24/05/2017  Happy Valley  Race 5

HEHA BOY and THE JOY OF GIVING were slow to begin. From a wide barrier, APACHE SPIRIT was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. GRANITE BELT shifted in on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of LAND GRANT. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MAGNETISM raced tight inside SPICY SURE which was taken in by LAND GRANT before that horse was directed out to relieve the tightening. Approaching the 1300 Metres, APACHE SPIRIT and HEHA BOY raced tight inside TRENDY WIN which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. Passing the 150 Metres, APACHE SPIRIT was directed out from behind WISKY to continue improving. Near the 100 Metres, GRANITE BELT was steadied when unable to continue improving between SPICY SURE and LAND GRANT (C Schofield) which, when being ridden along, got its head on the side and shifted in. GRANITE BELT was then unable to be tested over the concluding stages. C Schofield was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that LAND GRANT lay in under pressure in the Straight, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes sufficient endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he had been asked to ride SUPER SPRINTER positively and obtain the lead. He said he was asked to ensure that he rode the horse such that it would not be able to be taken on in the lead as it was felt that the horse’s best opportunity to win the race was for it to obtain an uncontested lead. He said in accordance with his instructions, from barrier 1, he rode his mount vigorously in the early stages to ensure that he led the race. He said after passing the winning post on the first occasion he was able to establish the lead with SPICY SURE on his outside and he attempted to steady SUPER SPRINTER to have the race run at a tempo that would allow the horse to finish off the race. He said passing the 1100 Metres he was aware that SPICY SURE was racing to his outside and marginally behind SUPER SPRINTER and at the 900 Metres he had a glance to his outside to ensure that that horse was not going to improve its position to contest the lead with SUPER SPRINTER. He added whilst this resulted in the race being run at a more genuine tempo than he had hoped, at the time he believed that it was best for SUPER SPRINTER to be ridden in this manner so as to ensure that it was not challenged in the lead. A veterinary inspection of SPICY SURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPICY SURE, MAGNETISM and LAND GRANT were sent for sampling.