24/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 1

TRAVEL AMBASSADOR was slow to begin. VARA PEARL shifted out at the start and bumped TORNEY. Shortly after the start, NEWSWIRE FREE was steadied away from the heels of MONEY WINNER which, when being ridden along, got its head on the side and shifted out away from GLORY STAR. From wide barriers, WONDERFUL TIGER, MANAGEMENT STAR and EASTERN PROWESS were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1400 Metres, MONEY WINNER was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WONDERFUL TIGER got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NEWSWIRE FREE. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, VARA PEARL and TORNEY were crowded for room inside TRAVEL AMBASSADOR which shifted in before being taken in marginally by GLORY STAR. Then after passing the winning post on the first occasion, TRAVEL AMBASSADOR was steadied away from the heels of GLORY STAR (Apprentice M F Poon) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Poon was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance before shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 600 Metres, NEWSWIRE FREE and EASTERN PROWESS raced tight as NEWSWIRE FREE attempted to improve into tight running between EASTERN PROWESS and VARA PEARL. Then near the 500 Metres, NEWSWIRE FREE was steadied away from the heels of VARA PEARL after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. Passing the 200 Metres, VARA PEARL was shifted in away from the heels of MANAGEMENT STAR after being disappointed for running between that horse and EASTERN PROWESS. In this incident, EASTERN PROWESS became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by VARA PEARL. Passing the 50 Metres, EASTERN PROWESS was directed out away from the heels of MANAGEMENT STAR. When questioned regarding his riding of TRIUMPHANT LIGHT after the 1200 Metres, S Clipperton stated that having been instructed to obtain a forward position, he was able to obtain the lead without having to make any use of TRIUMPHANT LIGHT. He said after THE LEGEND improved to be racing outside of TRIUMPHANT LIGHT near the 1300 Metres, his mount initially travelled well, however, approaching the 1200 Metres commenced to over-race. He said he attempted to steady TRIUMPHANT LIGHT after this point, however, the horse, which was racing in blinkers, would not settle and, despite his efforts, travelled too keenly. He said he felt that he would have had to restrain TRIUMPHANT LIGHT heavily in an endeavour to have the horse come back to the field, however, he did not believe this would be in the horse’s best interests, therefore he continued to attempt to have the horse steady in the lead, but not to break its stride. He added he was aware the race was being run at a faster tempo than had been hoped, however, because of the manner in which TRIUMPHANT LIGHT was racing, he was unable to prevent the horse from setting a strong tempo. S Clipperton was advised that the Stewards accepted that TRIUMPHANT LIGHT was proving difficult to settle at this time and that he had made a reasonable effort to steady the tempo on the horse and accordingly his explanation would be reported. When questioned, G van Niekerk stated that after the 200 Metres WONDERFUL TIGER was making only fair ground and although a run existed to the inside of THE LEGEND, he was concerned that if WONDERFUL TIGER were to finish off the race, the leaders of the race may come back which may result in him being held up for clear running, therefor he elected to shift WONDERFUL TIGER to the outside of THE LEGEND in an endeavour to follow NEVER BETTER through. He said he had intended to come to the outside of that horse, however, as runners in advance were commencing to shift ground, he steadied his mount over the concluding stages when awkwardly placed inside TORNEY. A veterinary inspection of THE LEGEND immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, THE LEGEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MANAGEMENT STAR, GLORY STAR and TRAVEL AMBASSADOR were sent for sampling.