05/10/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

H Z TOURBILLON began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room between ADIOS and DROPS OF GOD which shifted out. In this incident, ADIOS became unbalanced and lost ground when bumped on the hindquarters by H Z TOURBILLON. STOICISM shifted out at the start and hampered NAMJONG SINGS. Then from the outside barriers, both STOICISM and NAMJONG SINGS were shifted across behind runners. After being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position, DIAMOND BRILLIANT was steadied approaching the 1000 Metres in an attempt to obtain cover behind XPONENTIAL. When ADIOS improved to be racing inside DIAMOND BRILLIANT and behind XPONENTIAL passing the 1000 Metres, this resulted in DIAMOND BRILLIANT being left racing wide and without cover. DIAMOND BRILLIANT was then again ridden along passing the 850 Metres to improve forward of XPONENTIAL and shift in to race outside the lead near the 600 Metres. DROPS OF GOD was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. H Z TOURBILLON, which was following DROPS OF GOD, was also held up for clear running in consequence. Then at the entrance to the Straight, H Z TOURBILLON was directed to the inside of FLYING BONUS in an attempt to obtain clear running inside that horse. As H Z TOURBILLON was being shifted in, FLYING BONUS lay in away from DROPS OF GOD, resulting in H Z TOURBILLON being checked away from the heels of FLYING BONUS and then being held up for clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. As the Stewards were satisfied that H Z TOURBILLON had not established running to the inside of FLYING BONUS prior to that horse shifting ground, no further action was taken. Throughout the race, CALIFORNIA CONCORD travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of V Borges (DIAMOND BRILLIANT), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless severely reprimanded and placed on notice regarding his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND BRILLIANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of STOICISM immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, STOICISM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DROPS OF GOD, ADIOS and NAMJONG SINGS were sent for sampling.