24/05/2023  Happy Valley  Race 3

MULTIWIN jumped awkwardly and lost ground and then shortly after the start bumped with COPARTNER FIONN when that runner shifted in slightly. On jumping, CHRYSOS was crowded for room between DIAMOND DIAMOND and KYRUS UNICORN, both of which shifted ground. From a wide barrier, TO INFINITY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. DURHAM STAR lost its left front plate in the early stages. In the early stages, COPARTNER FIONN raced keenly and for some distance near the 1400 Metres got its head up when being positioned close to the heels of MULTIWIN. After the 1400 Metres, MULTIWIN was eased when racing tight to the inside of SUNNY DELIGHT. Near the 800 Metres, TO INFINITY commenced to race keenly and shifted out when being steadied to avoid TRAVEL GUIDE. TO INFINITY was then obliged to race wide and without cover thereafter. Near the 600 Metres, KYRUS UNICORN was steadied when it became awkwardly placed on the heels of MULTIWIN as that runner commenced to give ground. Approaching the 150 Metres, DIAMOND DIAMOND shifted in and made contact with SUNNY DELIGHT (L Hewitson), resulting in L Hewitson being restricted in riding his mount out for a short distance thereafter. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards considered an application from K Teetan, the rider of CORDYCEPS ONE, that his mount should be declared a non-runner on the basis that it had been denied a fair start. After taking evidence from Jockey Teetan and also the Starter, Mr A Speechley, the Stewards found that as the start was effected, CORDYCEPS ONE, which had been fractious in the barriers, reared of its own accord, resulting in CORDYCEPS ONE losing considerable ground. As the Stewards were of the opinion that such occurrence was due to the manners of CORDYCEPS ONE, it was deemed a runner and weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Before being allowed to race again, CORDYCEPS ONE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. When questioned regarding CHRYSOS leading tonight, H Bentley stated that from his wide barrier, with blinkers on for the first time and racing on the C course, he was instructed to ride CHRYSOS forward with a view to leading. Trainer C Fownes confirmed the instructions issued. When questioned regarding the improved performance of CHRYSOS, Mr Fownes stated that, in his view, the horse was aided by being able to lead and appreciated having its first start at Happy Valley tonight. After the race, Z Purton (DIAMOND DIAMOND) stated that, in his opinion, his mount is still somewhat immature and would derive benefit from tonight’s race experience. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, MULTIWIN was noted to have blood in its mouth. A veterinary inspection of COPARTNER FIONN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CORDYCEPS ONE, CHRYSOS and DURHAM STAR were sent for sampling.