16/11/2022  Happy Valley  Race 5

OUR CREED, which was fractious in the Parade Ring, kicked the rail on a number of occasions. When continuing to be fractious, OUR CREED also hit its head. OUR CREED was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and passed suitable to race. HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE, which was standing awkwardly as the start was effected, began awkwardly. SIX BEST FRIENDS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped TO INFINITY. NORDIC COMBINED and FAMILY STRENGTH were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, OUR CREED was also steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1100 Metres, SUPER MAGIC was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLD GOLD BABY which was being steadied to obtain cover. Near the 850 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS raced close to the heels of H Z TOURBILLON which was being steadied in an endeavour to obtain cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NORDIC COMBINED and SUPER MAGIC bumped. Throughout the race, H Z TOURBILLON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, C Y Ho stated that stepping up to 1200 Metres tonight, he was able to obtain a midfield position on GOLD GOLD BABY and the horse travelled well in the early and middle stages. He said after placing GOLD GOLD BABY under pressure near the 450 Metres, he was concerned that the horse did not quicken as he expected it to. He added that he had to ride GOLD GOLD BABY vigorously rounding the Home Turn and after failing to show a turn of foot in the early part of the Straight the horse then finished the race off only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of GOLD GOLD BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SIX BEST FRIENDS at the request of Trainer K L Man. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SIX BEST FRIENDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of H Z TOURBILLON and FAMILY STRENGTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD GOLD BABY, SAVVY CHIC and COLONEL were sent for sampling.