08/09/2021  Happy Valley  Race 8

At the time of declaration, C Schofield notified a probable overweight of 1 lb in respect of LUCKY QUALITY’s allocated weight of 118 lbs. C Schofield then weighed in an additional 2 lbs overweight, resulting in Jockey Schofield weighing in 3 lbs over the horse’s allocated weight. Jockey Schofield was fined the sum of $7,500. On arrival at the Start, Z Purton expressed concern regarding the action of WINNING METHOD. WINNING METHOD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was lame in the right front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, WINNING METHOD was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING METHOD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HARRIER JET shifted out at the start, resulting in THE RUNNER, TELECOM ROCKET and MERIDIAN GENIUS being inconvenienced. LUCKY QUALITY shifted out at the start and bumped TRANSCENDENT which in turn bumped RHAPSODY. After this, LUCKY QUALITY and TRANSCENDENT were steadied to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, VITRALITE was also steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. Approaching the 900 Metres, SMILING CITY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DECISIVE TWELVE. Approaching the 500 Metres, TELECOM ROCKET was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE RUNNER. Passing the 300 Metres, VITRALITE raced tight outside TELECOM ROCKET which shifted out. Then approaching the 150 Metres, VITRALITE was bumped by TELECOM ROCKET which shifted out away from TRANSCENDENT. Close to the finishing line, THE RUNNER shifted in and bumped MERIDIAN GENIUS. Throughout the race, RHAPSODY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of RHAPSODY and TELECOM ROCKET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DECISIVE TWELVE and SMILING CITY were sent for sampling.