19/01/2022  Happy Valley  Race 1

RIGHTEOUS WIN was difficult to load and subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of RIGHTEOUS WIN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RIGHTEOUS WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, RIGHTEOUS WIN was noted to be making an abnormal respiratory noise. An endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a "roarer”. DIONYSUS COLLIN shifted out at the start and bumped TAILOR MADE. DIAMOND STAR began only fairly, shifted out and lost ground when bumped by PRIME STAR which shifted in. From the outside barriers, SMART COUSIN and OWNERS’ STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LUCKY MISSILE was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, TAILOR MADE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUCCESS ALLSTARS. Passing the 1300 Metres, SUCCESS ALLSTARS and DIONYSUS COLLIN raced tight inside AMAZING BOY which, after the 1300 Metres, was left racing wide and without cover. At the 600 Metres, SMART COUSIN and LUCKY MISSILE bumped. For some distance approaching and passing the 500 Metres, PRIME STAR was taken back through the field when awkwardly placed behind SUCCESS ALLSTARS which was giving ground. For some distance passing the 250 Metres, LUCKY MISSILE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FORTUNE TRIPLE when held up for clear running behind that horse. LUCKY MISSILE was then shifted to the outside of FORTUNE TRIPLE passing the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, FORTUNE TRIPLE was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MISSILE (L Ferraris) which shifted in. Because of this, FORTUNE TRIPLE was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. L Ferraris was told to exercise more care in similar circumstances. When questioned, H Bentley stated that after being able to obtain a good position in the early stages behind WONDER WIN, SUCCESS ALLSTARS came off the bridle after the 1300 Metres and he had to commence riding his mount along to maintain its position between DIONYSUS COLLIN and AMAZING BOY. He said despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the middle stages, SUCCESS ALLSTARS was reluctant to continue to maintain its position and near the 1100 Metres he had to slap the horse down the shoulder in an endeavour to have it travel better. He said despite this SUCCESS ALLSTARS would not respond to his urgings and after the 600 Metres came up even greater pressure. He added that he continued to ride the horse along rounding the Home Turn, however, SUCCESS ALLSTARS did not respond and weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SUCCESS ALLSTARS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUCCESS ALLSTARS, which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUCCESS ALLSTARS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, Z Purton stated that he was not given any specific instructions on how to ride AMAZING BOY in tonight’s race. He said in the early stages he was left racing wide outside PRIME STAR and therefore after the 1600 Metres he rode his mount along in an attempt to clear that horse which resulted in AMAZING BOY racing in a more forward position tonight than has been the case previously. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DIONYSUS COLLIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING BOY, TAILOR MADE and LUCKY MISSILE were sent for sampling.