12/09/2018  Happy Valley  Race 1

WONDERFUL CHASER and WEALTHY FORTUNE bumped at the start. After this, despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, WEALTHY FORTUNE failed to muster speed. SWEET BEAN began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of PROUD SKY which became unbalanced. After this, SWEET BEAN was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. At the entrance to the Straight, WONDERFUL CHASER and GENTLEMEN raced tight. Shortly after entering the Straight, PROUD SKY was awkwardly placed inside the heels of THE JOY OF GIVING which got its head on the side and lay in. After this, THE JOY OF GIVING continued to lay in, requiring its rider changing his whip into his right hand. PROUD SKY then had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. When questioned, C Murray stated that after the 1300 Metres THE JOY OF GIVING was taken into a three wide position without cover by GENTLEMEN which shifted out from behind HOLY UNICORN. He said at this time THE JOY OF GIVING was travelling comfortably and he was reluctant to steady his mount in an attempt to obtain cover behind GENTLEMEN and also due to PROUD SKY having improved its position to be racing just inside the heels of THE JOY OF GIVING. He said when HOLY UNICORN led the race and held a margin over GENTLEMEN, he had hoped that GENTLEMEN may shift back in to race behind that horse which may allow THE JOY OF GIVING to shift in accordingly. He said however GENTLEMEN remained racing in a one-off position and consequently THE JOY OF GIVING was left racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EASTERN PROWESS, Apprentice H T Mo stated that the horse did not travel at any stage of the race. He said EASTERN PROWESS came under pressure near the 700 Metres, did not respond to his riding and finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of EASTERN PROWESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of SWEET BEAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EASTERN PROWESS, HOLY UNICORN and THE JOY OF GIVING were sent for sampling. <13/9/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>EASTERN PROWESS, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. EASTERN PROWESS was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, EASTERN PROWESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.