26/12/2018  Happy Valley  Race 6

CAO CAO began awkwardly. Soon after the start, ZERO HEDGE, which began awkwardly, was steadied when tightened for room between PHANTOM FALCON which was taken in by TELECOM BROTHERS and HARRIER JET which was taken out by BREEDERS’ STAR. From wide barriers, MARQULA, MIGHTY MAVERICK and FAIRY TWINS were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was checked away from the heels of PHANTOM FALCON which got its head on the side and shifted in. ZERO HEDGE, which was following BREEDERS’ STAR, was checked in consequence. The Stewards accepted that W M Lai, the rider of PHANTOM FALCON, had made appropriate endeavours to prevent his mount from shifting in in this incident and accordingly no further action was taken. After improving to be racing just inside the heels of TELECOM BROTHERS near the 25 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was steadied close to the finishing line when TELECOM BROTHERS shifted in slightly under pressure. As a consequence, BREEDERS’ STAR was not able to be ridden out all the way to the finishing line. HARRIER JET was also unable to be ridden out all the way to the finishing line when awkwardly placed inside the heels of LITTLE BIRD. WALDORF travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the event. The performance of MARQULA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MARQULA 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 ZERO HEDGE and MARQULA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WALDORF, TELECOM BROTHERS and LITTLE BIRD were sent for sampling.