08/04/2021  Happy Valley  Race 3

When the tongue tie carried by GRATEFUL HEART could not be fitted in the Parade Ring, the tongue tie was applied to the horse on arrival at the Start. MASSIVE POCKET was slow to begin. EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was crowded for room on jumping between WE THE SOUTH and FLYING GENIUS, both of which shifted ground. After this, from an outside barrier, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After initially being ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position, FLYING GENIUS was steadied passing the 900 Metres and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover after racing wide. Passing the 700 Metres, SHINING ACE was steadied away from the heels of WE THE SOUTH and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of GRATEFUL HEART which became unbalanced. Passing the 600 Metres, GRATEFUL HEART was steadied away from the heels of WE THE SOUTH (V Borges) which shifted in when not properly clear. V Borges was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 500 Metres, WIND N GRASS, which was travelling keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VALIANT DREAM which came under pressure after being crossed by WE THE SOUTH. Passing the 100 Metres and again after the 50 Metres, VALIANT DREAM raced in restricted room inside WE THE SOUTH. Throughout the race, TEAM SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover. TEAM SPIRIT was taken wider again by SHINING ACE passing the 400 Metres and after this gave ground. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRATEFUL HEART, Z Purton stated that GRATEFUL HEART normally travels strongly in the early stages and is able to take up a forward position without having to have too much use made of it. He said in tonight’s race he had to ride his mount along for a considerable distance in the early stages as GRATEFUL HEART was reluctant to stretch out. He said it was not until passing the 800 Metres that he was able to secure a forward position and after this GRATEFUL HEART did not travel as comfortably as it had previously when ridden by him. He added he placed GRATEFUL HEART under pressure rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse did not let down as anticipated and then was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the concluding stages. He said, in his opinion, GRATEFUL HEART may not have appreciated the "Good to Firm” racing surface tonight as the horse did not stretch out as it had previously. A veterinary inspection of GRATEFUL HEART immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of GRATEFUL HEART, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GRATEFUL HEART 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 FLYING GENIUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRATEFUL HEART, MASSIVE POCKET and WIND N GRASS were sent for sampling.