14/03/2018  Happy Valley  Race 5

BUOYANT BOY and ORIENTAL ELITE bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, THE HAPPY BUNCH and PEACE ON EARTH bumped. From a wide barrier, ROOKIE STAR was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1150 Metres, THE HAPPY BUNCH raced tight between SHOWING CHARACTER and PEACE ON EARTH which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. Approaching the 1000 Metres, THE HAPPY BUNCH was steadied when crowded for room inside PEACE ON EARTH which was initially taken in by GOUTEN OF GARO (N Callan). A short distance later, GOUTEN OF GARO was bumped and taken in further by NICE FANDANGO (D Whyte) which shifted in, exacerbating the crowding to PEACE ON EARTH and THE HAPPY BUNCH. N Callan and D Whyte were advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances and ensure that they provide comfortable racing room for runners on their inside. NAMJONG INVINCIBLE lost its left hind plate after the 1000 Metres. Making the turn near the 550 Metres, SHOWING CHARACTER lost ground when crowded for room inside THE HAPPY BUNCH which got its head on the side and lay in after racing tight inside BUOYANT BOY which itself lay in marginally at this time. LOVE CHUNGHWA, which was following SHOWING CHARACTER, shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence and momentarily raced in restricted room between SHOWING CHARACTER and ROOKIE STAR. GOUTEN OF GARO made the Home Turn awkwardly. Rounding the Home Turn, THE HAPPY BUNCH was awkwardly placed behind PEACE ON EARTH which shifted out. Over the final 100 Metres, ROOKIE STAR was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be tested. When questioned, U Rispoli stated that it was anticipated that tonight’s race would be run at a good tempo and therefore he was asked to ride SHOWING CHARACTER in a midfield position. He said it was felt that this would allow the horse with the best opportunity to finish off the race. He said in accordance with his instructions, although SHOWING CHARACTER began very well, he did not ride his mount along in the early stages so as to obtain a midfield position. He said approaching and rounding the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SHOWING CHARACTER raced in restricted room inside PEACE ON EARTH and whilst it was available to him to ride his mount along to maintain its position inside PEACE ON EARTH, in order to comply with his instructions, he allowed PEACE ON EARTH to cross SHOWING CHARACTER. He said this resulted in SHOWING CHARACTER racing in about a midfield position. NICE FANDANGO, BOND ELEGANCE and BUOYANT BOY were sent for sampling.