13/01/2021  Happy Valley  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SKY CHAMPION had sustained a minor abrasion to the right hock. SKY CHAMPION was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. GLUCK RACER was slow to begin. HAPPY PROFIT jumped out at the start and bumped HELAKU KNIGHT which was being steadied to shift across and obtain cover. PEAK TO PEAK and MUDITA made contact at the start. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, MUDITA was steadied away from the heels of FOCUS (K C Leung) which shifted in. The Stewards were satisfied that the racing manners of MUDITA, which was having its first race start, had contributed to the incident by shifting out at the time FOCUS was shifting in. Nonetheless K C Leung was reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. After leaving the 900 Metres, GLUCK RACER was reluctant to hold its position inside DAILY BEAUTY which shifted in when racing tight inside HELAKU KNIGHT. HELAKU KNIGHT then got its head up and raced ungenerously when being shifted out to relieve the tightening to DAILY BEAUTY and GLUCK RACER. Approaching the 150 Metres, HAPPY PROFIT, which was giving ground, was steadied after shifting in and racing tight with STAR SUPERIOR which improved to its inside. Throughout the race, FOCUS travelled wide and without cover. The performance of GOOD BUDDY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD BUDDY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, Z Purton reported that after being ridden along in the early stages, HAPPY PROFIT took up a forward position relatively comfortably and was able to follow PEAK TO PEAK across to share the lead. He said HAPPY PROFIT travelled comfortably along the Back Straight and approaching the Home Turn he expected the horse would close off the race well. He said however that after being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn, HAPPY PROFIT did not respond to his riding, got its head up and immediately commenced to give ground upon straightening. He added that HAPPY PROFIT was then disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY PROFIT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH BROTHER and GOOD BUDDY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNIVERSAL GO GO and DAILY BEAUTY were sent for sampling.