20/02/2019  Happy Valley  Race 2

FORTUNE PATROL began only fairly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of WEALTHY FORTUNE which became unbalanced. From the outside barriers, CELEBRATION, MY BLESSING, DOCTORS DELIGHT and SWEET BEAN were all shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TRAVEL AMBASSADOR lay in onto the heels of FORTUNE PATROL and was checked. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, JOLLY AMBER lay out when racing close to the heels of PROUD SKY. Approaching the 1100 Metres, CELEBRATION was taken wider by SWEET BEAN which shifted out away from the rail. This resulted in CELEBRATION being left racing wide and without cover. CELEBRATION was then allowed to improve its position after the 900 Metres, however, continued to race wide and without cover. After racing tight approaching the 500 Metres, JOLLY AMBER and TRAVEL AMBASSADOR bumped on a number of occasions as TRAVEL AMBASSADOR got its head on the side and lay in. JOLLY AMBER continued to race tight inside TRAVEL AMBASSADOR which, after continuing to lay in, then raced tight inside CELEBRATION which shifted in making the Home Turn. This resulted in JOLLY AMBER being checked near the 400 Metres. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error associated with this incident, no further action was taken. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SWEET BEAN, M Chadwick stated that the horse did not travel well tonight as it had previously when ridden by him. He said because of the manner in which SWEET BEAN travelled, he was not able to improve with CELEBRATION when that horse made a forward move near the 800 Metres and this allowed TRAVEL AMBASSADOR to shift out to follow CELEBRATION which resulted in SWEET BEAN having to race very wide and without cover. He said SWEET BEAN did not quicken as it had previously for him when placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight and then did not finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of SWEET BEAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CASH COURIER had sustained a laceration to the left hind heel. A veterinary inspection of MY BLESSING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COME ON WONGCHOY and THE JOY OF GIVING were sent for sampling.