14/02/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

GREAT TOPLIGHT shifted in abruptly at the start and made heavy contact with A STAR LUSTER which became unbalanced and was then checked when crowded for room between GREAT TOPLIGHT and YOUNG DREAMER. In this incident, YOUNG DREAMER became badly unbalanced after being bumped heavily on the hindquarters. YOUNG DREAMER lost its left front plate shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, KING’S STEED shifted out and bumped SHOW MISSION which in turn shifted out and bumped YOUNG DREAMER which became unbalanced. From wide barriers, SCARBOROUGH FAIR, ELEGANCE PROMISE and ROCKET LET WIN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 700 Metres, ELEGANCE PROMISE was left racing wide and without cover. After the 500 Metres, KING’S STEED and THE CHAMP raced tight due to KING’S STEED being awkwardly placed close to the heels of YOUNG DREAMER. Shortly after entering the Straight, SHOW MISSION was directed to the outside of ELEGANCE PROMISE in an attempt to improve into tight running between that horse and GREAT TOPLIGHT. Passing the 300 Metres, SHOW MISSION (N Rawiller) was checked when disappointed for running between ELEGANCE PROMISE and GREAT TOPLIGHT which shifted in marginally. When SHOW MISSION was disappointed for running, it bumped the hindquarters of GREAT TOPLIGHT which became unbalanced and lay in behind ELEGANCE PROMISE, struck the heels of that horse and was severely checked. GREAT TOPLIGHT consequently shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in SHOW MISSION being severely checked, blundering and almost resulting in N Rawiller being dislodged. After this, SHOW MISSION continued to race tight inside GREAT TOPLIGHT which continued to lay in, resulting in FAIR COMMENT and A STAR LUSTER being severely hampered in consequence. WORLD CITY was bumped on the hindquarters by A STAR LUSTER in this incident. After this, SHOW MISSION was eased down. It was established that SHOW MISSION did not establish running between GREAT TOPLIGHT and ELEGANCE PROMISE and that GREAT TOPLIGHT losing balance after being bumped on the hindquarters had been the reason for the incident occurring and that there was no rider error involved in this incident. The Stewards, after considering the circumstances of this incident and having regard to the racing record of GREAT TOPLIGHT which had not previously raced intractably in its races, did not believe that it was necessary for any action to be taken against GREAT TOPLIGHT. A veterinary inspection of SHOW MISSION immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SHOW MISSION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the finishing line, SCARBOROUGH FAIR shifted out abruptly. After considering SCARBOROUGH FAIR’s racing manners tonight, the Stewards will monitor that horse’s performance in future and take appropriate action if required. A veterinary inspection of SCARBOROUGH FAIR and GREAT TOPLIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE CHAMP, YOUNG DREAMER and SCARBOROUGH FAIR were sent for sampling.