19/04/2023  Happy Valley  Race 3

UP AND UP jumped only fairly, shifted out and brushed WINNING DRAGON. From the outside barrier, VILLA FIONN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SAVVY KINGMAN was obliged to race wide and without cover until near the 900 Metres. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, TURIN MASCOT shifted out when positioned close to STAR CONTACT and became unbalanced. When questioned regarding his riding of STAR CONTACT, Z Purton stated that it had been anticipated that STAR CONTACT would take up a forward position and he was given the option of obtaining cover if available. He said in accordance with his instructions, from the inside barrier, he allowed STAR CONTACT to position to the inside of WINNING DRAGON as that runner commenced to shift across to hold a position in the lead. He added that having regard to his instructions, although he was aware the pace of the event was moderate, he allowed WINNING DRAGON to go forward to cross on the assumption that WINNING DRAGON would hold the lead and he would be provided with cover behind the leading division. He said when WINNING DRAGON allowed VIVA HUNTER to cross to the lead, this resulted in STAR CONTACT being shuffled further back in the field than what he had anticipated and also resulting in STAR CONTACT racing keenly. When questioned if there was an opportunity to hold the lead inside WINNING DRAGON (Apprentice Y L Chung), Z Purton stated that as Apprentice Chung had shown intent to hold the lead, he had anticipated it would maintain the lead once crossed and having regard to his instructions, he felt that a position with cover was the best position to obtain so as his mount could finish the race off. He further stated that when placed under pressure in the Straight, he endeavoured to secure a run to the outside of VIVA HUNTER and to the inside of SAVVY KINGMAN, however, STAR CONTACT did not respond to his urgings to secure that run and when SAVVY KINGMAN and VIVA HUNTER shifted ground, he was then disappointed for this run and held up slightly behind VIVA HUNTER until near the 150 Metres. He added that he then directed his mount to the inside of VIVA HUNTER near the 100 Metres where he endeavoured to secure clear running, however, was unable to do so when VIVA HUNTER shifted back in which resulted in STAR CONTACT being held up over the final 75 Metres. Trainer D A Hayes confirmed the instructions were to go forward and that Jockey Purton was given the option of obtaining cover if circumstances permitted. He said with the benefit of hindsight, in his opinion, STAR CONTACT would be better suited leading the event having regard to the moderate early pace. Whilst the Stewards found that the reasons as to why he allowed WINNING DRAGON to cross his mount in the early stages were reasonable, they advised Z Purton that, in their opinion, having regard to the moderate pace, the best option would have been to hold the lead throughout the early and middle stages of the event. The Stewards accepted the explanation of his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of STAR CONTACT immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, STAR CONTACT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of VILLA FIONN, S De Sousa stated that his mount did not stretch out in the early stages and settled at the rear of the field. He said after entering the Back Straight when VILLA FIONN continued to not travel well, he elected to shift into a three wide position without cover to encourage his mount to travel better and with a view to making a forward move at that stage. He added that when VILLA FIONN continued to not travel well, he shifted back in to obtain cover near the 700 Metres. A veterinary inspection of VILLA FIONN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STAR CONTACT, VIVA HUNTER and MEANINGFUL STAR were sent for sampling.