23/06/2021  Happy Valley  Race 3

MY MY MY shifted out at the start and bumped WHISKEY NEAT. MY MY MY then lost ground a short distance after the start when crowded for room between WHISKEY NEAT and SUPER COMMANDER which shifted out. WILD WEST WING shifted out at the start and bumped VALIANT ELEGANCE. MASTER OF FUN began awkwardly and then lost ground when crowded for room between TRAVEL DATUK and HAPPILY FRIENDS which shifted in. After this, from wide barriers, MASTER OF FUN and HAPPILY FRIENDS were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, FARIBAULT was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. A short distance after the start, PACKING CHAMPION shifted out and inconvenienced WINMORE STAR. Approaching the 750 Metres, WHISKEY NEAT shifted out and bumped INESTIMABLE. WHISKEY NEAT and INESTIMABLE again bumped near the 700 Metres. INESTIMABLE was left racing wide and without cover after the 600 Metres. MASTER OF FUN made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly. VALIANT ELEGANCE lost its left hind plate at the 550 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, FARIBAULT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASTER OF FUN. Passing the 250 Metres, SUPER COMMANDER and WILD WEST WING bumped. After this, both SUPER COMMANDER and WILD WEST WING shifted in under pressure. Near the 150 Metres, WINMORE STAR got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of WHISKEY NEAT, resulting in WINMORE STAR having to be checked away from the heels of that horse. Approaching the 100 Metres, HAPPILY FRIENDS was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running. Close to the finishing line, MY MY MY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER COMMANDER and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WHISKEY NEAT, J Moreira stated that he had to ride his mount along for a considerable distance to obtain a forward position. He said he attempted to cross SUPER COMMANDER in the early stages and lead as instructed, however, WHISKEY NEAT, which was coming back in distance tonight, did not show sufficient speed to be able to cross SUPER COMMANDER and WHISKEY NEAT was required to race outside that horse. He said WHISKEY NEAT did not travel well at any stage of the race and came under pressure after the 500 Metres to hold its positon. He added after riding his mount vigorously rounding the Home Turn, WHISKEY NEAT did not respond to his riding and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of WHISKEY NEAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WHISKEY NEAT, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WHISKEY NEAT 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, Apprentice C L Chau stated that, up in class tonight, VALIANT ELEGANCE was not able to show sufficient speed to lead despite being vigorously ridden along for some distance in the early stages. He said VALIANT ELEGANCE travelled only fairly when positioned further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of INESTIMABLE near the 450 Metres, he shifted VALIANT ELEGANCE to the outside of that horse and VALIANT ELEGANCE then finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of VALIANT ELEGANCE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL DATUK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WHISKEY NEAT, WILD WEST WING and SUPER COMMANDER were sent for sampling.