A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday, January 7.
Jockey Jason Holder revved himself up for the upcoming Magic Millions meeting with a fine, confidence boosting, riding treble. Holder in fact went home with a full house of winners as he only had three rides at the meeting.
An interesting objection left plenty of room for debate. The evidence is documented here (see race 6). Perhaps the most surprising element was when ‘accused’ rider Scott Galloway fired in a counter objection against the second placed runner, which was seemingly allowed into play. First objecting against second – that’s a new one, not to mention the fact that all protests have to be ‘ made verbally or in writing before the riders of all placed horses are weighed in’(AR165) - and not five minutes into the protest hearing. Perhaps Galloway’s wording was the problem. He must have meant ‘counter argument’ and not ‘counter protest’. It just goes to show how confusing things can sometimes become in the heat of verbal sparring.
Another possible first was the announcement on track (on no less than three occasions) to the effect that Chesters Babcock – who ran in race 2 – had been diagnosed with a wind problem after his last start and had subsequently had a throat operation to remove a spur. This information was put out to the public for them to weigh up its value. I am aware that a reader of this column, after reading about many previously undocumented operations ‘after the fact’ (in the Winner Feedback commentary) put forward a request to the Chief Steward to try and get that sort of information to be made available to punters before-hand. Whether Wednesday’s announcement was a sequel to that approach or not, is not important. The fact that such information is now being passed on is encouraging. That of course still leaves punters with a dilemma of deciding whether an operation has benefitted or disadvantaged the horse in question. In this case there was no happy return as Chesters Babcock trailed in nearly five lengths behind the second last placed runner.
Stewards Supplementary Report Extract:
From Deagon Offices, 10.4.08
Stewards today rescinded a ban under AR53A placed on City Lights which competed in Race 8, The Class 5 Handicap (1000M), which returned to scale showing signs that the horse had suffered a bleeding attack. Stewards were advised by the clubs veterinary surgeon that further tests conducted on City Lights showed the bleeding attack to relate to other complications which resulted when the horse reared in the barriers hitting its head. Trainer T. Whittington was advised that a veterinary certificate clearance would be required prior to City Lights being permitted to race again. Mr Whittington further advised stewards that the horse would be sent for an immediate spell.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Spot On Target; 2nd - Ponchito; 3rd - Freton
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Howard Wilson: “His dam and the dam of Takeover Target are half-sisters. That’s how we got to the name, hoping some of the star quality would rub off on him. We had him in town and he was very green in his first two starts. He was well beaten both starts, but the races were won by Double Heart (who races in the Magic Millions on Saturday) and Sarge In Charge (who will contest a $1 million race in New Zealand later this month). So there was no disgrace there.
“We wanted him ridden quite today and then to come home strong, which he did well. He’s still learning though and Jason (Holder) said he will be a lot better once he gets to know what it is all about.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “He went nicely, I thought. He was a bit lazy in the running ... got back a bit. I think in a Class 1 next time he will be a horse to watch out for because he just wants a bit of distance. Yeah he (trainer Howard Wilson) told me that bit about Takeover Target as well. He said he’d be happy if this one was half as good as Takeover Target. I said even if he was quarter as good he’d be doing well.”
Spot On Target stopped the clock in a time of 1-11.75 to set a New Class record. The previous record (1-12.22), which stood since April 2007, was held by Swiss Ace who went on to land a couple of feature race victories (including the Weetwood) as well being deemed good enough to challenge the likes of Apache Cat during last year’s Winter Carnival.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spot On Target): 3.50 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Here Comes Tony): 2.00 out to 2.10. Finished sixth and last.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dramatising over-raced in the early stages. Here Comes Tony had a tendency to lay out in the middle stages. Dramatising shifted out when placed under pressure in the straight. Almazaya (N. Thomas) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Here Comes Tony, which tired in the straight, revealed the horse to be suffering from mild heat stress.
Race 2:
Class 2 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Anachelle; 2nd - The Crusader; 3rd - Salute The Judge
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Liam Birchley trained Anachelle (Mitchell Speers) and the short-priced favourite The Crusader joined issue in a stride for stride battle over the final 200m. Both were hard ridden for much of that tussle, but when Speers put the stick away and started riding just with his hands, Anachelle found that little bit extra to be able to shut out the main fancy.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Anachelle (M. Speers) was slow to begin. The Crusader (R. Wiggins) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Leaving the 900m, Bigger Than (T. Chambers) shifted in and away from The Crusader, making contact with Salute The Judge (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, taking Chesters Babcock in on to Anachelle. Clearly Vain (G. Baker) had a tendency to lay out rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Clearly Vain lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Chesters Babcock, which finished a distant last, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & UP F&M Maiden Handicap - 1300m
1st - Laurinel Princess; 2nd - Stratplan; 3rd - Palais Royale
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “She’s by Desert Prince and she’s going to be a dead-set 2000m horse. I don’t know if you heard, but I said to Jason (Holder) when he came back – 2000m, and he said ‘one hundred percent.’ She just wouldn’t settle properly in Sydney. We had a little bit of a nervous problem with her, but she’s settling down well now. She’s nicely bred and should run all day so to win over 1300m is pretty encouraging.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “She attacked the line nicely. Definitely wants further. Had the tongue-tie on today. Must have choked down last start. She went very well. Turned her form around really. It was only a Maiden win, but there’s only so much they can do at this stage.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Les Lola (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Near the 800m, when the pace slackened, Better Stuff (L. Rolls), Les Lola (S. Scriven) and All Join Hands (N. Thomas) all over-raced for a short distance. Palais Royale (A. Pattillo) and Laurenel Princess (J. Holder) raced 3 wide in the middle stages.
Race 4:
3yo & Up C&G Maiden Handicap - 1300m,
1st - Jagerbomb Time; 2nd - Fame Dancer; 3rd - Brokacanon
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “He’s been off all that time (seven months). The reason for that is he is a big leggy horse and he was over-anxious before. But he’s come back well this time. We gave him a good preparation so he’d be solid. And, you know, he showed today that the nervous edge was taken off him. He raced lovely and he was ridden beautifully. The way he got to the line he looked like he could have won over a longer distance today.”
I pointed out this was Jason Holder’s third win from only three rides on the day.
Brian Smith: “Is it? Well there you have a good reason for the win. It must have been him, not me.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) had to be steadied shortly after the start tightened for room between Brokacanon (S. Galloway) and Casual Deal (K. Pope), which shifted in after making contact with another runner. Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) and To The Fore (K. Wharton) raced wide for the majority of the event. N. Spencer, rider of Pearl Of Paradise, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
When questioned regarding the performance of Young Prince, N. Day stated that the horse travelled well and was in a challenging position rounding the home turn. However the horse failed to respond to his riding down the home straight and, in his opinion, proved very disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of Young Prince failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith advised stewards he was also disappointed with the horse's performance and indicated that he would recommend to the owners to retire the horse.
A post-race veterinary examination of To The Fore revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Subsequently, trainer K. Munce was found guilty of a charge under AR53A(2), in that after becoming aware that TO THE FORE had the presence of blood in both nostrils following the race, he did fail in his obligation to notify stewards of this fact without delay. Mr Munce was fined $1000.
Race 5:
C & G Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Geebeetee; 2nd - Shady Prospect; 3rd - Mauries Pick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“He’s been looking for 1200m. There hasn’t been a race to suit him you know.” (Geebeetee’s previous two efforts were over 1000m). “Owen (Turpin) and I are sweet now. He was on the outer with me after his ride on Silvern , but he’s redeemed himself now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (S. Scriven) raced fiercely in the middle stages. Mauries Pick and King Brahm raced wide for the majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Brain Explosion revealed the horse had bled from both nostrils.
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Rule By Right; 2nd - Riseupsinging; 3rd - Prince Lionheart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson, rider of the runner-up Riseupsinging, lodged a protest against the winner Rule By Right (Scott Galloway), alleging interference at the 200m mark.
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “Approaching the furlong or thereabouts, Scotty Galloway’s mount comes to our side. Probably got half a length on us, then tried to duck in, which made me stop riding my horse along and take hold for a couple of strides. Scotty straightened and got away from us - probably a length and a half, and I’ve wound my mount up again. The margin was a half-head at the line. I think that without that – which it shows on the film – without that I would have finished in front of the winner.”
The Chairman of Stewards asked if Galloway had any questions for Wilkinson.
Jockey Scott Galloway: “At the 300m did your horse move out and make contact with my horse on a number of occasions?”
Wilkinson: “Well, he did – but that’s got nothing to do with what I’m protesting about.”
Galloway: “Do you believe when you come out and bumped me a couple of times, then when my horse gets balanced up again, those couple of bumps ... contacts ... made my horse want to duck in?”
Wilkinson: “No, I don’t think so. Not at all. After that, your horse ran on a straight line. It hasn’t made your horse shift at all. It was only when you got a half length on us, as I say, your horse ducked in.”
Greg Kennedy (the trainer of Riseupsinging) was then asked for his input.
