27/02/2019  Happy Valley  Race 1

ROCKET GO and ENJOYABLE SUCCESS began only fairly. Passing the 1600 Metres, LUCKY SHINY DAY got its head up when being checked away from the heels of GENTRY which was taken out by JUMBO BUS which, when being steadied to obtain cover behind MASSIVE POWER, was taken out marginally by that horse. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, LAUGH OUT LOUD got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed behind THE SYLPH. In the early stages, BLACK TECH and DRAGON WARRIOR raced tight between LUCKY STORM and KWAICHUNG BROTHERS (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in. This resulted in BLACK TECH becoming unbalanced, shifting in and making contact with the hindquarters of LUCKY STORM which became unbalanced. Apprentice Wong was severely reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to shift his mount out to relieve tightening to runners to his inside rather than allowing it to continue shifting in. Making the turn passing the 600 Metres, DRAGON WARRIOR momentarily raced tight inside BLACK TECH which was giving ground. ENJOYABLE SUCCESS, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. After this, BLACK TECH continued to give ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of BLACK TECH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BLACK TECH was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BLACK TECH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 300 Metres, THE SYLPH was bumped by LAUGH OUT LOUD (R Bayliss) which was directed to the outside of LUCKY STORM to obtain clear running. This resulted in both LAUGH OUT LOUD and THE SYLPH becoming unbalanced and bumping again a short distance later. R Bayliss was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he does not place undue pressure on other horses to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD was momentarily awkwardly placed behind LUCKY STORM which shifted out. A veterinary inspection of KWAICHUNG BROTHERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GENTRY and LUCKY SHINY DAY were sent for sampling.