11/05/2022  Happy Valley  Race 4

EXCELLENT PEERS began only fairly. WINNING ICEY began only fairly and then lost ground when badly crowded for room between STARRY NIGHT which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters when racing tight inside ENCORE which also became very unbalanced when bumped by STARRY NIGHT; and SO AWESOME which, after shifting out of its own accord despite the efforts of its rider, was then taken out marginally by ABOVE ALL. The Stewards were of the opinion that despite a number of horses being badly hampered in this incident, there was no carelessness exhibited by any rider. After this, despite being vigorously ridden along, SO AWESOME failed to muster speed. HARRIER JET began awkwardly and after the 600 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. From the outside barrier, HARDLY SWEARS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. ENCORE was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that after becoming unbalanced on jumping, STARRY NIGHT was able to obtain a forward position in the early stages and travelled comfortably behind the speed. He said after placing STARRY NIGHT under pressure near the 400 Metres, the horse did not quicken rounding the Home Turn and then gave ground approaching and passing the 200 Metres which he attributed to tonight’s track conditions. A veterinary inspection of STARRY NIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SO AWESOME and WINNING ICEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STARRY NIGHT, ABOVE ALL and EXCELLENT PEERS were sent for sampling.