01/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

BILLIONAIRE SECRET shifted in on jumping and bumped COPARTNER FIONN. Shortly after, COPARTNER FIONN, BILLIONAIRE SECRET and VIVA POPCORN were badly crowded for room between LEGION OF MERIT which was taken out by V CHEVALIERS and PACKING SUCCEEDER which shifted in slightly. In this incident, PACKING SUCCEEDER was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced. On jumping, VIVA POPCORN was bumped by PACKING SUCCEEDER which shifted in, resulting in VIVA POPCORN then making contact with BILLIONAIRE SECRET. From the outside barrier, KYRUS UNICORN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SUPER EAGLE got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind CHILL CHIBI. Due to the slow early pace, LEGION OF MERIT shifted out near the 1100 Metres to commence a forward move and obtained a position in the lead near the 900 Metres. PACKING SUCCEEDER raced keenly in the middle stages. Near the 600 Metres, CHILL CHIBI was taken wider when V CHEVALIERS shifted out to improve. Making the Home Turn, SUPER EAGLE was bumped by COPARTNER FIONN which shifted out. Near the 400 Metres, BILLIONAIRE SECRET became held up on the heels of FIRE BALL which commenced to give ground. A veterinary inspection of FIRE BALL immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, FIRE BALL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 300 Metres, CHILL CHIBI was shifted out away from V CHEVALIERS which shifted out before being corrected by its rider. VIVA POPCORN, which was racing to the outside of CHILL CHIBI, shifted out away from that runner. Near the 50 Metres, COPARTNER FIONN was shifted to the outside of V CHEVALIERS to improve into clear running. After the race, CHILL CHIBI was found to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, CHILL CHIBI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PACKING SUCCEEDER, CHILL CHIBI and VIVA POPCORN were sent for sampling.