28/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

MAGIC SUCCESS shifted in at the start and bumped ISHVARA. MAGIC SUCCESS was then steadied to obtain cover. From wide barriers, TEN FLAMES and THE SYLPH were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. For some distance after passing the winning post on the first occasion, THE SYLPH got its head up and raced ungenerously. After the 1000 Metres, STARLIT KNIGHT commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of UNIVERSAL GO GO. Then passing the 800 Metres, STARLIT KNIGHT, which continued to prove difficult to settle, was allowed to shift out and improved its position around the field to assume the lead near the 500 Metres. After passing the 700 Metres, THE SYLPH again got its head up and raced ungenerously when brushed by MARVEL JOY which improved to be racing outside ISHVARA. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, THE FULL BLOOM and MAGIC SUCCESS raced tight and came into contact as a consequence of THE FULL BLOOM attempting to shift out from behind YOUNG EMPIRE which came under pressure. When THE FULL BLOOM was able to shift out from behind YOUNG EMPIRE at the 500 Metres, MAGIC SUCCESS was inconvenienced and taken out onto THE SYLPH which was forced wider. ROMANTIC BONANZA travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of ROMANTIC BONANZA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROMANTIC BONANZA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of U Rispoli (TEN FLAMES), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position having regard to the neck margin between that horse and the 5th placegetter, ISHVARA, nonetheless he was reprimanded and reminded of the requirement to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, C Schofield stated that it was intended for MARVEL JOY to be ridden in a forward position. He said it was anticipated that YOUNG EMPIRE and GRAND HARBOUR would lead the race at a good tempo and this would provide MARVEL JOY with the opportunity to shift in behind those horses from barrier 8. He said however that wearing a visor for the first occasion today, MARVEL JOY did not step away from the barriers well and was further back in the field immediately after the start than had been anticipated. He said he was then reluctant to ride his mount forward as he would have had to make some use of the horse to overcome its poor beginning and he was also concerned that MARVEL JOY may not settle with the head gear applied after having to be ridden along. He said for this reason he elected to steady MARVEL JOY and shift across to race on the rail which resulted in the horse being further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG EMPIRE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG EMPIRE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STARLIT KNIGHT and UNIVERSAL GO GO were sent for sampling.