05/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 3

CLASSIC ENERGY shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in AMBITIOUS OWNER and STEEL NERVES being hampered. HAPPY CHA CHA was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SPLENDID CHAMPION which shifted out. CLASSA began awkwardly and shortly after the start, from the outside barrier, was taken across behind runners. For some distance after the 1500 Metres, AMBITIOUS OWNER raced in restricted room between CLASSIC ENERGY and STEEL NERVES which at this time threw its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, KIDSLAND BABY and HAPPY CHA CHA bumped on a number of occasions. Near the 1300 Metres, KIDSLAND BABY was checked away from the heels of HAPPY CHA CHA and shifted out, resulting in CLASSA and PRIVATE ROAD, which were following, being hampered. Passing the 600 Metres, PRIVATE ROAD was bumped by OASIS DAVIS which shifted out. Passing the 500 Metres, PRIVATE ROAD was taken wider by OASIS DAVIS which at this time shifted to the outside of SUPREME TYCOON to improve its position. For some distance between the 500 Metres and the 400 Metres, HAPPY CHA CHA became unbalanced when racing in restricted room between CLASSA and AMBITIOUS OWNER (G Cheyne) which shifted out. In this incident, HAPPY CHA CHA bumped the hindquarters of CLASSA which became unbalanced. G Cheyne was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. HAPPY CHA CHA was then held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 250 Metres, MOSSMAN BLITZ raced tight between JOLLY WONGCHOY and SUPREME TYCOON, both of which shifted ground. In the Straight, STEEL NERVES hung in and over the concluding stages raced tight outside CLASSIC ENERGY. Because of this, STEEL NERVES was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, SUPREME TYCOON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Mr C Fownes, the trainer of PRIVATE ROAD, stated that he instructed D Beadman, the rider of that horse, to ride PRIVATE ROAD quietly in the early stages due to its wide barrier. He said that he felt that the pace of the race would be sufficient to allow PRIVATE ROAD the opportunity to settle and be able to finish off the race. He said the tempo of tonight’s race was much slower than he had anticipated. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CHA CHA after the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY CHA CHA, SPLENDID CHAMPION and JOLLY WONGCHOY were sent for sampling.