03/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to CARISSIMA was replaced. WARM EMBRACES, which was leaning on the inside of its stall, began awkwardly and was slow to begin. From a gate towards the outside, GALLANT GALLOP was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, ABSOLUTE HEDGE was severely checked after being buffeted for some distance between GALAXY TREASURE which shifted in slightly and MY MATE ADRIC which, after initially shifting in and bumping O’REILLY MAGIC at the start, then shifted out. In this incident, ABSOLUTE HEDGE made heavy contact with both MY MATE ADRIC and GALAXY TREASURE, causing those horses to be badly hampered. Whilst the interference sustained by ABSOLUTE HEDGE was of significance, the Stewards did not believe any rider was careless in this incident, therefore no further action was taken. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, EASY AHEAD was slow to muster speed and when caught wide passing the 1200 Metres was allowed to stride forward. Near the 850 Metres, WARM EMBRACES, which was racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of ABSOLUTE HEDGE which itself shifted out away from the heels of GALAXY TREASURE when racing keenly. When CARISSIMA commenced to give ground near the 500 Metres, GALAXY TREASURE and GALLANT GALLOP, which were following, were checked away from the heels of that horse. Near the 250 Metres, BULLISH WIN shifted out when being checked away from the heels of EASY AHEAD which commenced to give ground abruptly. In doing so, BULLISH WIN shifted out across the rightful running of GALLANT GALLOP, causing that horse to be checked in consequence. Near the 50 Metres, ABSOLUTE HEDGE shifted out, resulting in J Lloyd, its rider, changing the whip into his left hand. When questioned regarding his riding of MOON CHASER in the Straight, D Whyte stated that passing the 300 Metres MOON CHASER raced in restricted room inside MY MATE ADRIC. He said for some distance after this he was concerned that MY MATE ADRIC would continue to shift ground inwards which would in turn cause interference to MERIDIAN PRIDE which was racing to the inside of MOON CHASER. He said when it became apparent to him passing the 200 Metres that MY MATE ADRIC was not going to shift further ground, he then commenced to ride MOON CHASER along with the whip. A veterinary inspection of CARISSIMA after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CARISSIMA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, CARISSIMA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TRAVEL GUIDE and ABSOLUTE HEDGE were sent for sampling.