23/10/2011  Happy Valley  Race 4

Z Purton (LUCKY CHEVALIER) was fined $2,000 for initially weighing out with two surcingles. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that HARVEST DANCER had lost its left front plate. This plate was reset. Whilst HARVEST DANCER was being replated, it displaced its tongue tie which required refitting. HARVEST DANCER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, which made contact with the rail leaving the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Also on arrival at the Start, J Lloyd (SEASONS CREST) reported to the Veterinary Officer that SEASONS CREST and LUCKY CHEVALIER made contact when proceeding to the Start. Both horses were examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion they were suitable to race. LUCKY CHEVALIER and IRON HAWK bumped at the start. HARVEST DANCER knuckled over at the start and then a short distance later, along with HORACE’S LEGEND, was crowded for room between BEAUTIFUL SCENERY and REAL DRAGON which shifted in. From a wide barrier, JOLLY WONGCHOY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1300 Metres, IRON HAWK got its head on the side and hung out. At the 200 Metres, HOME WITH GLORY was held up when obtaining clear running between BEAUTIFUL SCENERY and REAL GENERAL. K C Leung (HARVEST DANCER) reported that his whip became entangled in the reins after the 200 Metres and as a consequence he was not able to use the whip on HARVEST DANCER in the closing stages. J Lloyd was placed on notice regarding hitting his mount forward of the saddle with his whip in the forehand manner in the Straight and advised that any repetition may result in him being penalized. When questioned, T Clark (JOLLY WONGCHOY) explained that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to take the horse across behind runners in the early stages and attempt to obtain a position on the fence. He said he was also asked to try and save ground throughout the run as with its most recent start, it was felt that if JOLLY WONGCHOY were to be ridden in a forward position from that barrier today, the horse would be required to do too much work and may over-race. He said in the early part of the Straight he observed a run some distance ahead of him between BEAUTIFUL SCENERY and HOME WITH GLORY. He said he rode JOLLY WONGCHOY along in an endeavour to obtain this run, however, near the 200 Metres this run closed due to HOME WITH GLORY shifting out to obtain clear running to the outside of REAL GENERAL. He said because of this he was obliged to check JOLLY WONGCHOY when disappointed for this run. He added in the Straight JOLLY WONGCHOY was inclined to lay in under pressure. He said after being checked he shifted JOLLY WONGCHOY out to obtain clear running. T Clark was advised that his riding of JOLLY WONGCHOY in the Straight had come under notice and that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shifted JOLLY WONGCHOY to the outside of BEAUTIFUL SCENERY in an attempt to position his mount to obtain clear running rather than continue to persevere for a run between HOME WITH GLORY and BEAUTIFUL SCENERY where there was not sufficient room. He was further advised that he must ride his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HORACE’S LEGEND had bled from both nostrils and that LUCKY CHEVALIER had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of STOLEN THUNDER and REAL DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. IRON HAWK, PANTHER RUN and LUCKY CHEVALIER were sent for sampling.