04/03/2015  Happy Valley  Race 6

As the start was effected, HEY CHEERS became fractious, got its head up and consequently was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, HEY CHEERS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. GRAND HARBOUR lost its right front plate shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, WINNING MASCOT was checked when crowded for room between HEAVENISARACEHORSE and LUCKY DAN which, after initially being taken out by GRAND HARBOUR, then got its head on the side and shifted out further. In this incident, WINNING MASCOT bumped the hindquarters of HEAVENISARACEHORSE which became unbalanced. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, HEY CHEERS got its head up when proving very difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of LAUDABLE VIRTUE. Rounding the Home Turn, WINNING MASCOT was awkwardly placed outside LET’S GOAL which shifted ground after racing close to the heels of LUCKY DAN which was giving ground. For some distance approaching the 100 Metres, LET’S GOAL was held up for clear running when awkwardly positioned between GRAND HARBOUR and CONFUCIUS SPIRIT. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRAND HARBOUR, D Whyte stated that he had to make some use of the horse to clear runners to his inside in the early stages. He said he was somewhat surprised that GRAND HARBOUR took some time to muster speed as he anticipated that he would be able to cross runners drawn more favourably than GRAND HARBOUR easier than what eventuated. He said after being able to cross to the rail approaching the 1200 Metres, he was able to dictate the tempo of the race, however, GRAND HARBOUR did not settle as well as he had hoped. He said whilst the track was not badly rain affected tonight, GRAND HARBOUR did not stretch out as he thought it should. A veterinary inspection of GRAND HARBOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GRAND HARBOUR, a favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND HARBOUR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY DAN immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY DAN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GRAND HARBOUR, ROBUST MOMENTUM and GOLD TALENT were sent for sampling.