12/01/2022  Happy Valley  Race 1

STIMULATION was withdrawn on 10.1.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind). Before being allowed to race again, STIMULATION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER FAST, which was found to have sustained a small cut in the mouth, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and passed suitable to race. As the start was effected, SUPER FAST lifted its front feet off the ground and then was crowded for room between CHAMPION PAL and STAR OF GLORY which shifted out. In this incident, SUPER FAST bumped the hindquarters of CHAMPION PAL. SUPER FAST was then ridden along to make up lost ground. Shortly after the start, when being steadied to obtain cover, SKY GEM got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of CHAMPION PAL, resulting in SKY GEM being awkwardly placed outside that horse for a short distance. Also after travelling a short distance, CHAMPION PAL and SUPER FAST bumped. Near the 1700 Metres, RED IMPACT was very awkwardly placed behind GO BALLISTIC (J Moreira) which, after obtaining the lead, was steadied. STAR OF GLORY, which was following RED IMPACT, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. J Moreira was reprimanded and told to ensure that he does not ease his mounts in such a manner as to cause horses which are racing behind him to be hampered. When LEGION OF MERIT was shifted out to improve its position after the 1100 Metres, SKY GEM (V Borges) was ridden along to improve with that horse. SKY GEM was then left racing wide and without cover approaching the 800 Metres. After the race, V Borges stated that after attempting to improve his position to follow LEGION OF MERIT, SKY GEM gave him a limited response, however, by the 600 Metres was under heavy pressure and then in the Straight did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SKY GEM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Rounding the Home Turn, STAR OF GLORY shifted in towards the running rail and became badly unbalanced of its own accord. SUPER FAST got its head on the side and lay in in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 200 Metres, RED IMPACT and GO BALLISTIC raced tight. RED IMPACT, LEGION OF MERIT and CHAMPION PAL were sent for sampling.