIFORNIA FORTUNE got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. Near the 850 Metres, MY ALLY momentarily raced tight inside CALIFORNIA FORTUNE which got its head on the side and shifted in. Passing the 400 Metres, MY ALLY and FORTUNE BOOTH bumped. Close to the finishing line, SUPER TURBO got its head on the side, shifted in and inconvenienced FORTUNE BO BO. When questioned, Z Purton stated that at the entrance to the Straight FORTUNE BOOTH commenced to close off the race well. He said passing the 300 Metres FORTUNE BO BO shifted in and bumped FORTUNE BOOTH which became unbalanced. He said he then had to direct FORTUNE BOOTH to the outside of GUNNISON to obtain clear running and when being ridden out vigorously hands and heels and slapping FORTUNE BOOTH down the shoulder with the whip in his left hand, FORTUNE BOOTH shifted slight ground and took some time to balance up. He said it was not until approaching the 50 Metres that FORTUNE BOOTH became fully balanced, however, at this time he was reluctant to pull the whip in the backhand manner as he believed that it was possible that FORTUNE BOOTH may shift ground if he did this which may result in the horse not being given the best opportunity to win the race. He said he therefore continued to ride FORTUNE BOOTH vigorously hands and heels all the way to the end of the winning post. A veterinary inspection of MOMENT OF POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GUNNISON and FORTUNE BOOTH were sent for sampling. <24/5/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>MOMENT OF POWER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. MOMENT OF POWER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, MOMENT OF POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.