12/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

From wide draws, INDUSTRIAL HERO, O’REILLY MAGIC and FLUKE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, INDUSTRIAL HERO got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of FLUKE. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, MOON CHASER was steadied to avoid the heels of EASTERN EMPIRE which shifted in when barely clear. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, INDUSTRIAL HERO got its head up and proved very difficult to settle. After this, INDUSTRIAL HERO was allowed to stride into a more forward position but was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 800 Metres, MASTER GUNNER was checked away from the heels of EASTERN EMPIRE when proving very difficult to settle. G Mossé (EASTERN EMPIRE) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race at least hands and heels where circumstances permit. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of D Beadman (MASTER GUNNER) over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding his riding of UPGRADING, B Doyle stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse at the rear of the field to ensure that it was settled. He said it was explained to him that at its most recent start UPGRADING had been ridden closer than had been intended and the horse had not closed off the race as strongly as it had previously done when ridden quietly. He said UPGRADING began well and shortly after the start he elected to allow ROYAL KNIGHT to cross UPGRADING to ensure that the horse was settled. He said when he allowed ROYAL KNIGHT to shift in, he immediately positioned UPGRADING one horse off the fence as he did not want to be left racing on the inside. He said when MOON CHASER, which was racing directly in advance of UPGRADING, was steadied by its rider passing the winning post on the first occasion, UPGRADING got its head up and proved difficult to settle for a number of strides. He said this resulted in UPGRADING being taken towards the fence by O’REILLY MAGIC. He said as he did not want to be racing on the inside, he elected to allow O’REILLY MAGIC to improve its position to his outside and near the 1100 Metres shifted out to follow that horse. He said passing the 1000 Metres INDUSTRIAL HERO, which was over-racing, improved to his outside and when this happened, UPGRADING got its head up, proved difficult to settle and shifted out. He said as he had cover behind FLUKE, he allowed UPGRADING to remain racing to the outside of O’REILLY MAGIC rather than shifting back in behind that horse. He added he commenced to ride his mount forward from the 600 Metres, UPGRADING responded to his riding and in the Straight finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of VILASOL after the race did not show any significant findings. AMITYSHIP and OCEAN PRINCE were sent for sampling.