18/12/2019  Happy Valley  Race 7

JOLLY GENE, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 17.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind). Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY GENE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was started, GIFT OF LIFELINE lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. A short distance after the start, TRAVEL FIRST, HAR HAR HEART and PERFECT PAIR were all hampered when taken out by LOOKING GOOD (G van Niekerk) which shifted out. ACCLAIMED LIGHT and ENZEMBLE, which were being shifted across to obtain cover from wide barriers, were hampered in consequence. JOLLY HONOUR was shifted out to relieve the tightening to ENZEMBLE, causing CHAMP PATROL, which was also being shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier to obtain cover, to be hampered. G van Niekerk was told to ensure that he is aware of his mounts shifting ground so as to prevent causing interference to other runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAR HAR HEART was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PERFECT PAIR when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. TRAVEL FIRST travelled wide and without cover until near the 900 Metres. Near the 900 Metres, ENZEMBLE was bumped by HAR HAR HEART which shifted out abruptly away from the heels of PERFECT PAIR. ENZEMBLE then commenced to travel keenly and was allowed to improve its position after the 800 Metres, however, travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Near the 450 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE and PERFECT PAIR raced tight. Passing the 300 Metres, PERFECT PAIR got its head on the side, shifted in and inconvenienced GIFT OF LIFELINE. Passing the 150 Metres, LOOKING GOOD and ENZEMBLE were crowded for room between JOLLY HONOUR and ACCLAIMED LIGHT which, when improving to the outside of TRAVEL FIRST, was taken out by that horse. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY HONOUR, GIFT OF LIFELINE and LOOKING GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GIFT OF LIFELINE, BEAR AGAIN and PARTY TOGETHER were sent for sampling.