11/01/2023  Happy Valley  Race 3

HAPPY GOLF, which sustained an abrasion to the left hock whilst being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. FLAMING EAGLE began only fairly. GLORIOUS STARLIGHT stumbled on jumping. HIGH CLOUD was bumped a short distance after the start by CIRCUIT SEVEN which was taken in by HAPPILY FRIENDS. From a wide barrier, GALVANIC was steadied on jumping to obtain a position closer to the rail. SURE JOYFUL was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Near the 1100 Metres, CIRCUIT SEVEN was steadied away from the heels of HERO STAR (S De Sousa) which commenced to shift in when not properly clear. When being steadied, CIRCUIT SEVEN became badly unbalanced as a result of being bumped on the hindquarters by HAPPILY FRIENDS which shifted in. S De Sousa was advised that whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that CIRCUIT SEVEN becoming unbalanced as a result of the contact from HAPPILY FRIENDS had exaggerated the incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded for shifting in when not fully clear and told that in similar circumstances he must exercise far more care than he did on this occasion. After the 1100 Metres, HAPPY GOLF commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover when racing very wide. Near the 950 Metres, FLAMING EAGLE was steadied when crowded for room between JAZZ STEED and SURE JOYFUL which got its head on the side and lay in away from MELBOURNE HALL as that horse was being steadied to obtain cover. Passing the 500 Metres, HIGH CLOUD momentarily raced in restricted room between RACING FIGHTER and HAPPILY FRIENDS which shifted in marginally. SURE JOYFUL, which was following HIGH CLOUD, was inconvenienced in consequence. Near the 450 Metres, HIGH CLOUD and MELBOURNE HALL raced tight. Near the 75 Metres, CIRCUIT SEVEN turned its head to the left towards RACING FIGHTER. CIRCUIT SEVEN then shifted out towards the heels of RACING FIGHTER, resulting in CIRCUIT SEVEN having to be steadied away from the heels of that horse. This matter was brought to the attention of Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of CIRCUIT SEVEN. Close to the finishing line, SURE JOYFUL was shifted out from behind CIRCUIT SEVEN to continue improving. Throughout the race, HAPPILY FRIENDS travelled wide and without cover. After the race, it was reported that GLORIOUS STARLIGHT had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of JAZZ STEED immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and an endoscopic examination also showed a substantial amount of blood in its trachea. Before being allowed to race again, JAZZ STEED will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JAZZ STEED, HERO STAR and RACING FIGHTER were sent for sampling.