21/12/2022  Happy Valley  Race 8

SKY FOREVER was slow to begin. NICCONI COUNTY was tightened for room soon after the start between STAR BRITE which shifted out slightly and HAPPY SHARING which shifted in after being bumped by TELECOM SPEED which also shifted in before being corrected. From the outside barriers, RED LION and SUMMIT CHEERS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ARMOUR EAGLE was steadied in the early stages and obtained a position on the rail near the 800 Metres. SKY FOREVER became unbalanced when having to be steadied near the 900 Metres. Approaching the 400 Metres, STAR BRITE raced in restricted room for a short distance between DIVINE SHINING and TELECOM SPEED. On straightening, ARMOUR EAGLE was checked and shifted in when making ground to avoid the heels of TELECOM SPEED. Near the 250 Metres, ARMOUR EAGLE was checked off the heels of HAPPY SHARING and shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of TELECOM SPEED, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Near the 150 Metres, HAPPY SHARING, which was commencing to give ground, was eased when tightened for room between STAR BRITE and ARMOUR EAGLE, both of which shifted ground slightly. Over the concluding stages, STAR BRITE raced in restricted room between YO BEAUTY and ARMOUR EAGLE, both of which shifted ground slightly under pressure. Then approaching the winning post, ARMOUR EAGLE shifted out under pressure and bumped LESLIE. Throughout the race, TELECOM SPEED and RED LION travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton (RED LION) explained that from the outside barrier he was obligated to go back and as a result his mount found it difficult to make ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of RED LION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SHARING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICCONI COUNTY, YO BEAUTY and ARMOUR EAGLE were sent for sampling.