01/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 9

EXCELLENT PEERS jumped awkwardly and shortly after was crowded by BUNDLE OF CHARM which shifted out and away from OUTGATE which also shifted out. EXCELLENT PEERS was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. GOLD GOLD BABY was bumped on jumping by JOLLY RULER which shifted in. STORMTROUPER began only fairly. From the outside barrier, WINNING ICEY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, BUNDLE OF CHARM failed to show sufficient speed to obtain a more forward position and after travelling a short distance was shifted across behind runners. Near the 1000 Metres, STORMTROUPER was inconvenienced when racing tight to the inside of BUNDLE OF CHARM which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. Making the turn approaching the 1000 Metres, GOLD GOLD BABY was steadied when crowded for room by STORMTROUPER (S De Sousa) which shifted in. S De Sousa was severely reprimanded. In considering penalty, the Stewards established that prior to this incident, STORMTROUPER had raced tight to the inside of BUNDLE OF CHARM when that runner shifted in and this contributed to STORMTROUPER shifting in and causing the interference to GOLD GOLD BABY. BUNDLE OF CHARM lost its left hind plate passing the 1000 Metres. JOLLY RULER raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 900 Metres was steadied when momentarily crowded by OUTGATE which shifted in slightly. Approaching the 600 Metres, STORMTROUPER was steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN LINK when racing keenly. In the early part of the Straight, STORMTROUPER had difficulty obtaining clear running. Between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres, GOLDEN LINK was held up for clear running behind JOLLY RULER. OUTGATE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding ARMOUR EAGLE leading, L Hewitson stated that his instructions were to endeavour to obtain cover but take advantage of his inside barrier. He said soon after jumping he elected to cross SCIENCE PATCH which was drawn directly to his inside with the intention of allowing runners to his outside to cross. He added that he did not pressure his mount to hold the lead, but when runners to his outside did not continue forward as he expected, this resulted in ARMOUR EAGLE leading the event which was not anticipated tonight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, C Y Ho explained that making the first turn he was obliged to steady his mount when crowded by STORMTROUPER. He said after this GOLD GOLD BABY did not travel comfortably and with the moderate early pace of the race found it difficult to make up ground when placed under pressure in the Home Straight. He added that subsequent to the race GOLD GOLD BABY was making a respiratory noise which he brought to the attention of Trainer K W Lui. A veterinary inspection of GOLD GOLD BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD GOLD BABY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of OUTGATE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD GOLD BABY, JOLLY RULER and WINNING ICEY were sent for sampling.