07/12/2011  Happy Valley  Race 4

HAPPY CHA CHA was slow to begin. ROCKET PROUD was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY WARRIOR which shifted in. FASTPLUS MASTER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SUNNY MORE was steadied away from the heels of BESPOKE MASTER. When questioned, M Chadwick (MIGHTY K) stated that his mount hung out throughout the race. He said approaching the 800 Metres the opportunity presented itself for him to shift in from a three wide position to a two wide position and obtain cover behind BESPOKE MASTER. He said after proving difficult to shift across behind BESPOKE MASTER, he was able to obtain the position one horse off the fence momentarily approaching the 600 Metres, however, making the turn after the 600 Metres MIGHTY K got its head on the side and hung out which again left the horse racing three wide and without cover. He added that rounding the Home Turn MIGHTY K continued to hang out and shifted wider. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had to make some use of EASY AHEAD in the early stages to cross runners to his inside and obtain a forward position. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion it was apparent to him that BUMPER STRIKE was being ridden to obtain the lead and he felt it would not be in the best interests of EASY AHEAD to be pressured to maintain a position inside BUMPER STRIKE after having to be ridden along in the early stages. He said after allowing BUMPER STRIKE to cross approaching the 1200 Metres, that horse was steadied and for this reason he immediately shifted EASY AHEAD to the outside of that horse. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOOD LOOKING WATCH had sustained a cut wound to the left hind fetlock. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CHA CHA and ROMANCING TAMAR after the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY MORE and BUMPER STRIKE were sent for sampling.