11/07/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

HONEST HORSE shifted in at the start and bumped DIAMOND LEGEND. MONEY MARSHAL began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of DIAMOND MASTER. From wide barriers, POWER MAN and STAR SUPERIOR were steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER commenced to travel keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOLLY BOUNTIFUL. In the early part of the Straight, MONEY MARSHAL lay in under pressure. Approaching the 100 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of JOLLY BOUNTIFUL which shifted out under pressure. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if LIGHTNING MISSILE had been afforded a fair start. After interviewing the Starter, Mr A Speechley, and viewing the videos, it was found that simultaneously with the start being effected LIGHTNING MISSILE lifted its front feet off the ground and then kicked out behind which resulted in the horse losing ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that LIGHTNING MISSILE had performed as it did as the start was effected and having regard to the fact that there were no external factors which prevented LIGHTNING MISSILE from beginning with the field, they ruled that that horse had been afforded a fair start and accordingly LIGHTNING MISSILE was declared a runner. Before being allowed to race again, LIGHTNING MISSILE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. A veterinary inspection of LIGHTNING MISSILE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LIGHTNING MISSILE, FANTASTIC FABIO and MR PICASSO were sent for sampling.