03/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

SKY MELODY was withdrawn on 2.10.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, SKY MELODY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, MCQUEEN got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FAITHFUL TRINITY (M Chadwick) which shifted in when not quite clear. M Chadwick was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that the racing manners of MCQUEEN had exacerbated the incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance. At the entrance to the Straight, CHEERFUL STAR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of NAMJONG PLUS which was directed to the outside of DYNAMIC EAGLE into clear running. Then near the 250 Metres, CHEERFUL STAR was steadied and shifted back to the inside of NAMJONG PLUS when disappointed for running between that horse and BRAVE LEGEND where there was insufficient room. After the race, M Chadwick reported that whilst it was intended for FAITHFUL TRINITY to be ridden in a prominent position, it was anticipated that GIANT TURTLE might lead the race and that he would be able to take a sit off that horse. He said however that FAITHFUL TRINITY began very well and GIANT TURTLE, despite being ridden along, did not show enough speed to cross MCQUEEN into the lead in the early stages and therefore he allowed FAITHFUL TRINITY to stride into the lead and find the rail, hoping that GIANT TURTLE would eventually improve into the lead which would enable FAITHFUL TRINITY to obtain a trailing position. He added however that when left in the lead, FAITHFUL TRINITY tended to over-race throughout the middle stages and consequently failed to respond to his riding in the Straight and weakened over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of FAITHFUL TRINITY immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FAITHFUL TRINITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, G van Niekerk (MCQUEEN) stated that after being able to assume the box seat behind the leader FAITHFUL TRINITY, MCQUEEN travelled comfortably in the early stages. He said with the pace being moderate in the middle stages and then quickening near the 600 Metres, MCQUEEN, which is quite one-paced, was immediately off the bridle and then did not respond to his riding thereafter. He said immediately following the race he could detect no obvious issue that might explain the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of MCQUEEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NAMJONG PLUS and DYNAMIC EAGLE were sent for sampling.