03/03/2021  Happy Valley  Race 7

KING OPIE lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. EXCEPTIONAL NICE shifted in at the start and bumped VILLA FIONN which became unbalanced, shifted in and bumped HARDLY SWEARS. After this, HARDLY SWEARS and VILLA FIONN were steadied to obtain cover. YO BEAUTY began awkwardly. HARMONY SPIRIT shifted in at the start and bumped WEALTHY DELIGHT. Near the 450 Metres, TURIN REDSTAR raced tight outside EXCEPTIONAL NICE which shifted out away from the heels of YO BEAUTY which was commencing to give ground. Approaching the 400 Metres, HARMONY SPIRIT was shifted to the outside of the heels of SMOOTHIES after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. HARMONY SPIRIT then improved quickly to be racing close to the heels of YO BEAUTY which at this time was giving ground abruptly. This resulted in HARMONY SPIRIT (Apprentice C L Chau) having to be severely checked away from the heels of YO BEAUTY and shifted out abruptly to avoid the heels of that horse and in doing so made heavy contact with the hindquarters of EXCEPTIONAL NICE which became extremely unbalanced and HARMONY SPIRIT being checked. In this incident, EXCEPTIONAL NICE lost its right hind plate. Apprentice Chau was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that HARMONY SPIRIT did improve its position quickly at this time as YO BEAUTY was giving ground abruptly, nonetheless he must be aware of the changing circumstances of a race to ensure that he does not place his mounts and others around him in awkward positions which can result in interference in races. After this, YO BEAUTY continued to give ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of YO BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of YO BEAUTY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, YO BEAUTY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. At the entrance to the Straight, ROYAL BOMB was directed out by PARTERRE (A Hamelin). ROYAL BOMB then shifted out away from PARTERRE, resulting in KING OPIE, which was following ROYAL BOMB and improving to the outside of that horse, shifting away from the heels of ROYAL BOMB and causing SMOOTHIES, which was also looking to improve to the outside of KING OPIE, being awkwardly placed behind that horse and being disappointed for running between KING OPIE and TURIN REDSTAR approaching the 250 Metres. A Hamelin was reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 100 Metres, TURIN REDSTAR raced tight outside KING OPIE. When questioned, M F Poon stated that it was felt that tonight’s race would not be run at a particularly quick tempo and with the blinkers being added to the gear of TURIN REDSTAR, it was believed that the horse would be able to obtain a forward position as it had previously raced well when ridden close to the lead. He said it was felt that TURIN REDSTAR may be able to obtain a position outside the lead, however, he was told that if the race was run quicker than anticipated, it was available to him to take a trailing position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along for some distance in the early stages to cross runners to his inside. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he was racing outside the hindquarters of the leader and inside EXCEPTIONAL NICE and YO BEAUTY which were being ridden to obtain a forward position. He said passing the 1300 Metres he was aware that the race was being run at a particularly fast tempo and therefore he steadied his mount to allow EXCEPTIONAL NICE and YO BEAUTY to improve forward of TURIN REDSTAR rather than continue to try and maintain its position outside PARTERRE. When questioned, K Teetan (SMOOTHIES) stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position and lead if possible. He said however that if other runners were intent on leading, it was acceptable for him to take a trailing position. He said on arrival at the Start he gave SMOOTHIES a good warm up to ensure the horse began well. He said after beginning well, he rode SMOOTHIES along in the early stages, however, the horse did not show as much early speed as anticipated. He said runners drawn outside SMOOTHIES were showing more early speed than his mount and he felt that he would have had to ride SMOOTHIES vigorously in an attempt to lead. He said therefore he elected to allow runners drawn wide to improve forward of SMOOTHIES which resulted in his mount travelling further back in the field than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of HARMONY SPIRIT and EXCEPTIONAL NICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WEALTHY DELIGHT and ROYAL BOMB were sent for sampling.