17/03/2021  Happy Valley  Race 6

BRIGHT VISION shifted out at the start and bumped NUNCHUKS which became unbalanced and lost ground. After this, NUNCHUKS was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. SMART COUSIN shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of GOOD DAYS. SMART COUSIN was then steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier. DIVINE UNICORN lost its left front plate in the early stages. Passing the 1700 Metres, NUNCHUKS was crowded for room between GOOD DAYS and MAGNETISM which was taken out by BUNDLE OF DELIGHT. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SMART COUSIN got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover behind NUNCHUKS. Passing the 1300 Metres, SMART COUSIN momentarily raced in restricted room inside the heels of NUNCHUKS. SHADOW BREAKER travelled keenly in the lead in the middle stages. GOOD DAYS travelled wide and without cover after the 900 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, DIVINE UNICORN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRAVE KING which came under pressure. Passing the 200 Metres, GOOD DAYS was momentarily crowded for room between BUNDLE OF DELIGHT (A Badel) and RED ELYSEES (C Schofield), both of which shifted ground. Both A Badel and C Schofield were advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Also passing the 200 Metres, PERFECT TO PLAY was shifted out away from the heels of BRIGHT VISION to obtain clear running. Then near the 150 Metres, PERFECT TO PLAY and RED ELYSEES raced tight. Over the final 200 Metres, MAGNETISM lay in under pressure and proved difficult to ride, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten his mount on a number of occasions. R Maia was reprimanded for failing to ride 3rd placegetter, BRIGHT VISION, out all the way to the end of the race. R Maia was advised that whilst BRIGHT VISION had finished in 3rd position, nonetheless he must ensure that he continues to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race so as not to jeopardize the finishing positions of his mounts. M F Poon, the rider of 5th placed, DIVINE UNICORN, was also reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race wherever appropriate circumstances permit. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position on BRAVE KING. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along vigorously for some distance in the early stages to cross runners to his inside from a wide barrier and obtain a position behind the speed. He said BRAVE KING did not travel well at any stage of the race and he was constantly having to niggle at his mount to have it maintain its position. He said BRAVE KING came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and then failed to finish off the race. Mr A S Cruz, trainer of BRAVE KING, confirmed the instructions were for the horse to be ridden in a forward position. He said the instructions provided to Jockey Purton tonight were consistent with those that he had given his riders on the last two occasions and at its last start he was disappointed that BRAVE KING had got further back in the field than had been intended. He said at the start previous to its most recent run BRAVE KING, despite being ridden along, did not show as much early speed as he had hoped. Mr Cruz added although BRAVE KING was disappointing in the manner in which it finished off tonight’s race, it would be his intention to have it ridden in a forward position at its future starts if circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE KING, NUNCHUKS, SHADOW BREAKER, SMART COUSIN and GOOD DAYS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NUNCHUKS, BUNDLE OF DELIGHT and PERFECT TO PLAY were sent for sampling.