Kennedy: “Just to say that my mare has had three starts over a mile and she does take a bit to wind up. She’s dropped back to 1400m. Eddie (Wilkinson) knew this and was just winding her up at the right time. Yes, I agree with Scott that at the 300m they were racing tight, but both horses were holding their own and it was only when Scott’s horse got a half-length and then ducked in abruptly (that there was interference). As you can see on the video, Scott had to stop riding and straighten his horse. You know, that just caused my mare ... blocked her for a run and stopped her momentum, and she got beat a half-head. Without that she could have won.”
Galloway: “Are you saying after watching the video, that your horse didn’t come out and bump my horse?
Kennedy: “We’re not focussing on the 300m Scott. We’re focussing on the ...”
Galloway: “Well I can counter protest!”
Kennedy: “At the 300m they were both holding ground against each other. Both horses. You were hanging in and mine was holding ... putting her shoulder into yours. Both were holding their ground. Both riders were riding fair dinkum. Neither rider stopped riding.”
Galloway was then asked to make a final statement.
Galloway: “As we straightened up I was behind the second horse, coming to its outside. As I got up alongside it, that horse has shifted out and bumped my horse on two or three occasions. My horse has wanted to lay in, but I believe those couple of bumps put her right off into that direction. Then I straightened the horse. After that, the horse gets away, runs straight and, you can see on the video, the last fifty metres I was pretty easy on the horse, whereas the second horse was ridden hard with the whip. I was quite soft on the horse the last fifty metres and viewing the film I don’t see any evidence of Wilkinson’s mount, he happened to stop riding for a couple of strides, I don’t think the film shows that his momentum was lost or interrupted at any stage.”
The Chairman of Stewards (speaking to Eddie Wilkinson). “Scott Galloway appears to have lodged a counter objection with regard to the incident at the 300m. You’ve already made reference to that ... is there anything further you wish to say in relation to what happened at the 300m?”
Wilkinson: “No.”
Les Smith (co-owner of Rule By Right) was then allowed to gives his observation of the incident at the 200m.
Smith: “It appeared to me yes, there was just a slight brush, but it did not appear as if anyone was disadvantaged. “
That concluded the protest hearing.
After due consideration the protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by E. Wilkinson, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Riseupsinging, against Rule By Right being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 200m. Stewards found that at that point Rule By Right shifted in under pressure, hampering Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson), however were of the opinion that the interference suffered did not have a material effect on the finishing positions of the relevant horses and therefore the protest was dismissed.
Another protest was lodged by trainer R. Bradshaw, trainer of the 5th placegetter, Demolir, against Prince Lionheart being declared 3rd, alleging interference near the 200m. Stewards found that near the 200m, Demolir (M. Hellyer) had to be checked when attempting to take a run between Decerto, which shifted in slightly, and Prince Lionheart, which shifted out. Stewards in consideration of the margin between both horses at the finish of the race dismissed the objection and correct weight was signalled. At a subsequent inquiry, N. Day, rider of Prince Lionheart, was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift out at that point of the race.
A post-race veterinary examination of Rule By Right revealed the horse had bled from one nostril. Trainer R. Pereira will be advised Rule By Right must fulfil the requirements of AR53A.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap- 1800m
1st -Ten Coronas; 2nd - Crocodile Lass; 3rd; - Iron Fist
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lennie Wheeler: “He improving nicely this horse and I think he’ll continue to do so as we’ll continue stepping him up in distance. This is only his second win, but he’s never been a bad sort. I mean he ran in the Queen’s Cup behind Kerdem in heavy going at the end of the Winter Carnival last year – as a Maiden ... and that backing up after running the week before. He’s taken some time coming through, but he is travelling nicely now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gentle Mind (D. Green) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Fast End (A. Erhart) raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 500m, Shanamin(D. Craven) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Gentle Mind (D. Green) wider on the track. La Jaconde, which was trailing Gentle Mind, had to be steadied and shifted wider on the track.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
BATTLE-LINES DRAWN AT TOOWOOMBA
The Downs and South West Trainers’ Association (DSWTOA) is on the march in Toowoomba – and they are marching to the beat of war drums!
At a meeting of the Association yesterday, it was agreed to call for a Special General Meeting of the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC). A requisition to this effect (signed by more than the required percentage of members) has been lodged with the club. Association members John Dann and Gary Wells handed the relevant documentation over to the Secretary of the TTC shortly after lunch time today.
Under the TTC constitution the Club must convene the meeting no later than 14 days from the date of lodgement of the requisition. In other words the Club now faces a January 20 deadline.
The requisition lists four resolutions for consideration: That Neville Stewart be removed as chairman of the TTC committee; That Neville Stewart be removed as a member of the committee; That the construction and installation of a cushion track on the course proper be deferred so as to allow either a sub-committee or independent expert to investigate and report on the impact of a cushion track course proper; That after such investigation, members be given the opportunity to vote on the issue.
Dann pointed out that the DSWTOA had done everything to avoid such a confrontation, but had been frustrated in their efforts when dealing with the Racing Minister (Andrew Fraser) Members for Toowoomba North (Kerry Shine) and South (Mike Horan), and Queensland Racing.
"We will not be surprised by any strategy from the TTC or Queensland Racing to torpedo our requisition, but at the end of the day the Club is bound by its constitution to call the Special General Meeting and give members the opportunity for open and transparent debate."
"We have instructed our lawyer to be vigilant and to act immediately in the event of
any stalling tactics on behalf of the TTC or QR," Mr Dann said.
TCC Chairman Neville Stewart, who confirmed that the Club will abide by the fourteen day ruling, was disappointed by this latest development, but hde was ready to defend his position.
“When the Cushion Track was first proposed, I sent documentation out regarding the matter to all TCC members. Seventy percent of the surveyed documents returned to us, which have been retained in case of any legal action, gave a clear indication they wanted the committee to proceed. Then the committee, of which there were nine members present when the vote was taken - eight out of nine voted in favour of it. Those eight committee men are still in favour of it.
“On that basis, I think it is very disappointing that they are using this issue to victimise me personally. I think it is pretty important to note that my job is to chair the committee and report the facts. You know, every bit of information I have ever received has been fully disclosed to the committee and I have kept members well informed.
“In fact there is a meeting this coming Monday for members of the TCC to meet with Bob Bentley (QRL Chairman), Reid Sanders (Chief Steward) and Paul Brennan (QTL Racing Manager). Again I’ve given all members of the club an opportunity to put their questions, any questions regarding the process or the future of the synthetic track in writing – and I have an undertaking from Mr. Bentley that he would be available to answer all the questions they have.
“So far as I am aware, they (Meesrs Dann and Wells) would have known about that meeting because they would have received their notices yesterday, yet they have gone ahead and called the Special General Meeting which is paramount to a witch-hunt, victimisation of me ... whatever you want to call it.
"That’s very disappointing, given that I’ve only been doing my job. I've taken everything step by step, to the degree that the committee commissioned research by the University Of Southern Queensland into synthetic tracks, which has now been taken over with approval by Queensland Racing. So it is not as if I just woke up one morning and said, ‘I think we should have a synthetic track’.
“I might not be here when the dust settles. But let me just make two other pertinent points. The $10 million proposal made to the TTC by Queensland Racing was not just for the Cushion Track. The TCC was going to get other benefits out of the deal, such as the upgrading of our lighting system, which is eighteen years old, to a state of the art system ... so the proposal is about much more than just the Cushion Track.
“The second point is ... we don’t have any water. We have no water in Toowoomba. The TTC is carting six semi-loads of water, six days a week to put on the track, and we have been doing that for the last eighteen months. That carting equates to one million litres. It is on-going at the moment, but we were told, six months ago already, that the carting can only be a temporary fix and that we had to find a more permanent solution to our problem. We tried to drill another bore at the Turf Club. There was no water there. There is no water near us, and the cost of carting the water, as you can imagine, is significant. So water is a very real problem.”
There will obviously be further vigorous debate from both sides of the argument over the next fourteen days in the build-up to the Special General Meeting, which will decide the future route followed by the TTC.
This is not the end of the story. Watch this space.
*For the record, the only contract that exists for the installation of the Cushion Track at Toowoomba is one signed by the TTC and Queensland Racing. The TCC has not signed any contract with the Cushion Track company, which, in theory, does allow for the Cushion Track contract to be passed on to another location should the TCC members ultimately change their stance and reject the proposal.
At a meeting of the Association yesterday, it was agreed to call for a Special General Meeting of the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC). A requisition to this effect (signed by more than the required percentage of members) has been lodged with the club. Association members John Dann and Gary Wells handed the relevant documentation over to the Secretary of the TTC shortly after lunch time today.
Under the TTC constitution the Club must convene the meeting no later than 14 days from the date of lodgement of the requisition. In other words the Club now faces a January 20 deadline.
The requisition lists four resolutions for consideration: That Neville Stewart be removed as chairman of the TTC committee; That Neville Stewart be removed as a member of the committee; That the construction and installation of a cushion track on the course proper be deferred so as to allow either a sub-committee or independent expert to investigate and report on the impact of a cushion track course proper; That after such investigation, members be given the opportunity to vote on the issue.
Dann pointed out that the DSWTOA had done everything to avoid such a confrontation, but had been frustrated in their efforts when dealing with the Racing Minister (Andrew Fraser) Members for Toowoomba North (Kerry Shine) and South (Mike Horan), and Queensland Racing.
