03/03/2021  Happy Valley  Race 2

SMILING FACE, AEROSONIC and COSMO CLASSIC, which began awkwardly, were all crowded for room on jumping between LADY FIRST and RUN RUN GOOD which, after initially being directed out by LUCKY MISSILE, then shifted out away from that horse. This resulted in AEROSONIC and COSMO CLASSIC losing ground. GOLD 'N’ BOLD shifted out at the start and bumped THE SUBMARINE. Then from the outside barrier, THE SUBMARINE was steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. OWNERS’ STAR and BLAZING BEAT bumped heavily at the start. Passing the 1600 Metres, RUN RUN GOOD was momentarily eased away from the heels of LADY FIRST (Apprentice C L Chau) which shifted in when not quite clear. Apprentice Chau was advised to exercise due care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. A short distance after this, SMILING FACE was steadied away from the heels of RUN RUN GOOD which shifted out marginally. Approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, AEROSONIC travelled keenly. After the 1300 Metres, SAVVY KINGMAN was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 400 Metres, GOLD 'N’ BOLD, which had come under pressure, was momentarily crowded for room between SAVVY KINGMAN (B Shinn) which shifted in marginally and LADY FIRST which at this time attempted to shift to the outside of BLAZING BEAT. Apprentice Chau was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, the majority shift in this incident had come from LADY FIRST and therefore he was reprimanded and told to ensure that he does not place too much pressure on other horses and riders to obtain clear running. B Shinn was told to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by Apprentice C L Chau, the rider of LADY FIRST, which finished 3rd, against SAVVY KINGMAN, which finished 2nd, alleging interference to his mount passing the 300 Metres. After taking evidence from Apprentice Chau and Jockey Shinn and after viewing the official videos, the Stewards found that just prior to the 300 Metres LADY FIRST shifted out with a view to improving between BLAZING BEAT and SAVVY KINGMAN which then got its head on the side and lay in. The Stewards formed the view that although LADY FIRST had shifted away from the rail, it had not properly established running between BLAZING BEAT and SAVVY KINGMAN which resulted in LADY FIRST being disappointed for running between those horses. The Stewards further found that irrespective of this incident at the 300 Metres, LADY FIRST had improved its position to be almost level with SAVVY KINGMAN passing the 75 Metres, but was unable to establish a margin over that horse over the final 75 Metres. Having considered all the circumstances of this incident, the Stewards overruled the protest/objection and declared weighed-in on the numbers notified by the Judge. At a subsequent inquiry, B Shinn was reprimanded and told that although LADY FIRST had not established running outside BLAZING BEAT at this time, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. The performance of COSMO CLASSIC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COSMO CLASSIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of COSMO CLASSIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton stated that inside the 100 Metres OWNERS’ STAR commenced to shorten stride and did not feel comfortable in its action over the concluding stages and on pulling up. A veterinary inspection of OWNERS’ STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, OWNERS’ STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY MISSILE and SMILING FACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NUNCHUKS and SAVVY KINGMAN were sent for sampling.