05/12/2018  Happy Valley  Race 1

MY BLESSING shifted out at the start, resulting in KWAICHUNG BROTHERS being crowded onto BEST EFFORT. After this, MY BLESSING was vigorously ridden along, however, failed to muster speed whilst KWAICHUNG BROTHERS was shifted across behind runners. LUCKY STORM shifted in at the start and bumped LAUGH OUT LOUD. From the outside barriers, GLORIAM, THE JOY OF GIVING and HIDDEN SPIRIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. THE JOY OF GIVING was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. At the entrance to the Straight, LUCKY STORM and LAUGH OUT LOUD bumped. LUCKY STORM was then crowded for room between LAUGH OUT LOUD which shifted in after becoming unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters by LUCKY STORM and KWAICHUNG BROTHERS which shifted to the outside of MAGIC POWER. Passing the 300 Metres, THE SYLPH got its head up and became unbalanced when being directed to the outside of WONDERFUL TIGER to obtain clear running. Passing the 250 Metres, THE JOY OF GIVING was steadied when disappointed for running between MY BLESSING and THE SYLPH which shifted out. After initially being taken in by LAUGH OUT LOUD approaching the 200 Metres, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS (N Callan) was shifted to the outside of GOBI STORM to improve into tight running between that horse and LAUGH OUT LOUD. This resulted in KWAICHUNG BROTHERS bumping LAUGH OUT LOUD which was consequently crowded for room inside WONDERFUL TIGER which, when inclined to lay in, became unbalanced and shifted in further after being bumped on the hindquarters by LAUGH OUT LOUD. A short distance after this, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS, when improving into tight running outside GOBI STORM, was directed out by that horse which shifted out marginally under pressure. This resulted in LAUGH OUT LOUD being further crowded for room inside WONDERFUL TIGER. Whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless N Callan was advised to exercise more care as when he initially improved to the outside of GOBI STORM, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS had to make some contact with LAUGH OUT LOUD in order to improve between those horses. GLORIAM, which was following LAUGH OUT LOUD, was shifted in away from the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD in consequence. Close to the finishing line, GLORIAM raced tight inside GOBI STORM which was checked when crowded for room inside KWAICHUNG BROTHERS which was taken in by WONDERFUL TIGER (Z Purton) which, after being bumped on the hindquarters passing the 150 Metres, got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Z Purton was told that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that his mount was laying in and proving difficult to ride, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. Throughout the race, BEST EFFORT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of BEST EFFORT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEST EFFORT 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 BEST EFFORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that MAGIC POWER had bled from both nostrils. THE SYLPH and WONDERFUL TIGER were sent for sampling.