"We will not be surprised by any strategy from the TTC or Queensland Racing to torpedo our requisition, but at the end of the day the Club is bound by its constitution to call the Special General Meeting and give members the opportunity for open and transparent debate."
"We have instructed our lawyer to be vigilant and to act immediately in the event of
any stalling tactics on behalf of the TTC or QR," Mr Dann said.
TCC Chairman Neville Stewart, who confirmed that the Club will abide by the fourteen day ruling, was disappointed by this latest development, but hde was ready to defend his position.
“When the Cushion Track was first proposed, I sent documentation out regarding the matter to all TCC members. Seventy percent of the surveyed documents returned to us, which have been retained in case of any legal action, gave a clear indication they wanted the committee to proceed. Then the committee, of which there were nine members present when the vote was taken - eight out of nine voted in favour of it. Those eight committee men are still in favour of it.
“On that basis, I think it is very disappointing that they are using this issue to victimise me personally. I think it is pretty important to note that my job is to chair the committee and report the facts. You know, every bit of information I have ever received has been fully disclosed to the committee and I have kept members well informed.
“In fact there is a meeting this coming Monday for members of the TCC to meet with Bob Bentley (QRL Chairman), Reid Sanders (Chief Steward) and Paul Brennan (QTL Racing Manager). Again I’ve given all members of the club an opportunity to put their questions, any questions regarding the process or the future of the synthetic track in writing – and I have an undertaking from Mr. Bentley that he would be available to answer all the questions they have.
“So far as I am aware, they (Meesrs Dann and Wells) would have known about that meeting because they would have received their notices yesterday, yet they have gone ahead and called the Special General Meeting which is paramount to a witch-hunt, victimisation of me ... whatever you want to call it.
"That’s very disappointing, given that I’ve only been doing my job. I've taken everything step by step, to the degree that the committee commissioned research by the University Of Southern Queensland into synthetic tracks, which has now been taken over with approval by Queensland Racing. So it is not as if I just woke up one morning and said, ‘I think we should have a synthetic track’.
“I might not be here when the dust settles. But let me just make two other pertinent points. The $10 million proposal made to the TTC by Queensland Racing was not just for the Cushion Track. The TCC was going to get other benefits out of the deal, such as the upgrading of our lighting system, which is eighteen years old, to a state of the art system ... so the proposal is about much more than just the Cushion Track.
“The second point is ... we don’t have any water. We have no water in Toowoomba. The TTC is carting six semi-loads of water, six days a week to put on the track, and we have been doing that for the last eighteen months. That carting equates to one million litres. It is on-going at the moment, but we were told, six months ago already, that the carting can only be a temporary fix and that we had to find a more permanent solution to our problem. We tried to drill another bore at the Turf Club. There was no water there. There is no water near us, and the cost of carting the water, as you can imagine, is significant. So water is a very real problem.”
There will obviously be further vigorous debate from both sides of the argument over the next fourteen days in the build-up to the Special General Meeting, which will decide the future route followed by the TTC.
This is not the end of the story. Watch this space.
*For the record, the only contract that exists for the installation of the Cushion Track at Toowoomba is one signed by the TTC and Queensland Racing. The TCC has not signed any contract with the Cushion Track company, which, in theory, does allow for the Cushion Track contract to be passed on to another location should the TCC members ultimately change their stance and reject the proposal.
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, JAN 04)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, January 4.
Racing at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday saw Eddie Wilkinson headline the act with a quality riding treble. Wilkinson has days when his ability shines through and his ride on Kanpeki (in particular) highlighted his prowess in the saddle.
Greg Kennedy took the training honours with a double on the day.
Race 1:
4yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Preception Bay; 2nd - Wishenda; 3rd - Floss ‘N' Boots
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Crane: “He’s a nice horse. We bought him from the Gold Coast tried sale. I had his half-brother, a horse called Scandal Park. It was a very talented horse. This horse has got plenty of ability but he had a seedy toe, a few shoulder problems, a virus and that sort of thing, and then the EI hit and he had a sort of bad dose of that and now he’s come back nice. He’s come up very well.
“A young apprentice ... a young girl starting out to be an apprentice chasing her licence, Keely James, she’s ridden him in the trials for me. She’s apprenticed to Ian Livingston. She rides very nice. She’s being doing a bit of work with him plus the work riders at home you know. Jason’s ridden him a treat today. The filly that run second today, that’s her first start for me. She’s had twenty-seven previous starts and she’s run second today. So that’s the best possible result other than a dead-heat.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fortynil (J. Kropp), which was slow to begin, was crowded a short distance later between Wishenda (M. Speers) and Rumpapumpum (A. Erhart), both of which shifted ground. Penguin Suite (C. Eaton) raced wide throughout the race. Apprentice J. Kropp, rider of Fortynil, was advised of his obligations when using the whip on a horse out of contention. When returning to scale, J. Taylor was dislodged from the winner, Preception Bay. J. Taylor was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Showit; 2nd - Rovert; 3rd - Showboat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “She’s had a lot of little niggling problems. She was always going to have good improvement in her.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “She’s still very green, but does everything pretty much right. It’s a bit new to her when she gets clear of other horses. She could make a very nice horse.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed when Shesinthemoeny, which had been loaded, broke through the barriers and cantered a short distance. The filly was returned to the barriers and examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Secret Habit (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Shesinthemoney (M. O'Brien) had to be steadied off the heels of Midnightmare (D. Gill) when taken in by Saintly Touch (J. Taylor). Rounding the home turn, Showboat (A. Pattillo) shifted out to improve, forcing Croix De Fer (G. Baker) and Rovert wider on the track. Showit (E. Wilkinson) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. Croix De Fer (G. Baker), Rovert (O. Turpin) and Maple Leaf (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. When returning to scale, J. Murphy was dislodged from the 4th placegetter, Bifocal. J. Murphy was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil her remaining engagements. Maple Leaf lost its near-fore plate in running. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Elate And Excite; 2nd - Binrasy; 3rd - Decarazi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “He sat very wide and went far too early last time, so that result wasn’t his form. I said to the jockey before hand, never mind that run, he should go well today. He has had seventeen starts but, in saying that, he’s only had three or four over the journey. I think when he gets up to 2100m or 2200m he’ll be a very nice horse.
“He is by Ombra Della Sera and he’s always shown early in trials. He’s won 800m trials here by four lengths. You go, well I’ve got a nice sprinter here and then of course he doesn’t show anything ... and you think, what have I done wrong here? But he was obviously really wanting a bit of distance.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Benzine (C. McIver) shifted in at the start, making contact with Pleasure Shot (K. Wharton). Near the 1200m, Binrasy (C. Eaton) had to be steadied off the heels of Decarazi (C. Reith), which shifted in momentarily. Binrasy then commenced to race ungenerously for a short distance. Passing the 1100m, Benzine (C. McIver) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Binrasi, which shifted in after improving onto the heels of Light Sensation (J. Brown). Approaching the 800m, Elate And Excite (K. Pope) had to be steadied after improving up on to the heels of Light Sensation. Nearing the 500m, DecaraziI (C. Reith) became unbalanced when bumped by Light Sensation, which was taken in slightly by Elate And Excite (K. Pope). Rounding the home turn, Sir Reason (I. Coombes) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Binrasy (C. Eaton). Light Sensation raced wide in the early stages.
Race 4:
Class 4 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Relodge; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stuart Phegan: “We’ve come back from a very disappointing time. He had a stone abscess for those two runs when he finished eighth and sixth, but after that he come good then. He just jumped out of the ground after that.
“The second disappointment was obviously when he was scratched last weekend (after the false start at Doomben). Yeah, I did come up on the day that day (from Tancurry). It was a big effort to get there. I’d done a bit of research on the trip and talked to a few blokes who’d done it, and I tried to sort of base myself on that, yeah, and once we got up here it was good. The trip took eight hours. We left at one-thirty in the morning and stopped off at Ballina for one hour. Then we got the false start and he was scratched. So this was a nice change of fortune.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I was meant to ride him at Doomben and he got scratched that day. All the vet done that day was put his hand over his nose and said ‘no he’s done too much work’, so that was disappointing. Today there was no speed in the race and he was up there right on the money the whole way and he fought on well.”
While I was talking to Ric McMahon, I asked him about the win of Castagnola at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Jockey Ric McMahon: “When he won here (at the Sunshine Coast) on debut, he was just too good for them. Then, yesterday he just revelled in the going. I just gave him a couple of backhands and he just left them behind. It was pretty impressive.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sir Phoenix (J. Wood) raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 600m, Neology (J. Bowditch) shifted out to obtain clear running and was then obliged to race 3 wide for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Kings Artist (B. Pengelly) shifted out, forcing Neology (J. Bowditch) wider on the track. Near the 100m, Frisco’s In Charge (O. Turpin) was hampered when racing between Relodge (R. McMahon) and Sir Phoenix (J. Wood), which shifted out under pressure.
