18/01/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

O’REILLY MAGIC was crowded for room shortly after the start between MAGNANIMOUS and PERFECT TEN which shifted out after bumping MING HOI TREASURE. HOW WONDERFUL and HAPPY SCORE bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, SADDLERS LODGE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1200 Metres, HAPPY SCORE got its head on the side and hung out. As HAPPY SCORE was being shifted back in, MOCHI, which had been improving to be racing inside HAPPY SCORE, commenced to over-race and proved very difficult to settle, resulting in MOCHI and HAPPY SCORE making heavy contact on a number of occasions. Then near the 1000 Metres, MOCHI got its head up when continuing to over-race and shifted out, resulting in HAPPY SCORE being taken wider. At the 1000 Metres, MAGNANIMOUS was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned, M Du Plessis stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on REDOUTE’S FORTUNE and lead the race if possible. He said it was explained to him that REDOUTE’S FORTUNE had previously raced successfully when ridden in a forward position. He said it was also explained to him that the blinkers had been removed from REDOUTE’S FORTUNE in an endeavour to have it settle better in tonight’s race. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode REDOUTE’S FORTUNE along in the early stages in an endeavour to cross runners to his inside. He said that after the 1200 Metres he was left racing three wide and without cover and for this reason near the 1100 Metres he allowed his mount to improve its position to be racing outside of the leader, EKRAAR EMPEROR. He said after obtaining the position outside EKRAAR EMPEROR approaching the 1000 Metres, he attempted to steady REDOUTE’S FORTUNE so as to remain racing outside and behind that horse. He added that despite his efforts REDOUTE’S FORTUNE refused to settle and proved difficult to settle. He said after continuing in his endeavours to have REDOUTE’S FORTUNE race to the outside of EKRAAR EMPEROR, he elected, after the 900 Metres, to allow REDOUTE’S FORTUNE to stride forward in the hope that the horse would settle. He said after obtaining the lead approaching the 600 Metres REDOUTE’S FORTUNE settled better, however, in the Straight was not able to close off the race due to the use he had to make of REDOUTE’S FORTUNE in the early and middle stages. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY SCORE had sustained a cut to the mouth and that MAGNANIMOUS was lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, MAGNANIMOUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EKRAAR EMPEROR, HAPPY SCORE and MAGNANIMOUS were sent for sampling.