01/03/2023  Happy Valley  Race 9

DINKUM, which hit its head in the saddling stalls, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. CZARSON shifted in at the start and bumped EVERYONE’S VICTORY. Then shortly afterwards, EVERYONE’S VICTORY shifted in and brushed HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE which then shifted in and made contact with SEIZING THE MOMENT. LUCKY ARCHANGEL, which was standing awkwardly in the barriers, was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, MAJESTIC KNIGHT shifted in and bumped EXCELLENT DADDY. Near the 800 Metres, EVERYONE’S VICTORY was steadied to avoid CZARSON (K C Leung) which shifted in when not quite clear. K C Leung was reprimanded. LUCKY ARCHANGEL, which was following, was steadied away from EVERYONE’S VICTORY in consequence. Approaching the 200 Metres, DINKUM was steadied when crowded between CALIFORNIA CIBLE which shifted in slightly and SEIZING THE MOMENT (L Currie) which shifted out. L Currie will be reprimanded and advised to ensure that he stops riding and straightens his mounts as they shift ground when not clear. Near the 200 Metres, SETANTA shifted out and brushed with CZARSON. EXCELLENT DADDY raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. The performance of LUCKY ARCHANGEL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY ARCHANGEL 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 LUCKY ARCHANGEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on ARMOUR EAGLE, Z Purton stated that prior to the race in assessing the expected pace, he identified that there was no noted leader and therefore from the outside barrier he elected to ride ARMOUR EAGLE in a positive manner to take up a forward position. He said after commencing well, ARMOUR EAGLE was positioned outside DINKUM and after entering the Back Straight in a three wide position, he allowed ARMOUR EAGLE to stride forward where it assumed a position outside the lead near the 800 Metres. He said however when under pressure in the Straight ARMOUR EAGLE responded only fairly to this riding and raced in a somewhat disappointing manner. Trainer J Richards stated that whilst he had not tied Jockey Purton to any specific instructions, it had been indicated pre-race that with the lack of early speed that Jockey Purton would ride ARMOUR EAGLE in a forward position. He added that given the manner in which ARMOUR EAGLE finished the race off tonight, it may be better suited when drawn a wide barrier to be ridden in a more conservative manner in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of ARMOUR EAGLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DINKUM immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DINKUM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE and MAJESTIC KNIGHT were sent for sampling.