Race 5:
C&G Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Daintain Boy; 2nd - Black Dakota; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stephen Lowe: “He’s only run six times for two wins and two seconds, so he’s already been a nice little money-spinner for us. He’s not a world beater, but he’s a nice little horse who looks like he is going to go through a few classes going forward. He’s had no issues. We’ve just been taking our time with him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Canefly (K. Pope) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 900m, when the pace slowed, Through The Waves (O. Turpin) improved up on to the heels of Qwerty (C. Dixon), resulting in Through The Waves having to be steadied and shift out, taking Costner (J. Bowditch) out onto the heels of Dantain Boy (C. McIver) and had to be steadied.
A. Pattillo, rider of Black Dakota, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in under riding, resulting in Classic Reward (K. Wharton) having to be steadied approaching the 50m, and then continued to permit his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Qwerty (C. Dixon), resulting in Qwerty being checked. A. Pattillo was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 7 January and to expire at midnight, 18 January 2009.
Black Dakota (A. Pattillo) was held up on the heels of Costner (J. Bowditch) from leaving the 500m until nearing the 400m. Through The Waves (O. Turpin) improved up on to the heels of Qwerty (C. Dixon) near the 500m and had to be steadied. Costner was held up for clear running for a short distance shortly after straightening. Classic Reward (K. Wharton) and Debraith (A. Spinks) raced wide throughout. Apprentice O. Turpin, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Through The Waves, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
An inquiry was opened into the running and handling of Aqua Calda. After taking evidence from jockey B. Pengelly, the inquiry was adjourned to enable stewards to interview trainer L. Birchley who was absent from today's meeting.
A post-race veterinary examination of Aqua Calda revealed the gelding suffering from anhydrosis (not a free sweater). Trainer L. Birchley will be advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sweet Sassi; 2nd - Casholet; 3rd - Treasure Cay
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “She had t do it tough, didn’t she? The other horse (Treasure Cay) just kept pushing out in front of us. It was a good hard fought win. It’s pretty hard to go from a Maiden to a Class 1 win under that sort of pressure – but she’s done it.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “There was one inside us which carried us out across the track. Ric (McMahon – the rider of the runner-up) was in his rights to have a look at the video, but my horse wasn’t the culprit. It all ended good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Answer To A Prayer (D. Griffin) began awkwardly. Treasure Cay (J. Wood) and Sweet Sassi (E. Wilkinson) made contact on jumping away. Shortly after the start, We’ve An Angel (O. Turpin) shifted out abruptly, hampering Staralie (R. Wiggins) and Any Wonder (J. Brown). As a result, We’ve An Angel took no further competitive part in the race. Trainer L. Brazier was advised that he would be required to trial We’ve An Angel in an official trial prior to its next race start. Nearing the 800m when the pace steadied, Telebron Gold (A. Spinks) improved up on the heels of Treasure Cay and shifted out, making contact with Sweet Sassi on several occasions. Approaching the 200m, Treasure Cay (J. Wood) shifted considerable ground outwards when being ridden with the whip, resulting in Sweet Sassi (E. Wilkinson), Casholet (R. McMahon) and Any Wonder(J. Brown) being forced wider on the track. A short distance later, R. McMahon, rider of Casholet, when attempting to go for the whip, became unbalanced and as a result lost his right stirrup iron. Apprentice J. Wood, rider of Treasure Cay, was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift considerable ground outwards. Any Wonder (J. Brown) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kanpeki; 2nd - General Patton; 3rd - Myndos
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “She had a few problems six weeks ago which she doesn't have now. She was bruised up in the feet from the wet weather. My dad was a farrier and I did my time with him so I knew how to fix, you know. I just fixed her up. Eddie (Wilkinson) deserves a big wrap for his ride. He’s a very under-rated rider. Look at the mare’s record ... anybody who is a punter would have picked up her good record at this track (where she has now won five out of nine starts). She just loves it here. So we’ll head to the Listed race here in a fortnight, the Summer Cup ... well it was the Summer Cup. I don’t know what they call it now. But that’s where we’ll go.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “She had the right run in the race and then had enough fight to get there in the end. It was a good effort.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Silvern (O. Turpin) began awkwardly, losing considerable ground. The Big Easy (C. Reith) shifted out at the start, making heavy contact with Tropiqualo (M. Speers). Slick Trick (J. Brown) blundered on jumping away. Approaching the 800m, Growsir (J. Bowditch) commenced to over-race for a short distance. Shortly after straightening, Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) shifted out, making contact with Telegrand (J. Taylor). Telegrand and Slick Trick raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Seraphino; 2nd - Wind Gusts; 3rd - Sheeza Drama
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “We had to do a few gear changes with him. He’s a bit of a non-trier. We put the pacifiers and the blinkers on him, I think that’s helped him. He is a very timid horse. He doesn’t want to take a tight run ... and today he was quite good. I think the blinkers and the pacifiers have done the trick. He always travelled good in the run there today. He was always going to let down, but he just got held up a bit at the top of the run. He sprinted hard at the end, that was the main thing.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seraphino (O. Turpin) began awkwardly, losing ground. Fantastic Carat (N. Thomas) was tightened for room at the start between Sheeza Drama (J. Brown) and Fenec Fox (J. Bowditch), both of which shifted ground. Seraphino (O. Turpin) was held up for clear running between the 500m and 400m. Leaving the 200m, High Dee (M. Speers) shifted out, making contact with Fennec Fox. Smart Opinion (C. McIver), Eye Eye Silver (K. Cunningham), Red Shadow (J. Taylor) and Sheeza Drama all raced wide throughout. High Dee lost its off-fore plate in running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Wishenda, Kings Artist
Racing at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday saw Eddie Wilkinson headline the act with a quality riding treble. Wilkinson has days when his ability shines through and his ride on Kanpeki (in particular) highlighted his prowess in the saddle.
Greg Kennedy took the training honours with a double on the day.
Race 1:
4yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Preception Bay; 2nd - Wishenda; 3rd - Floss ‘N' Boots
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Crane: “He’s a nice horse. We bought him from the Gold Coast tried sale. I had his half-brother, a horse called Scandal Park. It was a very talented horse. This horse has got plenty of ability but he had a seedy toe, a few shoulder problems, a virus and that sort of thing, and then the EI hit and he had a sort of bad dose of that and now he’s come back nice. He’s come up very well.
“A young apprentice ... a young girl starting out to be an apprentice chasing her licence, Keely James, she’s ridden him in the trials for me. She’s apprenticed to Ian Livingston. She rides very nice. She’s being doing a bit of work with him plus the work riders at home you know. Jason’s ridden him a treat today. The filly that run second today, that’s her first start for me. She’s had twenty-seven previous starts and she’s run second today. So that’s the best possible result other than a dead-heat.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fortynil (J. Kropp), which was slow to begin, was crowded a short distance later between Wishenda (M. Speers) and Rumpapumpum (A. Erhart), both of which shifted ground. Penguin Suite (C. Eaton) raced wide throughout the race. Apprentice J. Kropp, rider of Fortynil, was advised of his obligations when using the whip on a horse out of contention. When returning to scale, J. Taylor was dislodged from the winner, Preception Bay. J. Taylor was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Showit; 2nd - Rovert; 3rd - Showboat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “She’s had a lot of little niggling problems. She was always going to have good improvement in her.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “She’s still very green, but does everything pretty much right. It’s a bit new to her when she gets clear of other horses. She could make a very nice horse.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed when Shesinthemoeny, which had been loaded, broke through the barriers and cantered a short distance. The filly was returned to the barriers and examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Secret Habit (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Shesinthemoney (M. O'Brien) had to be steadied off the heels of Midnightmare (D. Gill) when taken in by Saintly Touch (J. Taylor). Rounding the home turn, Showboat (A. Pattillo) shifted out to improve, forcing Croix De Fer (G. Baker) and Rovert wider on the track. Showit (E. Wilkinson) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. Croix De Fer (G. Baker), Rovert (O. Turpin) and Maple Leaf (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. When returning to scale, J. Murphy was dislodged from the 4th placegetter, Bifocal. J. Murphy was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil her remaining engagements. Maple Leaf lost its near-fore plate in running. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Elate And Excite; 2nd - Binrasy; 3rd - Decarazi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “He sat very wide and went far too early last time, so that result wasn’t his form. I said to the jockey before hand, never mind that run, he should go well today. He has had seventeen starts but, in saying that, he’s only had three or four over the journey. I think when he gets up to 2100m or 2200m he’ll be a very nice horse.
“He is by Ombra Della Sera and he’s always shown early in trials. He’s won 800m trials here by four lengths. You go, well I’ve got a nice sprinter here and then of course he doesn’t show anything ... and you think, what have I done wrong here? But he was obviously really wanting a bit of distance.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Benzine (C. McIver) shifted in at the start, making contact with Pleasure Shot (K. Wharton). Near the 1200m, Binrasy (C. Eaton) had to be steadied off the heels of Decarazi (C. Reith), which shifted in momentarily. Binrasy then commenced to race ungenerously for a short distance. Passing the 1100m, Benzine (C. McIver) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Binrasi, which shifted in after improving onto the heels of Light Sensation (J. Brown). Approaching the 800m, Elate And Excite (K. Pope) had to be steadied after improving up on to the heels of Light Sensation. Nearing the 500m, DecaraziI (C. Reith) became unbalanced when bumped by Light Sensation, which was taken in slightly by Elate And Excite (K. Pope). Rounding the home turn, Sir Reason (I. Coombes) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Binrasy (C. Eaton). Light Sensation raced wide in the early stages.
