18/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 1

LONDON MASTER was slow to begin. PRAWN YEAH YEAH began only fairly and after travelling a short distance was steadied away from the heels of JUNZI which shifted out. Passing the 900 Metres, THE CREATETH lay in and became awkward on the heels of GOOD COMPANION. For some distance approaching the 600 Metres, LONDON MASTER was ridden along when reluctant to maintain its position between PRAWN YEAH YEAH and SPRING WIN. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, GRACIOUS RYDER lost ground when steadied away from the heels of JUMBO BUS. PRAWN YEAH YEAH, which was following, was hampered and shifted out away from the heels of GRACIOUS RYDER, resulting in LONDON MASTER being checked and taken out across the heels of SPRING WIN. An inquiry was conducted into interference suffered by GRACIOUS RYDER and PAKISTAN BABY passing the 400 Metres. It was established that after racing in a tight position outside and slightly in advance of PAKISTAN BABY, THE CREATETH (N Callan) lay in momentarily, resulting in PAKISTAN BABY being crowded for room and tightened onto GRACIOUS RYDER which was checked. Having regard to the racing manners of THE CREATETH which hung in noticeably in the early stages of the Straight, the Stewards afforded Jockey Callan the benefit of the doubt as to whether his riding could be deemed to be careless. Nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make every endeavour to ensure runners to his inside have comfortable racing room. After leaving the 300 Metres, PRAWN YEAH YEAH was shifted to the inside of GRACIOUS RYDER to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, GRACIOUS RYDER was disappointed for running between JUMBO BUS and PAKISTAN BABY which was taken in for some distance by THE CREATETH which got its head on the side and hung in. GRACIOUS RYDER continued to be awkwardly placed inside the heels of PAKISTAN BABY for some distance and was again held up in the run to the finishing line. Due to these circumstances, GRACIOUS RYDER was unable to be properly tested over about the final 200 Metres. Over the final 100 Metres, PRAWN YEAH YEAH was held up when racing behind JUMBO BUS and to the inside of the heels of GRACIOUS RYDER and consequently was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, THE CREATETH travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of GRACIOUS RYDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRACIOUS RYDER, JUNZI and VERY RICH MAN were sent for sampling.