19/05/2021  Happy Valley  Race 5

As the start was effected, VOYAGE STAR lifted its front feet off the ground and began only fairly. After this, VOYAGE STAR was ridden along for some distance to obtain a forward position, however, failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. FALCON TURBO shifted out at the start and bumped TELECOM ROCKET which became unbalanced and was then crowded for room inside OURGOLDENRULES. From wide barriers, MASTER ALBERT, CHIKORITA and JAZZ STEED were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 900 Metres, RHAPSODY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ARES. At the entrance to the Straight, WHAT A LEGEND was shifted out away from the heels of LORIZ to obtain clear running. After the 150 Metres, JAZZ STEED and FALCON TURBO brushed. Passing the 50 Metres, FALCON TURBO raced tight inside JAZZ STEED which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding to FALCON TURBO. Because of this, JAZZ STEED was not able to be properly tested over the concluding stages. Then close to the finishing line, FALCON TURBO was awkwardly placed behind ARES and because of this was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, LITTLE BIRD travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of CHIKORITA immediately following the race found that horse to have a continuous displacement of the soft palate. Acting on a recommendation from the Veterinary Officer, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, CHIKORITA will be referred to the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy for a further clinical assessment and will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of OURGOLDENRULES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WHAT A LEGEND, RHAPSODY and TELECOM ROCKET were sent for sampling.