02/03/2022  Happy Valley  Race 6

On arrival at the Start, J Moreira expressed concern regarding the action of JAZZ STEED. JAZZ STEED was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was lame in its left front and right hind legs and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, JAZZ STEED was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, JAZZ STEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOYFUL GENIUS shifted in on jumping and bumped HANDSOME VEGGIE. After this, from wide barriers, both HANDSOME VEGGIE and JOYFUL GENIUS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. CONCERTO and NEW ASIA ADVANCE began only fairly. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, REGENCY STAR and SHOWINA bumped. Passing the 900 Metres, CONCERTO, which was having its first race start tonight, travelled keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MY INTELLIGENT which itself was awkwardly placed behind REGENCY STAR. After this, CONCERTO continued to prove difficult to settle and shifted ground on a number of occasions. Making the turn near the 550 Metres, MY INTELLIGENT shifted out and brushed JOYFUL GENIUS. MY INTELLIGENT then got its head up for some distance when being steadied to avoid the heels of REGENCY STAR. Passing the 250 Metres, PHENOMENAL COMBO was shifted out away from the heels of REGENCY STAR. Passing the 50 Metres, SUPER MISSION and JOYFUL GENIUS bumped. Throughout the race, SUPER MISSION travelled wide and without cover. After the race, A Badel stated that it was intended for REGENCY STAR to lead tonight’s race. He said after bumping with SHOWINA on jumping he rode his mount along for some distance in the early stages, however, REGENCY STAR did not show as much early speed as anticipated. He said because of this he was not able to clear SHOWINA to his inside and when LUCKY ARCHANGEL was showing more speed than REGENCY STAR from out wider, he was not able to lead tonight’s race. He added that when unable to lead, REGENCY STAR travelled only fairly in the middle stages and then came under pressure prior to the Home Turn. He said despite riding his mount along, REGENCY STAR did not quicken and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish the race off. He said having regard to REGENCY STAR’s disappointing performance tonight, he was of the opinion that the horse may be better suited when able to lead in its races at this stage of its career. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of REGENCY STAR, a last start winner and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY STAR 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 SHOWINA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY ARCHANGEL and JOYFUL GENIUS were sent for sampling.