Race 4:
Class 4 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Relodge; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stuart Phegan: “We’ve come back from a very disappointing time. He had a stone abscess for those two runs when he finished eighth and sixth, but after that he come good then. He just jumped out of the ground after that.
“The second disappointment was obviously when he was scratched last weekend (after the false start at Doomben). Yeah, I did come up on the day that day (from Tancurry). It was a big effort to get there. I’d done a bit of research on the trip and talked to a few blokes who’d done it, and I tried to sort of base myself on that, yeah, and once we got up here it was good. The trip took eight hours. We left at one-thirty in the morning and stopped off at Ballina for one hour. Then we got the false start and he was scratched. So this was a nice change of fortune.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I was meant to ride him at Doomben and he got scratched that day. All the vet done that day was put his hand over his nose and said ‘no he’s done too much work’, so that was disappointing. Today there was no speed in the race and he was up there right on the money the whole way and he fought on well.”
While I was talking to Ric McMahon, I asked him about the win of Castagnola at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Jockey Ric McMahon: “When he won here (at the Sunshine Coast) on debut, he was just too good for them. Then, yesterday he just revelled in the going. I just gave him a couple of backhands and he just left them behind. It was pretty impressive.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sir Phoenix (J. Wood) raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 600m, Neology (J. Bowditch) shifted out to obtain clear running and was then obliged to race 3 wide for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Kings Artist (B. Pengelly) shifted out, forcing Neology (J. Bowditch) wider on the track. Near the 100m, Frisco’s In Charge (O. Turpin) was hampered when racing between Relodge (R. McMahon) and Sir Phoenix (J. Wood), which shifted out under pressure.
Race 5:
C&G Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Daintain Boy; 2nd - Black Dakota; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stephen Lowe: “He’s only run six times for two wins and two seconds, so he’s already been a nice little money-spinner for us. He’s not a world beater, but he’s a nice little horse who looks like he is going to go through a few classes going forward. He’s had no issues. We’ve just been taking our time with him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Canefly (K. Pope) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 900m, when the pace slowed, Through The Waves (O. Turpin) improved up on to the heels of Qwerty (C. Dixon), resulting in Through The Waves having to be steadied and shift out, taking Costner (J. Bowditch) out onto the heels of Dantain Boy (C. McIver) and had to be steadied.
A. Pattillo, rider of Black Dakota, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in under riding, resulting in Classic Reward (K. Wharton) having to be steadied approaching the 50m, and then continued to permit his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Qwerty (C. Dixon), resulting in Qwerty being checked. A. Pattillo was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 7 January and to expire at midnight, 18 January 2009.
Black Dakota (A. Pattillo) was held up on the heels of Costner (J. Bowditch) from leaving the 500m until nearing the 400m. Through The Waves (O. Turpin) improved up on to the heels of Qwerty (C. Dixon) near the 500m and had to be steadied. Costner was held up for clear running for a short distance shortly after straightening. Classic Reward (K. Wharton) and Debraith (A. Spinks) raced wide throughout. Apprentice O. Turpin, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Through The Waves, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
An inquiry was opened into the running and handling of Aqua Calda. After taking evidence from jockey B. Pengelly, the inquiry was adjourned to enable stewards to interview trainer L. Birchley who was absent from today's meeting.
A post-race veterinary examination of Aqua Calda revealed the gelding suffering from anhydrosis (not a free sweater). Trainer L. Birchley will be advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sweet Sassi; 2nd - Casholet; 3rd - Treasure Cay
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “She had t do it tough, didn’t she? The other horse (Treasure Cay) just kept pushing out in front of us. It was a good hard fought win. It’s pretty hard to go from a Maiden to a Class 1 win under that sort of pressure – but she’s done it.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “There was one inside us which carried us out across the track. Ric (McMahon – the rider of the runner-up) was in his rights to have a look at the video, but my horse wasn’t the culprit. It all ended good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Answer To A Prayer (D. Griffin) began awkwardly. Treasure Cay (J. Wood) and Sweet Sassi (E. Wilkinson) made contact on jumping away. Shortly after the start, We’ve An Angel (O. Turpin) shifted out abruptly, hampering Staralie (R. Wiggins) and Any Wonder (J. Brown). As a result, We’ve An Angel took no further competitive part in the race. Trainer L. Brazier was advised that he would be required to trial We’ve An Angel in an official trial prior to its next race start. Nearing the 800m when the pace steadied, Telebron Gold (A. Spinks) improved up on the heels of Treasure Cay and shifted out, making contact with Sweet Sassi on several occasions. Approaching the 200m, Treasure Cay (J. Wood) shifted considerable ground outwards when being ridden with the whip, resulting in Sweet Sassi (E. Wilkinson), Casholet (R. McMahon) and Any Wonder(J. Brown) being forced wider on the track. A short distance later, R. McMahon, rider of Casholet, when attempting to go for the whip, became unbalanced and as a result lost his right stirrup iron. Apprentice J. Wood, rider of Treasure Cay, was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift considerable ground outwards. Any Wonder (J. Brown) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kanpeki; 2nd - General Patton; 3rd - Myndos
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “She had a few problems six weeks ago which she doesn't have now. She was bruised up in the feet from the wet weather. My dad was a farrier and I did my time with him so I knew how to fix, you know. I just fixed her up. Eddie (Wilkinson) deserves a big wrap for his ride. He’s a very under-rated rider. Look at the mare’s record ... anybody who is a punter would have picked up her good record at this track (where she has now won five out of nine starts). She just loves it here. So we’ll head to the Listed race here in a fortnight, the Summer Cup ... well it was the Summer Cup. I don’t know what they call it now. But that’s where we’ll go.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “She had the right run in the race and then had enough fight to get there in the end. It was a good effort.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Silvern (O. Turpin) began awkwardly, losing considerable ground. The Big Easy (C. Reith) shifted out at the start, making heavy contact with Tropiqualo (M. Speers). Slick Trick (J. Brown) blundered on jumping away. Approaching the 800m, Growsir (J. Bowditch) commenced to over-race for a short distance. Shortly after straightening, Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) shifted out, making contact with Telegrand (J. Taylor). Telegrand and Slick Trick raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Seraphino; 2nd - Wind Gusts; 3rd - Sheeza Drama
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “We had to do a few gear changes with him. He’s a bit of a non-trier. We put the pacifiers and the blinkers on him, I think that’s helped him. He is a very timid horse. He doesn’t want to take a tight run ... and today he was quite good. I think the blinkers and the pacifiers have done the trick. He always travelled good in the run there today. He was always going to let down, but he just got held up a bit at the top of the run. He sprinted hard at the end, that was the main thing.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seraphino (O. Turpin) began awkwardly, losing ground. Fantastic Carat (N. Thomas) was tightened for room at the start between Sheeza Drama (J. Brown) and Fenec Fox (J. Bowditch), both of which shifted ground. Seraphino (O. Turpin) was held up for clear running between the 500m and 400m. Leaving the 200m, High Dee (M. Speers) shifted out, making contact with Fennec Fox. Smart Opinion (C. McIver), Eye Eye Silver (K. Cunningham), Red Shadow (J. Taylor) and Sheeza Drama all raced wide throughout. High Dee lost its off-fore plate in running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Wishenda, Kings Artist
Monday, January 5, 2009
GOLD COAST REVIEW (SAT, JAN 03)
A review of the meeting held at the Gold Coast on Saturday, January 3.
Langfibian’s win in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap sparked a celebration by trainer Barry Radcliff that was a joy to behold. With all due respect to the big players, there is no better advertisement for racing than an underdog coming good and then showing just how enjoyable a win can be. (See Race 7).
Back in Kempsey, where Radcliff is based, the thought of owning a racehorse must suddenly have seemed like a good idea to those celebrating the local success. When Radcliff returns there to, as he says, “have a few noggins with the boys” perhaps a few new owners will be pulled into the game. For those lining up to give the nod to the auctioneer at the Magic Millions sale, Langfibian and Radcliff gave a timely reminder that the underdog also has his day. If you can’t find the means to be a big spender, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a big winner.
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew’s celebration was more mellow than that of his trainer – but his pleasure was still clear to see. The moment was all the more enjoyable for the rider as it was shared by his partner, mother, young brother and sister, who were all there to witness his success, giving a much needed boost to a family who has gone through some hard times, heath-wise, in recent years.
The Magic Millions Prelude went to the Tony Gollan trained Temple Of Boom. After that race was decided, there was probably both dismay and delight amongst the connection of the fringe runners trying to get into the big race. At first it seemed that Temple Of Boom had knocked horse’s one place down the order of entry and then they all appeared to get a reprieve when Gollan announced Temple Of Boom would not back up next Saturday, as that was never the plan. That decision is obviously subject to change without notice, but Gollan has very definite views on the subject. (See Race 4).
It was a big day’s racing. Next week will be even bigger!
