17/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

SUPER GOAL MASTER, which was difficult to load, will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again. ESPERANZA was slow to begin. PERFECT GEAR was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of FREE AND EASY which shifted out. In this incident, PERFECT GEAR clipped the heels of FREE AND EASY and blundered. Shortly after the start, PAR EXCELLENCE became unbalanced after being bumped by JOYFUL JOYFUL. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, PERFECT GEAR proved difficult to settle and then near the 900 Metres became unbalanced when bumped by PAR EXCELLENCE. After this, PERFECT GEAR continued to prove difficult to settle. Passing the 800 Metres, KINGIFLY was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT GEAR when proving difficult to settle. Near the 100 Metres, HIGH RETURN was shifted to the inside of FREE AND EASY which shifted out under pressure. Throughout the race, PAR EXCELLENCE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of JOYFUL JOYFUL in the Straight, Z Purton stated that prior to the Home Turn he rode his mount along and JOYFUL JOYFUL responded only fairly to his riding. He said near the 200 Metres runners were improving on both sides of JOYFUL JOYFUL and the horse was inclined to shift some ground.  He said for this reason he balanced JOYFUL JOYFUL, then passing the 100 Metres pulled the whip into his right hand and continued to ride the horse out to the end of the race. Z Purton was advised the Stewards would report his explanation, however, he was told to ensure that at all times he rides his mounts with sufficient vigour so as to leave no room for query. PERFECT GEAR, HIGH RETURN and FREE AND EASY were sent for sampling.