Recap by phillip woo

Graceful Kingdom enjoyed soft early sections despite some pressure for the lead but still had enough to repel a challenge by Soul Achiever over the final 150m for a fourth career win. It won't be a strong form race. Soul Achiever loomed a winning chance at the 150m following a prominent run along the fence but found one better on the day. Raging favourite Speedy Wally had his chance following a handy run but couldn't make up any ground on the top two. Class was the issue with a return to Class Four. Win It made a steady bid one from the back to finish a distant fourth. He need to drop a bit more in the ratings but clearly does go best over this Valley course. It was a vastly-improved secondup run this term by Money Man who got going from last to pick up some prize money despite the pattern of the race going against him. The tongue-tie may have helped.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (059)-DIANTHUS HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1650Metres

When parading behind the barriers, N Rawiller expressed concern regarding the action of THE RAINBOW.

THE RAINBOW was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in its left front leg and as such was not suitable to race.

Acting on this advice, THE RAINBOW was withdrawn by order of the Stewards.

Before being allowed to race again, THE RAINBOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

THANKSGIVING jumped out at the start, resulting in WIN IT being hampered when crowded onto NOBLE DE MAN.

From wide barriers, GERONIMO MEADOW and MONEY MAN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.

After travelling a short distance, SPEEDY WALLY lay in away from SOUL ACHIEVER and made contact with CHEERFUL FRAME.

On the turn near the 1050 Metres, CHEERFUL FRAME, which was pulling hard, shifted out and raced tight against LIGHTNING AND GOLD.

Due to the slow pace, SPEEDY WALLY shifted out away from the heels of THANKSGIVING approaching the 600 Metres and raced wide and without cover from that point.

On the Home Turn, CHEERFUL FRAME was steadied when racing in restricted room inside THANKSGIVING which lay in as it commenced to give ground.

Approaching the 250 Metres, GERONIMO MEADOW made contact with NOBLE DE MAN when improving into a narrow run between NOBLE DE MAN and LIGHTNING AND GOLD.

For the majority of the race, NOBLE DE MAN was left racing wide and without cover.

A veterinary inspection of NOBLE DE MAN immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

The performance of NOBLE DE MAN, which weakened in the Straight and finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE MAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of B Prebble (GERONIMO MEADOW), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

A veterinary inspection of CHEERFUL FRAME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

SPEEDY WALLY, GRACEFUL KINGDOM and SOUL ACHIEVER were sent for sampling.