06/04/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

When leaving the Parade Ring, DURHAM STAR made contact with a rail. On arrival at the Start, DURHAM STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. WHISKEY NEAT was crowded for room on jumping between DURHAM STAR which initially shifted in and HURRY HURRY GAIN which shifted out. WHISKEY NEAT then shifted out, resulting in DURHAM STAR being taken out onto HO HO JUNIOR, causing that horse to be hampered when bumped by DURHAM STAR. Then despite being ridden along, WHISKEY NEAT was slow to muster speed. GANG OF BROTHERS began very awkwardly and bumped the inside of its gate, resulting in its rider, Z Purton, becoming unbalanced. GANG OF BROTHERS was then shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier. From wide barriers, BELLA BABY and YOUNG EXPLORER were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the 1000 Metres, DURHAM STAR was momentarily crowded for room inside WHISKEY NEAT which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding. In the early and middle stages, SUPER AXIOM travelled keenly in the lead. Passing the 900 Metres, HO HO JUNIOR, which was having its first race start tonight, got its head on the side and lay in towards the rail and became unbalanced. In the Back Straight, BELLA BABY lay out and then got its head on the side and shifted out making the turn near the 550 Metres. BELLA BABY then continued to lay out until the Home Straight. Passing the 150 Metres, WHISKEY NEAT became unbalanced when improving into tight running inside SUPER AXIOM which shifted in marginally when giving ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, GANG OF BROTHERS, which was finishing the race off strongly, was shifted to the inside of DURHAM STAR to continue improving. Then near the 50 Metres, GANG OF BROTHERS was steadied when briefly tightened for room between DURHAM STAR and BINGO BINGO (K Teetan) which shifted out marginally under pressure. K Teetan was advised to make every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, AMBITIOUS HEART travelled wide and without cover. After the race, J Moreira explained that SURE JOYFUL did not travel well at any stage of tonight’s race and in the Straight did not finish the race off. He added that SURE JOYFUL, which was having its only third race start tonight, is immature and would benefit from further racing. A veterinary inspection of SURE JOYFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FLAMING EAGLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DURHAM STAR and BINGO BINGO were sent for sampling.