22/01/2020  Happy Valley  Race 2

As the start was effected, EURO LAGO lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. NOBLE DESIRE shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of COMPASSION STAR which became unbalanced. COMPASSION STAR then became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in NOBLE DESIRE and WAYFOONG CHARMER being crowded for room inside DIAMOND STAR which became badly unbalanced after being bumped by WAYFOONG CHARMER. SPLENDID TIMING, which was being steadied to obtain cover, was shifted out away from the heels of DIAMOND STAR in consequence. GENERAL CASTLEDALE and E MASTER were shifted across behind runners from wide barriers in the early stages. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, NAVAS and NOBLE DESIRE raced tight inside WAYFOONG CHARMER which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SPARKLING LIFE. Near the 650 Metres, COMPASSION STAR was momentarily steadied away from the heels of FOCUS (T Piccone) which shifted in when not quite clear when crossing into the lead. T Piccone was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. Making the turn after the 550 Metres, NOBLE DESIRE got its head on the side and lay out. Rounding the Home Turn, WAYFOONG CHARMER and NAVAS raced tight as NAVAS shifted to the outside of ALL TIMES GRATEFUL into clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, E MASTER and SPARKLING LIFE bumped. EURO LAGO lay in under pressure in the Straight. For the majority of the race, SPARKLING LIFE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of E MASTER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, E MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND STAR and SPARKLING LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COMPASSION STAR and WAYFOONG CHARMER were sent for sampling.