03/12/2014  Happy Valley  Race 5

As the start was effected, MIGHTY EQUUS lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. MIGHTY EQUUS was then crowded for room between STAG KNIGHT which shifted out and NAUGHTY BABY which shifted in and then shifted in further after being bumped on the hindquarters by MIGHTY EQUUS. From a wide barrier, GREAT TOPLIGHT, which was being steadied in order to be shifted across behind runners, was crowded for room shortly after the start between COSTA DEL SOL and TRENDIFUL, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, NATURAL TEAM and SEA WARRIOR bumped. Near the 850 Metres, NATURAL TEAM and WILD BOY bumped due to WILD BOY shifting in marginally. Entering the Back Straight, GREAT TOPLIGHT got its head up when proving difficult to settle. After the 700 Metres, DARK CORE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COSTA DEL SOL. Near the 550 Metres, STAG KNIGHT was steadied away from the heels of WILD BOY. NAUGHTY BABY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of STAG KNIGHT in consequence. GREAT TOPLIGHT, which was following NAUGHTY BABY, was also inconvenienced. Near the 400 Metres, WILD BOY momentarily raced close to the heels of HIT THE BID. Passing the 300 Metres, NAUGHTY BABY was steadied when disappointed for running between TRENDIFUL which was giving ground and STAG KNIGHT which shifted in. Over the concluding stages, SEA WARRIOR and MONTE CASTELLO raced tight. Also over the concluding stages, GREAT TOPLIGHT was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be ridden all the way to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of TRENDIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of TRENDIFUL, which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race and subsequently finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRENDIFUL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, J Moreira stated that STAG KNIGHT did not show the same turn of foot tonight that it did at its last start when successful, however, the horse continued to make up ground all the way to the finishing line. He said at this stage of its career STAG KNIGHT is still immature and will benefit from further racing. A veterinary inspection of STAG KNIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAG KNIGHT, MIGHTY EQUUS and HIT THE BID were sent for sampling.