15/01/2020  Happy Valley  Race 1

JIMSON THE DRAGON began very awkwardly and lost ground. PROMISE KEPT began only fairly. MULTIMAX shifted out at the start and bumped ROYAL CHOCOLATE. Shortly after the start, DEMONS ROCK was crowded for room between GOLDEN GENERAL which began awkwardly and FLYING MONKEY which shifted out. After this, DEMONS ROCK was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, ROMAN ODYSSEY was steadied away from the heels of GREAT SON (N Callan) which shifted in when not properly clear. N Callan was reprimanded. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, PROMISE KEPT was crowded for room inside JIMSON THE DRAGON which was taken in by KEEP GOING which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. After racing in restricted room inside ROMAN ODYSSEY near the 600 Metres, MULTIMAX became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped ROMAN ODYSSEY. Rounding the Home Turn, JIMSON THE DRAGON was checked away from the heels of FLYING MONKEY after being awkwardly placed behind that horse for some distance. After improving into tight running inside NICE FANDANGO approaching the 100 Metres, MULTIMAX raced in restricted room inside that horse for the remainder of the race. Passing the winning post, GREAT SON was checked away from the heels of ROMAN ODYSSEY (M Chadwick) which shifted in under pressure. M Chadwick was advised that whilst the worst of the interference was after the conclusion of the race, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Throughout the race, FLYING MONKEY travelled wide and without cover. H T Mo (GOLDEN GENERAL) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. After the race, it was noted that PROMISE KEPT had blood at its right nostril. An endoscopic examination of PROMISE KEPT confirmed the horse to be a bleeder. A veterinary inspection of MULTIMAX and NASHASHUK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GREAT SON, ROMAN ODYSSEY and FLYING MONKEY were sent for sampling.