25/01/2017  Happy Valley  Race 3

SHARP SAILOR, ACCLAIMED LIGHT and HAPPY CONTENDER were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1800 Metres, INDUSTRIALIST WAY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASY HEDGE which got its head up when being steadied in the lead. After the 1600 Metres, JOLLY GENE was left racing wide and without cover and was allowed to improve its position outside the lead after the 1200 Metres. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, ISTANBUL BEY and JOLLY GENE raced tight as ISTANBUL BEY shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CLOUD NINE. Near the 950 Metres, ACCLAIMED LIGHT and HAPPY CONTENDER bumped heavily as HAPPY CONTENDER shifted out when being checked away from the heels of ANDOYAS. Rounding the Home Turn, ANDOYAS raced tight between SHARP SAILOR and INDUSTRIALIST WAY which was shifted away from the heels of LITTERATEUR which was giving ground. At the entrance to the Straight, SHARP SAILOR shifted out and bumped ISTANBUL BEY which became unbalanced. Approaching the 200 Metres, INDUSTRIALIST WAY raced in restricted room inside the heels of CLOUD NINE. Passing the 200 Metres, EASY HEDGE shifted out and made heavy contact with ANDOYAS, causing both horses to become badly unbalanced and for EASY HEDGE to be taken in onto CLOUD NINE which was checked when crowded for room. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no carelessness exhibited by any rider in this incident, no further action was taken. A veterinary inspection of EASY HEDGE and ACCLAIMED LIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ANDOYAS and HAPPY CONTENDER were sent for sampling.