21/05/2014  Happy Valley  Race 6

Just prior to the start being effected, SIGHT BELIEVER became fractious and as the gates were released was slow to begin. SPEEDY SANDY began awkwardly. From wide barriers, EASTERN PROMISE and ELITE SPIRIT were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 800 Metres, CALL ME ACHIEVER was steadied away from the heels of GAMEKEEPERS which was taken out by FUN ‘N’ GAMES. Making the first turn near the 600 Metres, HARBOUR PUNK got its head up and hung out, resulting in FUN ‘N’ GAMES being inconvenienced. After the 500 Metres, EASTERN PROMISE shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of SIGHT BELIEVER which also shifted in marginally. Passing the 300 Metres, ART OF SUCCESS and ROMAN LEGEND bumped due to both horses shifting marginal ground. After the 200 Metres, ELITE SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ART OF SUCCESS. Approaching the 150 Metres, EASTERN PROMISE was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of SIGHT BELIEVER. Approaching the 50 Metres, SPEEDY SANDY was steadied when LONDON WALK, which was giving ground, shifted in before being corrected by its rider. Over the concluding stages, EASTERN PROMISE was unable to obtain clear running and because of this was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Close to the finishing line, LONDON WALK raced in restricted room between SIGHT BELIEVER and SPEEDY SANDY. When questioned, C K Tong (CALL ME ACHIEVER) stated that he had been asked to ride his mount along in the early stages and take up a forward position if possible. He said he was further advised if after travelling some distance that it became apparent CALL ME ACHIEVER would be left racing wide, he should shift it across and obtain cover if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode CALL ME ACHIEVER along in the early stages in an endeavour to take up a forward position, however, despite being ridden along CALL ME ACHIEVER did not show sufficient early speed to clear runners to its inside, however, he continued to push his mount along until passing the 900 Metres in an endeavour to comply with his instructions. He added passing the 900 Metres when it became apparent that CALL ME ACHIEVER would be left racing wide, he ceased riding his mount along and elected to shift across behind runners to obtain cover. He said this resulted in CALL ME ACHIEVER racing much further back in the field than had been intended. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LONDON WALK, Z Purton stated that he was able to obtain a good position behind the leaders in the early stages and LONDON WALK initially travelled well. He said however that when placed under pressure after obtaining a run to the inside of HARBOUR PUNK at the entrance to the Straight, LONDON WALK was disappointing in its failure to finish off its race and was inclined to shift ground on a number of occasions. He added whilst LONDON WALK was crowded for room over the concluding stages, nonetheless the horse was well beaten at this time and, in his opinion, the horse was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of LONDON WALK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FUN ‘N’ GAMES and SIGHT BELIEVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SIGHT BELIEVER, ROMAN LEGEND and HARBOUR PUNK were sent for sampling.