Happy Valley Racemeeting, Wednesday, 10 February 2021
Race 4, Daffodil Handicap – HARMONY SPIRIT (D263)
Race 6, Peach Blossom Handicap – GAMEPLAYER STAR (E48)

The Stewards hereby notify that HARMONY SPIRIT (D263), trained by Mr D J Whyte, is a declared starter in Race 4, the Daffodil Handicap, to be conducted at tomorrow night’s Happy Valley racemeeting.  The Stewards further notify that GAMEPLAYER STAR (E48), also trained by Mr Whyte, has been withdrawn from Race 6, the Peach Blossom Handicap, also to be conducted at the stated racemeeting.

The Stewards were this morning advised by the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy that HARMONY SPIRIT (D263) was required to be withdrawn from Race 4 on veterinary grounds.  The Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy subsequently informed the Stewards that HARMONY SPIRIT (D263) had in fact been found to be suitable to race and that GAMEPLAYER STAR (E48) was the horse from the relevant stable which was found not to be suitable to race following its routine pre-race veterinary inspection due to being lame in the right front leg.

After having considered the circumstances of this matter and given that only a short amount of time had elapsed between the notification of HARMONY SPIRIT (D263) being inadvertently withdrawn from the relevant race and given that the relevant timeframe stipulated for the withdrawal and promotion of horses prior to betting commencing had not expired, the Stewards have approved for HARMONY SPIRIT (D263) to be reinstated into the field in Race 4, the Daffodil Handicap.  Further, GAMEPLAYER STAR (E48) has been withdrawn from Race 6, the Peach Blossom Handicap, with Standby Declared Starter HAPPY WARRIOR (A313) being promoted with N Callan to ride that horse.

Senior Management is currently investigating the circumstances of this matter to determine the appropriate action to be taken.