20/12/2017  Happy Valley  Race 6

HAY RUN began awkwardly and lost ground. ANDOYAS was crowded for room on jumping between GOODHEART SUCCESS and HO HO FEEL which shifted out. SUPER CHIC shifted in at the start and inconvenienced HAPPY CONTENDER. From the outside barrier, RICKFIELD was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1900 Metres, ENSURING raced tight between GOODHEART SUCCESS and SHARP SAILOR which got its head on the side and lay in away from SUPER CHIC. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, EASY HEDGE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER CHIC. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, EASY HEDGE shifted out and bumped SHARP SAILOR. GOODHEART SUCCESS, which was following, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of EASY HEDGE in consequence. Near the 250 Metres, HAY RUN was directed to the outside of HO HO FEEL (B Prebble) after being disappointed for running inside that horse which was shifted out from behind EASY HEDGE after also being disappointed for running inside that horse which shifted in marginally under pressure. B Prebble stated that when attempting a run inside EASY HEDGE, he considered that HO HO FEEL was staying on satisfactorily albeit it was not a winning chance in the race. He said however that after being disappointed for running, HO HO FEEL then weakened and did not respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of HO HO FEEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Approaching the 100 Metres, HO HO FEEL was awkwardly placed outside the heels of EASY HEDGE. Near the 40 Metres, RULE THEE shifted in and bumped RICKFIELD. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ANDOYAS, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, the horse did not handle tonight’s "Good to Firm” surface. He said ANDOYAS did not feel comfortable in its action at any stage of the race and felt like a horse that had "jarred up”. A veterinary inspection of ANDOYAS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ANDOYAS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ANDOYAS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAY RUN, RULE THEE and RICKFIELD were sent for sampling.