14/10/2015  Happy Valley  Race 3

WINASWEWISH was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was hampered by HAPPY CENTURY which shifted in after beginning awkwardly. A short distance later, HAPPY CENTURY became unbalanced after shifting in and bumping the hindquarters of FUN TAPESTRY which also became unbalanced. From wide barriers, GROOVY, WINNING BOY and ALL TIMES LUCKY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 1100 Metres, HAPPY CENTURY got its head up when proving very difficult to settle when being steadied to obtain a position with cover. Near the 1050 Metres, HAPPY CENTURY momentarily raced in restricted room inside FUN TAPESTRY. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, WINASWEWISH lost ground after getting its head on the side and shifting out towards the heels of HOW SPEEDY. GROOVY, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Making the turn near the 550 Metres, EXCELLENT FORTUNE lost ground when crowded for room inside PLANET CHOICE which got its head on the side and lay in. Making the Home Turn, HAPPY CENTURY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXCELLENT FORTUNE. Passing the 150 Metres, WINNING BOY was checked away from the heels of RUGBY DIAMOND which was giving ground. For a short distance after this, WINNING BOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GROOVY. Throughout the race, STAR OF WAI BO travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FUN TAPESTRY had sustained a cut to the right hind tendon region. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RUGBY DIAMOND, B Prebble stated that at its last start when wearing a crossed nose band RUGBY DIAMOND had become agitated when proceeding to the Start and when behind the barriers. He said because of this it was decided to remove the crossed nose band from the horse's equipment tonight and as a consequence RUGBY DIAMOND proceeded to the Start in a more settled manner. He said from an inside barrier he was able to obtain a good position on RUGBY DIAMOND without having to ride the horse along. He said RUGBY DIAMOND travelled well behind the speed in a race that was run at a fair tempo. He said having in mind that RUGBY DIAMOND had travelled strongly in the middle stages, he expected the horse to finish off the race strongly. He added however that prior to the 400 Metres RUGBY DIAMOND came under pressure and he had to ride his mount along in an attempt to improve around PLANET CHOICE. He said, despite being vigorously ridden rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight, RUGBY DIAMOND did not respond and was then disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of RUGBY DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of RUGBY DIAMOND, a favourite for tonight's race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RUGBY DIAMOND will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RUGBY DIAMOND, JOYFUL THE GREAT and PLANET CHOICE were sent for sampling.