19/04/2023  Happy Valley  Race 7

Whilst in the saddling stalls, MAGNIAC had its right front plate refitted. MAGNIAC was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From the outside barrier, SOLID SHALAA was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start and then raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Near the 500 Metres, KOKUSHI MUSOU lay out slightly and made contact with BUNDLE OF CHARM (H Bowman), resulting in BUNDLE OF CHARM racing tight to the inside of JOLLY RULER. Near the 400 Metres, KOKUSHI MUSOU, which continued to lay out slightly, was checked when crowded by BUNDLE OF CHARM when that runner shifted in slightly as H Bowman lowered his goggles to obtain clearer vision. H Bowman was reprimanded for allowing to shift in at that point. Near the 150 Metres, A Badel (NAMJONG SINGS) lost his whip when being struck from his grasp by the whip of S De Sousa (JOLLY RULER). NAMJONG SINGS raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding his riding of EXCELLENT PEERS, M Chadwick stated that his instructions were to endeavour to find a midfield position with cover. He said after jumping reasonably well and positioned to the outside of BUNDLE OF CHARM, he was concerned that he would be caught wide and without cover and for this reason he elected to shift his mount in behind that runner to secure a position with cover which resulted in EXCELLENT PEERS racing further back in the field than had been anticipated. He added that near the 400 Metres when KOKUSHI MUSOU struck interference, he was obliged to steady his mount for a short distance and then remained positioned to the inside of SOLID SHALAA. He added through this section of the race his vision became impaired due to the kickback and for this reason he was unable to shift to the outside of SOLID SHALAA. He said as a result EXCELLENT PEERS remained behind and to the inside of SOLID SHALAA until near the 200 Metres where he was able to shift to that runner’s outside to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding his vigour over the final 200 Metres, M Chadwick stated that he was obliged to balance his mount once positioned to the outside of SOLID SHALAA and when NAMJONG SINGS shifted in slightly towards him, he was then obliged to shift in away from that runner so that he could secure clear running. He added that over the final 100 Metres EXCELLENT PEERS ran home reasonably well. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted in the early stages were reasonable in the circumstances, however, M Chadwick was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have placed EXCELLENT PEERS under full pressure sooner than what he did near the 200 Metres. In electing not to take any action against Jockey Chadwick, the Stewards could not be satisfied that his actions after the 200 Metres had compromised the finishing position of EXCELLENT PEERS. After the race, K Teetan (RED DESERT) reported that his mount raced too keenly in the early stages and as a result was left without a finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of RED DESERT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of KOKUSHI MUSOU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAGNIAC and ACE ONE were sent for sampling.