27/12/2017  Happy Valley  Race 1

AGIAAL began awkwardly. On jumping, REGENCY HONEY shifted in and bumped SWEET BEAN which in turn shifted in and contributed to tightening to CITY WINNER which was checked away from the heels of AUDACITY which shifted out slightly. Soon after the start, MY GIFT shifted out and inconvenienced CELESTIAL ARROW and SPICY DOUBLE. A short distance later, both CELESTIAL ARROW and SPICY DOUBLE were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After being crossed by REGENCY HONEY at the 1200 Metres, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP raced keenly and shifted out near the 1100 Metres and made contact with MY GIFT. At the 650 Metres, CITY WINNER shifted out from behind PEARL FURU, resulting in ROCK THE TREE and CELESTIAL ARROW being placed in restricted room between that horse and SPICY DOUBLE. Approaching the turn after the 600 Metres, CELESTIAL ARROW and ROCK THE TREE were crowded for room and checked when CITY WINNER was taken out marginally by PEARL FURU (S Clipperton) which shifted to the outside of the heels of AGIAAL and SPICY DOUBLE (A Badel) which shifted in slightly to be following SWEET BEAN. Both S Clipperton and A Badel were advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Rounding the Home Turn, FUN MANAGER was crowded for room between AUDACITY and SWEET BEAN. Near the 250 Metres, when racing tight to the inside of SWEET BEAN, AUDACITY shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of MY GIFT which also shifted out marginally. As a consequence of the contact on its hindquarters, MY GIFT became badly unbalanced and was turned out across the running of AUDACITY which was severely checked and crowded onto SWEET BEAN which was also hampered. PEARL FURU, which was following SWEET BEAN, was obliged to shift out away from the heels of that horse. HAPPY FRIENDSHIP, which was attempting to improve between MY GIFT and REGENCY HONEY, was steadied due to REGENCY HONEY shifting out marginally. Whilst this incident was one of some significance, the Stewards did not believe that there was any rider error involved and therefore no further action was taken. After the race, Z Purton reported that the solid early pace did not suit FUN MANAGER. He said the horse came under pressure prior to the Home Turn and then weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FUN MANAGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SWEET BEAN and AUDACITY were sent for sampling.