17/02/2021  Happy Valley  Race 5

GIFT OF LIFELINE, which was fractious when being transported to Happy Valley, was examined in the holding stables by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse had sustained a small abrasion above the eyes, however, was suitable to race. SAVAQUIN was crowded for room on jumping between GIFT OF LIFELINE and LOOKING GREAT, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, GREEN REIGN and SURREALISM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After being ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position, BEAUTY SPARK was left racing wide and without cover after passing the winning post on the first occasion and then passing the 1300 Metres was steadied to obtain cover. Passing the 1200 Metres, GREEN REIGN got its head up when awkwardly placed behind GIFT OF LIFELINE. Approaching the 1000 Metres and again near the 950 Metres, GREEN REIGN again got its head up when racing close to the heels of GIFT OF LIFELINE. Rounding the Home Turn, SAVAQUIN raced tight outside BEAUTY SPARK which shifted out. After the 100 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FARSHAD which was directed out to relieve the tightening to GIFT OF LIFELINE. M F Poon reported that BEAUTY SPARK was making an abnormal breathing noise after the race. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY SPARK immediately following the race found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY SPARK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, C Schofield (SMOOTHIES) stated that when BEAUTY SPARK improved outside of his mount passing the winning post on the first occasion, SMOOTHIES commenced to over-race. He said he attempted to steady SMOOTHIES to relax, however, the horse travelled too keenly in the early and middle stages and because of this, in his opinion, was not able to finish off the race as well as it had done recently when it settled better in its races. A veterinary inspection of SMOOTHIES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GREEN REIGN and SUNNY LAD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAVAQUIN and FARSHAD were sent for sampling.