12/07/2017  Happy Valley  Race 2

FRIENDS FOREVER shifted in at the start and bumped GOLD TALENT. PLANET GIANT shifted in at the start and bumped DUTCH WINDMILL. From wide barriers, LUCKY FRIENDS, SPEEDY WALLY and DUTCH WINDMILL were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. In the middle stages, FRIENDS FOREVER proved difficult to settle in the lead and travelled keenly. Passing the 1200 Metres, LUCKY FRIENDS got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ATOMIC BLAST. After the 800 Metres, SPEEDY WALLY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASTERN PROWESS. Shortly after entering the Straight, ATOMIC BLAST was shifted to the outside of EASTERN PROWESS to obtain clear running and passing the 300 Metres bumped SPEEDY WALLY which became unbalanced. Approaching the 250 Metres, NOVEL START and PLANET GIANT raced tight due to both horses shifting ground. Over the concluding stages, ATOMIC BLAST was hampered when awkwardly placed inside SPEEDY WALLY (Z Purton) which shifted in under pressure. Z Purton was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount. Also over the concluding stages, LUCKY FRIENDS raced tight between KIM GLORY and NOVEL START which shifted in. The performance of FRIENDS FOREVER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FRIENDS FOREVER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DUTCH WINDMILL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD TALENT, EASTERN PROWESS and SPEEDY WALLY were sent for sampling.