21/09/2022  Happy Valley  Race 5

Prior to the start being effected, CIGAR BUDDIES became fractious and lunged at the front gates, resulting in the gates opening. CIGAR BUDDIES then travelled strongly until being able to be pulled up near the 900 Metres. The Veterinary Officer reported that given the manner in which CIGAR BUDDIES made heavy contact with the front gates, that horse was not suitable to race and accordingly CIGAR BUDDIES was withdrawn by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice. Before being allowed to race again, CIGAR BUDDIES will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THE MULTIPLIER was slow to begin. RAGING BLAZE began only fairly. SMART LEADER shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in FORTUNE HERO being hampered and taken out and in doing so bumping the hindquarters of HAPPY FAT CAT. From an outside barrier, HEARTY WISH was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, SMART LEADER got its head on the side and lay out. After this, SMART LEADER continued to race with its head on the side. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, THE MULTIPLIER lay in and brushed the running rail. Near the 500 Metres, HEARTY WISH was awkwardly placed behind POLARIS WINNER. After the 500 Metres, RAGING BLAZE became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of SMART LEADER. At the entrance to the Straight, HAPPY FAT CAT and EUROMISSILE bumped. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that as the connections of THETA HEDGE was somewhat disappointed with the manner in which the horse finished its most recent race off when ridden in the early stages to obtain a forward position, he was asked tonight from the outside barrier to shift THETA HEDGE across behind runners and obtain a position with cover as it was felt that this would provide his mount with the best opportunity to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of THETA HEDGE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of THE MULTIPLIER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE HERO and ISLAND SURPRISE were sent for sampling.