23/01/2019  Happy Valley  Race 1

When proceeding to the barriers, N Callan was dislodged from HORSE BULLET without incident. HORSE BULLET shifted in on jumping and bumped THE INVINCIBLE. CELEBRATION was shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier on jumping. Shortly after the start, PENZANCE, which began awkwardly, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of GLORIAM. This resulted in PENZANCE shifting in and bumping THE JOY OF GIVING. Near the 2000 Metres, WEALTHY FORTUNE got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of GLORIAM. In the early stages, HORSE BULLET was left racing wide and without cover and for some distance approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion was ridden along in an endeavour to clear runners to its inside to obtain a position closer to the rail. After briefly shifting in to race one horse off the rail passing the 1100 Metres, HORSE BULLET was then taken to a three wide position without cover near the 900 Metres when PENZANCE shifted out from behind THE INVINCIBLE. After the 1100 Metres, GLORIAM was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 700 Metres, WEALTHY FORTUNE was awkwardly placed outside COME ON WONGCHOY which shifted to the outside of HORSE BULLET to improve. Near the 550 Metres, HORSE BULLET, which was giving ground, momentarily raced in restricted room between SO GENEROUS and WEALTHY FORTUNE which shifted in marginally. Passing the 500 Metres, CELEBRATION was shifted in away from the heels of HORSE BULLET which continued to give ground. In the early part of the Straight, COME ON WONGCHOY was shifted out away from the heels of SWEET BEAN (M Chadwick) as that horse shifted out under pressure. M Chadwick was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. The performances of GLORIAM, HORSE BULLET and THE INVINCIBLE, all of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLORIAM, HORSE BULLET and THE INVINCIBLE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GLORIAM immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of HORSE BULLET and THE INVINCIBLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, G van Niekerk stated that when assessing the form for tonight’s race, he noted that in some of its races CELEBRATION had finished off well when brought to the outside of runners to make its final run. He said passing the 450 Metres he was following THE JOY OF GIVING and near the 400 Metres commenced to improve to the outside of that horse. He said he allowed CELEBRATION to shift to the outside of FORTUNE PATROL in the early part of the Straight and he was able to continually ride his mount out whilst doing so. He added he was able to shift to the outside of FORTUNE PATROL from the 300 Metres and CELEBRATION then finished off the race well. COME ON WONGCHOY, THE JOY OF GIVING and SWEET BEAN were sent for sampling.