06/04/2023  Happy Valley  Race 6

HAPPY UNITED jumped awkwardly and shortly after the start brushed with KOKUSHI MUSOU which shifted in slightly. SO AWESOME also jumped awkwardly and then bumped with DURHAM STAR. SO AWESOME then raced keenly in the early stages and near the 800 Metres was steadied to avoid the heels of VAMOS. SO AWESOME then continue to race keenly in the middle stages and got its head up. From a wide barrier, MR VALIANT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. For a short distance after the 400 Metres, KOKUSHI MUSOU was held up for clear running. Near the 250 Metres, MR VALIANT ran out when being ridden along before being corrected by its rider, S De Sousa, a short distance later. When questioned regarding his riding in the Straight, L Hewitson stated that after placing his mount under pressure with the whip in his right hand, DURHAM STAR responded only fairly when positioned behind VAMOS. He said as a result he changed his whip to his left hand in an attempt to improve his position, however, DURHAM STAR did not continue to shift to the outside of VAMOS which resulted in him having to stop riding and correct his mount near the 150 Metres. He added that he was then able to continue to ride his mount over the final 125 Metres whereby DURHAM STAR finished the race off reasonably well. After the race, C L Chau (LORIZ) reported that his mount was not suited by the fast early pace of the event, was under pressure a long way from the finish and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of LORIZ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LORIZ was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LORIZ will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, Z Purton (HAPPY UNITED) stated that his mount, which was only having its third race start, is still somewhat immature and was unsuited by having to chase the leader SUPER AXIOM in what was a fast run event. He added that, in his opinion, HAPPY UNITED will derive benefit from tonight’s racing experience. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY UNITED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MR VALIANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY UNITED, KOKUSHI MUSOU and DENFIELD were sent for sampling.