24/10/2018  Happy Valley  Race 3

IMPECCABLE FELLOW began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped LITTLE ISLAND, causing both horses to become unbalanced. MAGIC POWER was crowded for room on jumping between ELECTRIC LIGHTNING and PEARL WARM WARM which shifted out. In this incident, MAGIC POWER bumped the hindquarters of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING which became unbalanced. Shortly after the start, GENTRY and ENORMOUS HONOUR bumped as ENORMOUS HONOUR was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MEGATRON which shifted in. Then from a wide barrier, ENORMOUS HONOUR was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, QUICK RETURN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. Rounding the Home Turn, IMPECCABLE FELLOW got its head on the side and lay out away from MEGATRON at which stage LITTLE ISLAND (Z Purton), which had been following MEGATRON, shifted out in an endeavour to improve between MEGATRON and IMPECCABLE FELLOW. Upon straightening, IMPECCABLE FELLOW shifted back in, resulting in LITTLE ISLAND and IMPECCABLE FELLOW bumping and causing both horses to become unbalanced. As the Stewards were satisfied that Z Purton was entitled to search for a run on LITTLE ISLAND and as IMPECCABLE FELLOW was equally entitled to maintain its position and having regard to the fact that LITTLE ISLAND ultimately did not establish running between MEGATRON and IMPECCABLE FELLOW, no further action was taken. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of IMPECCABLE FELLOW, C Schofield stated that it was hoped that IMPECCABLE FELLOW would be able to obtain cover behind the leaders and preferably in a position one horse away from the rail. He said it was anticipated that MEGATRON would lead and that ELECTRIC LIGHTNING may obtain a position outside that horse which would provide IMPECCABLE FELLOW with cover. He said when ELECTRIC LIGHTNING was not able to obtain a leading position despite being ridden along, he then attempted to cross LITTLE ISLAND to his inside to ensure that he had cover behind MEGATRON. He said however that LITTLE ISLAND was ridden along to maintain its position inside IMPECCABLE FELLOW and this resulted in IMPECCABLE FELLOW then being left racing without cover throughout the race. He added he was satisfied with the manner in which IMPECCABLE FELLOW travelled in the early and middle stages, however, the horse commenced to give him concern near the 700 Metres as it was not travelling as well as it had when he had ridden it previously. He said IMPECCABLE FELLOW came under pressure passing the 500 Metres and after becoming unbalanced due to contact with LITTLE ISLAND passing the 300 Metres then was very disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground. He added although he believes IMPECCABLE FELLOW races better with cover, nonetheless this did not explain coming under pressure as far from the finish of the race as it did. A veterinary inspection of IMPECCABLE FELLOW immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of IMPECCABLE FELLOW, a last start winner and also favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, IMPECCABLE FELLOW will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HEROIC GURU immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. IMPECCABLE FELLOW, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING and MEGATRON were sent for sampling.