08/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 2

TYCOON JEWELLERY shifted in at the start and made heavy contact with REACH GOAL, resulting in both runners becoming unbalanced. FOREVER GLORIOUS was slow to begin. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE jumped only fairly and soon after the start was hampered when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY ANGEL which shifted out slightly. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. YEE CHEONG WARRIOR also jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, HELENE ALLIBOR raced tight to the inside of CIRCUIT ELITE when being steadied to allow that horse to cross. Shortly after, TYCOON JEWELLERY was steadied to avoid the heels of HAPPY JAI JAI. LUCKY DIAMOND raced wide until near the 1000 Metres when allowed to stride forward to race outside the lead. BLASTOISE raced wide and without cover from the 800 Metres. Near the 400 Metres, REACH GOAL was momentarily tightened for room by FLYING SILVER which improved to the inside of FOREVER GLORIOUS to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, TYCOON JEWELLERY had difficulty securing clear running when endeavouring to improve between CIRCUIT ELITE and LUCKY DIAMOND. Near the 100 Metres, PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was steadied when crowded for room by REACH GOAL (A Badel) which, after shifting to the inside of HAPPY ANGEL to secure a tight run, was then taken in slightly by that runner. Whilst the Stewards acknowledged that the shift of HAPPY ANGEL had contributed to the interference suffered by PRESIDENT’S CHOICE, nonetheless A Badel was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground and to ensure that there is sufficient racing room when improving into runs of a similar nature. Passing the 50 Metres, FOREVER GLORIOUS and HELENE ALLIBOR brushed due to both runners shifting ground slightly. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING SILVER and REACH GOAL were sent for sampling.