28/01/2015  Happy Valley  Race 3

FABULOUS ONE proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, FABULOUS ONE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS was crowded for room on jumping between GOOD FRIENDS MAGIC and WINNING EXPRESSO, both of which shifted ground. After this, GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS and WINNING EXPRESSO were shifted across behind runners. HIGHLAND DRAGON and FABULOUS ONE bumped on jumping. Shortly after the start, GALLANT ROCK raced tight between FABULOUS ONE which shifted out and GIDEON which was taken in by JOY TOGETHER. Passing the 400 Metres, GRACE HEART became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FABULOUS ONE. In the early part of the Straight, GIDDY GIDDY got its head on the side and lay in. Approaching the 200 Metres, GIDDY GIDDY (N Rawiller) and JOLLY POSH raced tight as GIDDY GIDDY attempted to shift out from behind FABULOUS ONE. Then passing the 200 Metres, JOLLY POSH was checked when crowded for room between GIDDY GIDDY which shifted to the outside of FABULOUS ONE and GALLANT ROCK which shifted in when giving ground. N Rawiller was advised that he was given the benefit of the doubt in respect of the influence on this incident from GALLANT ROCK shifting in when tiring. Whilst the Stewards accepted that prior to GALLANT ROCK shifting ground there was an opportunity for GIDDY GIDDY to shift JOLLY POSH out and for both horses to improve between FABULOUS ONE and GALLANT ROCK, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise due care when shifting his mounts to improve into tight running. Near the 150 Metres, GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS was shifted out away from the heels of JOLLY POSH and then a short distance later was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GALLANT ROCK which was giving ground. Passing the 100 Metres, WINNING EXPRESSO and GOOD FRIENDS MAGIC raced tight. D Whyte, the rider of HIGHLAND DRAGON, dropped his whip passing the winning post. In the Straight, FABULOUS ONE hung in badly and proved difficult to ride. N Rawiller, the rider of the 4th placed, GIDDY GIDDY, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GALLANT ROCK, J Moreira stated that after his mount began well, he rode it along in the early stages, however, was unable to clear runners to his inside and consequently was required to race three wide and without cover. He said notwithstanding this fact, GALLANT ROCK was disappointing in that it did not quicken when asked at the top of the Straight and then, despite being tested, gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of GALLANT ROCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FABULOUS ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GALLANT ROCK, GIDEON and KIM GLORY were sent for sampling.