Race 1:
1MW (Special Conditions) Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Momentously; 2nd - Periander; 3rd - Sequablue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “It was all too easy in the end, which was good. There were what ... only seven runners in the race. I looked at the speed maps before-hand and the four horses inside me all had speed, so I just took the sit behind them from the start. Then I just waited and waited and saved the horse for the finish. She responded when I asked her and went on strongly to the line, so the plan worked out real good. Makes the trip (from Port Macquarie) all worthwhile. “
Little did Agnew know at the time, but his day’s efforts were going to reap an even greater reward and become a lot more worthwhile later in the day when he guided a horse called Langfibian to a shock victory in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap.
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Momentously): 3.20 out to 4.40.
Favourite Sequablue: 2.25 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 100m Periander (G Colless) shifted in and brushed Sequablue (App. O Turpin). Perianda continued to lay in for the remainder of the event.
Race 2:
Fillies and Mares Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Morgalicious; 2nd - Savanna La Mar; 3rd - Gun Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She’s pretty consistent. She’s only a small little thing and she is a pretty nervous filly. She deserved the win, but I think it’s fair to say the ride won the race. Instead of persevering where he was not getting anywhere Shane (Scriven) knew where he had to go and he got out to the better going.
“Are you alright?”
The question was put to Shane Scriven who was standing bent over, trying to regain his breath after dismounting from the winner.
Jockey Shane Scriven: “At the top of the straight I thought she was going to win. But I got into her and got into her and not enough was happening. I thought it was gone. She was never going to get there. Then, three strides from the line she changes gears and gets up to win – but not before she’s got me totally spent. And she has cut herself to pieces again Barry (Baldwin). Maybe that’s why she doesn’t go so well on the turn.”
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “I’ll have to try and work out something special with the bandaging. Whatever way I try to protect her she still seems to cut herself.”
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Morgalicious): 2.20 to 2,60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Savanna La Mar (S Seamer) over-raced in the early stages. Approaching the 400m Where’smine (D Craven) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between Gun Belle (App. M Palmer) and Morgalicious which shifted out to obtain clear running. App. A Taylor reported that Annamarie failed to handle today's rain affected track conditions.
Race 3:
3YO Handicap (Quality) - 2200m.
1st - A Little Knowledge; 2nd - Tunes of Gold; 3rd - Bentley Blue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Reg Rowley: “First-up I gave her two trials and she romped the trials. As we got her over a bit further, she showed that she really wanted to settle and race relaxed. We’ll target the Queensland Oaks. She had to do something today to warrant going there. She’ll go out now. Stay out for at least a month.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (A Little Knowledge): 11.00 steady
Favourite (Tunes Of Gold): 3.00 out to 3.50. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey B Payne (A Little Knowledge) was fined the sum of $100 for failing to comply with the direction of the Starter, Mr S Andrews, behind the barriers. Oigles (S Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out making contact with Yamarjie (App. M Palmer). Oigles made the 1600m crossing awkwardly. Yamarjie raced wide during the early stages of the event. Levi’s Bid (J Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Oigles improved up on to the heels of Yamarjie and had to be steadied. Oigles then shifted out momentarily placing A Little Knowledge in restricted room to the inside of Tunes Of Gold. Jockey S Seamer was questioned regarding the performance of Gracesynd. He stated that the filly did not handle today's rain affected track. A post-race veterinary examination of Tambo Tiger (D Craven) revealed the gelding to be tied up behind. A further veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be suffering from the Thumps. Trainer P Cunningham was advised that he must provide an ECG prior to the gelding's next race start.
Race 4:
Magic Millions 2YO (Prelude 2YO Plate) (Set Weights) - 900m.
1st - Temple of Boom; 2nd - Psychics; 3rd - Floral Scent
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Gollan: “Any horse first-up on a heavy track when you haven’t tried them on it, it’s always so unexpected to win like that. We knew he had loads of ability this horse. He was never ready for the Magic Millions. He trialled very good and we were happy with him at home so we thought this would be nice kind of race to start him off in. We were confident all the way until this morning when the rain came. We were on the phone and the confidence deflated. We thought this was such a good race to see how he was going, but when it was wet we started looking forward to another race at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. We even told Matty (Palmer) that is he was not ravelling too well at the furlong, not to knock him around. But he was travelling plenty good. I’m very happy with the horse. I saw him as a foal. I liked him as a foal. We bought him as a yearling. Chris McAlpine kept a share in him with a new syndicate of mine.
“No , he won’t race next week. We haven’t done much with the horse. We only probably stepped up his work the last month. He was never a precocious type as a two-year-old. We never sort of set him for the Magic Millions. It was just that he trialled real good and this race was there. We thought he’d be a great chance on a good track. And you must remember, this quality of race is far inferior to the race that will be on next week. There’s a 1000m at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. She’s go there now, quite happily with money in the bank.”
In the post race presentation speech, Chris McAlpine spoke about the big day the Eureka Stud would be hoping for at the Magic Millions with Temple Of Boom and Express Air, another Eureka Stud graduate running on the day. That speech was given in the euphoria of victory, but I asked Tony Gollan whether he anticipated pressure being applied by his owners in the coming days to run Temple Of Boom in the Magic Millions now that the horse had qualified to do so.
“Look, I’m sure we’ll have a discussion about it. It’s never been the plan though, so if we did go there it would be as an after-thought. It’s not a bad position to be in to be able to have that sort of discussion and we’ll do that after we see how he pulls up. The only factor that might make us think twice is if it looks like there might be heavy going on the day because we’ve shown we can cope with that, whereas with most of the others it is an unknown factor. But again, we are talking about 1200m in a line-up that is far stronger than we met here. Like I said, if we do go there it will only be as an after-thought – and I have very strong views on after-thoughts. Most times they mess up.”
Apprentice Matthew Palmer: “He just dominated the race. He travelled beautifully through the ground which was a big plus for him. Still did one or two things wrong which is understandable for his first run. Nothing serious though. It was a really good effort.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Temple Of Boom): 14.00 out to 15.00
Favourite (Fast Lover): 3.00 out to 4.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Just prior to the start being effected, Sequalo Revenge (C Brown) kicked its near hind plate off. The gelding subsequently raced without its near hind plate. Shadows ‘N’ Stars (G Colless) which was a little slow to begin was further impeded on jumping away between Psychics (T Treichel) and Dorothy (D Craven) which shifted out abruptly after being bumped by Temple Of Boom (App. M Palmer). Sniplaz (S Scriven) was tightened on jumping away between Red Dash (P Hammersley) and Duckin’ Daiseys (N Thomas) which jumped inwards. Floral Scent (S Galloway) jumped out at the start taking Fast Lover (S Seamer) out on to Reduplication (A Pattillo). Redibis (J Taylor) raced wide throughout the event. Near the 350m Sequalo Revenge hung out across the heels of Redibis and had to be steadied. Near the 300m Floral Scent shifted in impeding Sniplaz. Floral Scent again shifted in passing the 200m inconveniencing Sniplaz and Swift Sands (G Baker). Approaching the winning post Duckin’Daiseys shifted in abruptly inconveniencing Richly Blended (J Holder). Reduplication bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer G Heinrich was advised that the colt would be banned from racing for 3 months. A swab sample was taken. A post-race veterinary examination of Sequalo Revenge failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Lover failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate (Set Weights) - 1800m.
1st - Hunters Moon; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Pentup Lover
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He’s never been on a heavy track. We’ve been wanting to get him up to 2000m. The 1800m over the heavy going was almost the equivalent of a 2000m race so we know a bit more now. Reckon he’ll handle the 2000m and he can race on heavy going. So, apart from the win, those are two positives that come out of the race.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “Yeah, he won well. What can a say. It was the same as my previous winner. He just dominated all the way. We’ll have to get Gerald to send up more greys.” (A reference to the success the Murwillumbah based stable is having with greys – this latest winner and Pyramids, who is rejuvenated, having won four out five starts since transferring from Sydney.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hunters Moon): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Our Lukas): 3.60 out to 3.70 in to 3.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Majorca (C Brown) was a late scratching at 8.05 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Our Lukas (G Colless) sprawled on jumping away losing considerable ground. Pemtup Lover (P Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly. Dont Call Me Bruce (S Galloway) jumped out at the start and made contact with Grand Corso (J Taylor). Ardmillan (App. A Taylor) over-raced in the early stages of the event. Doug’s Mate (D Craven) raced wide for the majority of the event. Legend Of Goku (B Payne) which was racing wide was further forced wider near the 900m by Dont Call Me Bruce which shifted out.
Race 6:
Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Mr Orient; 2nd - Pelltro; 3rd - Swinging To Win
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Balzen: “He’s a good little horse. We thought he might be about six months off. In six months time he would kill this field, but right now I wasn’t sure if he was mature enough here. But we thought a good alley and he’s pretty good in the wet, we’d give it a try. I think he’s probably qualified for the Magic Millions three-year-old with prize-money now, I’m not sure. With over $50 000 he’s gotta be close. Whether he runs or not, I don’t know at this stage.”
I asked, if he pulls up well would he back up next week.
