09/04/2014  Happy Valley  Race 4

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that MAZANDARAN had lost its left front plate, resulting in the horse having to be replated. MAZANDARAN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. NAVEL ORANGE was slow to begin. MAZANDARAN and UWILLBEGLORIOUS bumped at the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MAZANDARAN lost its left front plate. When the pace slackened after the 1200 Metres, LORD DRAGON proved very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of THANKSGIVING for some distance. Near the 1100 Metres, MAZANDARAN, which was following LORD DRAGON, was checked away from that horse’s heels and FUN HEROES, which was following, was also checked. RISING POWER and LIFE OF BEAUTY were also checked in consequence. Passing the 900 Metres, NAVEL ORANGE shifted out away from the heels of UWILLBEGLORIOUS which was checked away from the heels of FIGHTING BOY. NAVEL ORANGE then travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NAVEL ORANGE was awkwardly placed outside FIGHTING BOY which shifted out. Approaching the 400 Metres, FIGHTING BOY raced tight between NAVEL ORANGE and FORTUNE BRAVO which shifted to the outside of LUCKY HAMMER. Approaching the 200 Metres, FORTUNE BRAVO was hampered when racing tight between NAVEL ORANGE and LUCKY HAMMER which shifted out marginally. Approaching the 150 Metres, Z Purton (LUCKY HAMMER) dropped his left rein. Near the 100 Metres, MAZANDARAN was shifted in away from the heels of LUCKY HAMMER which shifted in under pressure. Near the 50 Metres, LORD DRAGON became unbalanced when RISING POWER shifted in. NAVEL ORANGE lost its left hind plate after the finishing line. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that UWILLBEGLORIOUS had sustained a cut to the inside of the left front cannon. A veterinary inspection of FIGHTING BOY and LORD DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NAVEL ORANGE, LUCKY HAMMER and MAZANDARAN were sent for sampling.