18/05/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

On arrival at the Start, Z Purton reported that ATULLIBIGEAL, which was fractious in the Parade Ring, did not feel comfortable in its action when proceeding to the barriers. A veterinary inspection of ATULLIBIGEAL found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, ATULLIBIGEAL was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, ATULLIBIGEAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NICCONI COUNTY lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between WOOD ON FIRE which shifted out marginally and SMART IDEA which shifted in. SMART IDEA then became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped LYRICAL MOTION which then shifted out away from SMART IDEA, causing STORMTROUPER to lose ground after having to be steadied away from the heels of LYRICAL MOTION. NAMJONG SINGS and XPONENTIAL brushed at the start. From the outside barrier, WIND N GRASS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. TRANSCENDENT was also steadied in the early and middle stages to obtain cover after racing wide. When being steadied making the turn near the 1050 Metres to obtain cover, TRANSCENDENT got its head on the side and lay out. After the 800 Metres, DIAMOND BRILLIANT was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 200 Metres, M Chadwick (WOOD ON FIRE) dropped his right rein. Approaching the 50 Metres, STORMTROUPER (M F Poon) was steadied when crowded for room between DIAMOND BRILLIANT which initially shifted out away from SMART IDEA and NICCONI COUNTY which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the crowding to STORMTROUPER. After the race, M F Poon reported that, in his opinion, STORMTROUPER did not back up from its run last Wednesday night. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages, however, did not finish the race off in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of STORMTROUPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Close to the finishing line, WOOD ON FIRE and LYRICAL MOTION raced tight. SKY FOREVER and XPONENTIAL were sent for sampling.