“You’d have to for a $1 million race wouldn’t you, you know. That and the fact that there’s no races for the three-year-olds ... nothing over ... 1350m was the furthest one and that was the towards the end of January. So going into this one we had the choice of giving him a week or five weeks between runs – and we went for the week. He’s the best worker in the joint. I’ve always had a rap on him.
“He’ll probably back up again if he takes the race well and draws a barrier. The connections are thrilled, you know. They paid $30 000 for him so he’s paid for himself already.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Orient): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourites (three joint favourites)
Hy Dream: 5.50 out to 6.50 in to 5.00
Simplex: 6.00 in to .00.
Primeval Demand: 4.20 out to 5.00
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Viking Storm was a late scratching at 11.45 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Onion (App. A Taylor) stood flat footed when the gates released and lost ground. Pelltro (S Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Invincible Power (G Baker) raced wide for the majority of the event. It was reported that Hy Dream lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Bat Out of Hell Handicap (Quality) - 900m.
1st - Langfibian; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Keen Commander
WINNER FEEDBACK:
An exhilarated Trainer Barry Ratcliff: “Everybody said, ‘what would you be taking her up there for against all those good ones’. Well she’s had those two good, hard runs in Sydney carrying 64.5kg and 59kg over 1100m – well she can only go 1000m. OK, she has won over 1100m, but generally she is petering out over the last 50m to 80m over that distance. She would lead for 1000m, but couldn’t hang on the last 100m. So, I’ve been looking to retire the mare, but I’ve also been looking for a nice 900m race for her.
“So this race brought her back to this distance with only 53kg on her back. It’s unbelievable. She’s that tough and she just loves the wet. She just flies through it. I like the guy in the newspaper. You look at the Telegraph and he says ... she’s had enough, or some sort of statement like that.” (I suggested those sort of comments helped with the price). “The price was very, very nice.
“She’s gonna retire later on. She’ll just get too much weight where-ever I take her. But she’s a bit of a champion to me. If you work at the stables with her ... look, if I don’t pick a bit of grass for her in the morning, you will not get a saddle on her. She will not work. She’s just a spoilt kid, but she can gallop – and I reckon she’ll have a nice foal too.”
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “The outside was terrible. It’s a bit of a paddock out there now. Nobody has been on the inside all day and I found myself there, so why not! It’s definitely the biggest win I’ve had.” (I pointed out the win had made one trainer – Barry Radcliff – a very happy man). “He loves it, yeah. He was rapt after a big win at Muswellbrook so I can imagine what he is like now.”
Richie Stephenson, trainer of the runner-up Azzaland: “The track beat him. Everytime he tried to get out he sort of slipped. He only got out the last bit and in another 20m he would have won ... I’d say 10m. But that’s racing. The whole thing is he didn’t handle the track. He still showed what a good horse he is, although we would have preferred the sixty-four to the twenty thousand.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Langfibian): 26 out to 31.
Favourite (Keen Commander): 1.60 out to 1,70.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Langfibian (App. R Agnew) and Alexander Beetle (C Whiteley) came together on jumping away. Azzaland (G Baker) jumped away awkwardly inconveniencing Little Hughie (J Taylor). Bitabiff (S Seamer) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight Azzaland was held up for clear running. Near the 50m Azzaland shifted out inconveniencing Keen Commander (C Brown).
Race 8:
NMW (Special Conditions) - 1200m.
1st - Margy Magic; 2nd - His Boy Elroy; 3rd - Dardan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alicia Willick: “He’s going so well this horse. He’s just a lovely horse to work with. Christian (Reith) had said to us he’s a better horse ridden from behind. The barrier just beat us last time because we had to ride him just outside the lead. Makes a difference if you can do it the way you chose.”
Jockey Matthew Paget: “They wanted him ridden cold today. He was caught wide going forward in his last start so we wanted to ride him back this time. I just waited and waited as long as I could before making my move. Because I’d saved him so much early he was full of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Margy Magic): 9.00 out to 11.00
Favourite Rumba Jack): 3.50 in to 2.80 out to 3.10.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer R Maund was fined $100 for late notification of G Baker as rider of Rhodamine. Rhodamine (G Baker) and Gold Energy (S Seamer) came together on jumping away. Rumba Jack (App. A Taylor) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with Dardan (T Treichel). Shew Stone (C Whiteley) was buffeted on jumping away between Pertinence (P Hammersley) and Margy Magic (M Paget) both of which shifted ground. Near the 800m Ulladulla (G Colless) improved up on to the heels of Wigndove (App. O Turpin) and had to be steadied. Margy Magic and Rhodamine which were following had to be steadied as a consequence. Dardan raced wide throughout the event. Approaching the 300m Ulladulla was momentarily tightened for room between Brilliant Prince (App. R Agnew) and Margy Magic which shifted back in to obtain clear running. Margy Magic shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages slightly inconveniencing His Boy Elroy (C Brown).
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses Post-Race swabbed
All winners + Periander, Savanna La Mar, Tunes of Gold, Reduplication, Our Lukas, Pelltro, Azzaland, His Boy Elroy
Horses Pre-Race swabbed
Langfibian, Sir Breakfast, Alexander Beetle, Bitabiff, Azzaland, Sheezvalue, Little Hughie, Onion, Keen Commander, Pentup Lover, Casino Bob, Ardmilan, Legend of Goku, A Little Knowledge, Tikit To Glory, Oigles, Tambo Tiger
Langfibian’s win in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap sparked a celebration by trainer Barry Radcliff that was a joy to behold. With all due respect to the big players, there is no better advertisement for racing than an underdog coming good and then showing just how enjoyable a win can be. (See Race 7).
Back in Kempsey, where Radcliff is based, the thought of owning a racehorse must suddenly have seemed like a good idea to those celebrating the local success. When Radcliff returns there to, as he says, “have a few noggins with the boys” perhaps a few new owners will be pulled into the game. For those lining up to give the nod to the auctioneer at the Magic Millions sale, Langfibian and Radcliff gave a timely reminder that the underdog also has his day. If you can’t find the means to be a big spender, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a big winner.
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew’s celebration was more mellow than that of his trainer – but his pleasure was still clear to see. The moment was all the more enjoyable for the rider as it was shared by his partner, mother, young brother and sister, who were all there to witness his success, giving a much needed boost to a family who has gone through some hard times, heath-wise, in recent years.
The Magic Millions Prelude went to the Tony Gollan trained Temple Of Boom. After that race was decided, there was probably both dismay and delight amongst the connection of the fringe runners trying to get into the big race. At first it seemed that Temple Of Boom had knocked horse’s one place down the order of entry and then they all appeared to get a reprieve when Gollan announced Temple Of Boom would not back up next Saturday, as that was never the plan. That decision is obviously subject to change without notice, but Gollan has very definite views on the subject. (See Race 4).
It was a big day’s racing. Next week will be even bigger!
Race 1:
1MW (Special Conditions) Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Momentously; 2nd - Periander; 3rd - Sequablue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “It was all too easy in the end, which was good. There were what ... only seven runners in the race. I looked at the speed maps before-hand and the four horses inside me all had speed, so I just took the sit behind them from the start. Then I just waited and waited and saved the horse for the finish. She responded when I asked her and went on strongly to the line, so the plan worked out real good. Makes the trip (from Port Macquarie) all worthwhile. “
Little did Agnew know at the time, but his day’s efforts were going to reap an even greater reward and become a lot more worthwhile later in the day when he guided a horse called Langfibian to a shock victory in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap.
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Momentously): 3.20 out to 4.40.
Favourite Sequablue: 2.25 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 100m Periander (G Colless) shifted in and brushed Sequablue (App. O Turpin). Perianda continued to lay in for the remainder of the event.
Race 2:
Fillies and Mares Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Morgalicious; 2nd - Savanna La Mar; 3rd - Gun Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She’s pretty consistent. She’s only a small little thing and she is a pretty nervous filly. She deserved the win, but I think it’s fair to say the ride won the race. Instead of persevering where he was not getting anywhere Shane (Scriven) knew where he had to go and he got out to the better going.
“Are you alright?”
The question was put to Shane Scriven who was standing bent over, trying to regain his breath after dismounting from the winner.
Jockey Shane Scriven: “At the top of the straight I thought she was going to win. But I got into her and got into her and not enough was happening. I thought it was gone. She was never going to get there. Then, three strides from the line she changes gears and gets up to win – but not before she’s got me totally spent. And she has cut herself to pieces again Barry (Baldwin). Maybe that’s why she doesn’t go so well on the turn.”
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “I’ll have to try and work out something special with the bandaging. Whatever way I try to protect her she still seems to cut herself.”
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Morgalicious): 2.20 to 2,60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Savanna La Mar (S Seamer) over-raced in the early stages. Approaching the 400m Where’smine (D Craven) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between Gun Belle (App. M Palmer) and Morgalicious which shifted out to obtain clear running. App. A Taylor reported that Annamarie failed to handle today's rain affected track conditions.
Race 3:
3YO Handicap (Quality) - 2200m.
