07/06/2023  Happy Valley  Race 5

After being loaded into the barriers, HAPPY HUNK became fractious, reared and struck its head on the superstructure. HAPPY HUNK was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, HAPPY HUNK was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY HUNK will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LEAN HERO and SHARPEN BRIGHT bumped at the start. READY PLAYER ONE shifted in on jumping and bumped AMAZING BOY. RIGHT HONOURABLE jumped only fairly. Near the 1300 Metres, NICE BIRDIE and SINGAPORE SPIRIT bumped due to both runners shifting ground. From the 350 Metres until near the 150 Metres, UNITED ENDEAVORS was held up for clear running behind MASTER TORNADO. Approaching the 200 Metres, BEAUTY MISSION endeavoured to obtain a narrow run between SINGAPORE SPIRIT and READY PLAYER ONE. When READY PLAYER ONE and SINGAPORE SPIRIT then shifted ground near the 150 Metres, BEAUTY MISSION became held up for clear running and near the 100 Metres was checked when disappointed for this run. As a result, BEAUTY MISSION could not be fully tested to the finish of the event. Approaching the 150 Metres, LEAN HERO was directed to the outside of NICE BIRDIE to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped BIG TWO. When questioned, B Avdulla (SHARPEN BRIGHT) stated that his mount, which was having its second race start, was inclined to race greenly throughout the event. He said making the Home Turn he became held up behind UNITED ENDEAVORS and on straightening attempted to shift to the outside of that runner to improve. He added that when LEAN HERO shifted in to take advantage of that run, he continued to be held up behind UNITED ENDEAVORS for a short distance on straightening. He said after the 300 Metres he was able to commence to ride SHARPEN BRIGHT along for a short distance, but near the 250 Metres was obliged to steady when UNITED ENDEAVORS shifted in slightly at that point. He further stated that over the final 250 Metres SHARPEN BRIGHT was not afforded completely clear running and as a result he was not able to fully test his mount in the Straight. After the race, L Hewitson (BIG TWO) reported that he was disappointed with the manner in which his mount finished the race off. A veterinary inspection of BIG TWO immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BIG TWO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, LEAN HERO was noted to have sustained a minor abrasion to the left front leg. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY MISSION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LEAN HERO and UNITED ENDEAVORS were sent for sampling.