1st - A Little Knowledge; 2nd - Tunes of Gold; 3rd - Bentley Blue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Reg Rowley: “First-up I gave her two trials and she romped the trials. As we got her over a bit further, she showed that she really wanted to settle and race relaxed. We’ll target the Queensland Oaks. She had to do something today to warrant going there. She’ll go out now. Stay out for at least a month.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (A Little Knowledge): 11.00 steady
Favourite (Tunes Of Gold): 3.00 out to 3.50. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey B Payne (A Little Knowledge) was fined the sum of $100 for failing to comply with the direction of the Starter, Mr S Andrews, behind the barriers. Oigles (S Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out making contact with Yamarjie (App. M Palmer). Oigles made the 1600m crossing awkwardly. Yamarjie raced wide during the early stages of the event. Levi’s Bid (J Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Oigles improved up on to the heels of Yamarjie and had to be steadied. Oigles then shifted out momentarily placing A Little Knowledge in restricted room to the inside of Tunes Of Gold. Jockey S Seamer was questioned regarding the performance of Gracesynd. He stated that the filly did not handle today's rain affected track. A post-race veterinary examination of Tambo Tiger (D Craven) revealed the gelding to be tied up behind. A further veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be suffering from the Thumps. Trainer P Cunningham was advised that he must provide an ECG prior to the gelding's next race start.
Race 4:
Magic Millions 2YO (Prelude 2YO Plate) (Set Weights) - 900m.
1st - Temple of Boom; 2nd - Psychics; 3rd - Floral Scent
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Gollan: “Any horse first-up on a heavy track when you haven’t tried them on it, it’s always so unexpected to win like that. We knew he had loads of ability this horse. He was never ready for the Magic Millions. He trialled very good and we were happy with him at home so we thought this would be nice kind of race to start him off in. We were confident all the way until this morning when the rain came. We were on the phone and the confidence deflated. We thought this was such a good race to see how he was going, but when it was wet we started looking forward to another race at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. We even told Matty (Palmer) that is he was not ravelling too well at the furlong, not to knock him around. But he was travelling plenty good. I’m very happy with the horse. I saw him as a foal. I liked him as a foal. We bought him as a yearling. Chris McAlpine kept a share in him with a new syndicate of mine.
“No , he won’t race next week. We haven’t done much with the horse. We only probably stepped up his work the last month. He was never a precocious type as a two-year-old. We never sort of set him for the Magic Millions. It was just that he trialled real good and this race was there. We thought he’d be a great chance on a good track. And you must remember, this quality of race is far inferior to the race that will be on next week. There’s a 1000m at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. She’s go there now, quite happily with money in the bank.”
In the post race presentation speech, Chris McAlpine spoke about the big day the Eureka Stud would be hoping for at the Magic Millions with Temple Of Boom and Express Air, another Eureka Stud graduate running on the day. That speech was given in the euphoria of victory, but I asked Tony Gollan whether he anticipated pressure being applied by his owners in the coming days to run Temple Of Boom in the Magic Millions now that the horse had qualified to do so.
“Look, I’m sure we’ll have a discussion about it. It’s never been the plan though, so if we did go there it would be as an after-thought. It’s not a bad position to be in to be able to have that sort of discussion and we’ll do that after we see how he pulls up. The only factor that might make us think twice is if it looks like there might be heavy going on the day because we’ve shown we can cope with that, whereas with most of the others it is an unknown factor. But again, we are talking about 1200m in a line-up that is far stronger than we met here. Like I said, if we do go there it will only be as an after-thought – and I have very strong views on after-thoughts. Most times they mess up.”
Apprentice Matthew Palmer: “He just dominated the race. He travelled beautifully through the ground which was a big plus for him. Still did one or two things wrong which is understandable for his first run. Nothing serious though. It was a really good effort.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Temple Of Boom): 14.00 out to 15.00
Favourite (Fast Lover): 3.00 out to 4.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Just prior to the start being effected, Sequalo Revenge (C Brown) kicked its near hind plate off. The gelding subsequently raced without its near hind plate. Shadows ‘N’ Stars (G Colless) which was a little slow to begin was further impeded on jumping away between Psychics (T Treichel) and Dorothy (D Craven) which shifted out abruptly after being bumped by Temple Of Boom (App. M Palmer). Sniplaz (S Scriven) was tightened on jumping away between Red Dash (P Hammersley) and Duckin’ Daiseys (N Thomas) which jumped inwards. Floral Scent (S Galloway) jumped out at the start taking Fast Lover (S Seamer) out on to Reduplication (A Pattillo). Redibis (J Taylor) raced wide throughout the event. Near the 350m Sequalo Revenge hung out across the heels of Redibis and had to be steadied. Near the 300m Floral Scent shifted in impeding Sniplaz. Floral Scent again shifted in passing the 200m inconveniencing Sniplaz and Swift Sands (G Baker). Approaching the winning post Duckin’Daiseys shifted in abruptly inconveniencing Richly Blended (J Holder). Reduplication bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer G Heinrich was advised that the colt would be banned from racing for 3 months. A swab sample was taken. A post-race veterinary examination of Sequalo Revenge failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Lover failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate (Set Weights) - 1800m.
1st - Hunters Moon; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Pentup Lover
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He’s never been on a heavy track. We’ve been wanting to get him up to 2000m. The 1800m over the heavy going was almost the equivalent of a 2000m race so we know a bit more now. Reckon he’ll handle the 2000m and he can race on heavy going. So, apart from the win, those are two positives that come out of the race.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “Yeah, he won well. What can a say. It was the same as my previous winner. He just dominated all the way. We’ll have to get Gerald to send up more greys.” (A reference to the success the Murwillumbah based stable is having with greys – this latest winner and Pyramids, who is rejuvenated, having won four out five starts since transferring from Sydney.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hunters Moon): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Our Lukas): 3.60 out to 3.70 in to 3.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Majorca (C Brown) was a late scratching at 8.05 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Our Lukas (G Colless) sprawled on jumping away losing considerable ground. Pemtup Lover (P Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly. Dont Call Me Bruce (S Galloway) jumped out at the start and made contact with Grand Corso (J Taylor). Ardmillan (App. A Taylor) over-raced in the early stages of the event. Doug’s Mate (D Craven) raced wide for the majority of the event. Legend Of Goku (B Payne) which was racing wide was further forced wider near the 900m by Dont Call Me Bruce which shifted out.
Race 6:
Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Mr Orient; 2nd - Pelltro; 3rd - Swinging To Win
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Balzen: “He’s a good little horse. We thought he might be about six months off. In six months time he would kill this field, but right now I wasn’t sure if he was mature enough here. But we thought a good alley and he’s pretty good in the wet, we’d give it a try. I think he’s probably qualified for the Magic Millions three-year-old with prize-money now, I’m not sure. With over $50 000 he’s gotta be close. Whether he runs or not, I don’t know at this stage.”
I asked, if he pulls up well would he back up next week.
“You’d have to for a $1 million race wouldn’t you, you know. That and the fact that there’s no races for the three-year-olds ... nothing over ... 1350m was the furthest one and that was the towards the end of January. So going into this one we had the choice of giving him a week or five weeks between runs – and we went for the week. He’s the best worker in the joint. I’ve always had a rap on him.
“He’ll probably back up again if he takes the race well and draws a barrier. The connections are thrilled, you know. They paid $30 000 for him so he’s paid for himself already.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Orient): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourites (three joint favourites)
Hy Dream: 5.50 out to 6.50 in to 5.00
Simplex: 6.00 in to .00.
Primeval Demand: 4.20 out to 5.00
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Viking Storm was a late scratching at 11.45 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Onion (App. A Taylor) stood flat footed when the gates released and lost ground. Pelltro (S Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Invincible Power (G Baker) raced wide for the majority of the event. It was reported that Hy Dream lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Bat Out of Hell Handicap (Quality) - 900m.
1st - Langfibian; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Keen Commander
WINNER FEEDBACK:
An exhilarated Trainer Barry Ratcliff: “Everybody said, ‘what would you be taking her up there for against all those good ones’. Well she’s had those two good, hard runs in Sydney carrying 64.5kg and 59kg over 1100m – well she can only go 1000m. OK, she has won over 1100m, but generally she is petering out over the last 50m to 80m over that distance. She would lead for 1000m, but couldn’t hang on the last 100m. So, I’ve been looking to retire the mare, but I’ve also been looking for a nice 900m race for her.
“So this race brought her back to this distance with only 53kg on her back. It’s unbelievable. She’s that tough and she just loves the wet. She just flies through it. I like the guy in the newspaper. You look at the Telegraph and he says ... she’s had enough, or some sort of statement like that.” (I suggested those sort of comments helped with the price). “The price was very, very nice.
“She’s gonna retire later on. She’ll just get too much weight where-ever I take her. But she’s a bit of a champion to me. If you work at the stables with her ... look, if I don’t pick a bit of grass for her in the morning, you will not get a saddle on her. She will not work. She’s just a spoilt kid, but she can gallop – and I reckon she’ll have a nice foal too.”
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “The outside was terrible. It’s a bit of a paddock out there now. Nobody has been on the inside all day and I found myself there, so why not! It’s definitely the biggest win I’ve had.” (I pointed out the win had made one trainer – Barry Radcliff – a very happy man). “He loves it, yeah. He was rapt after a big win at Muswellbrook so I can imagine what he is like now.”
Richie Stephenson, trainer of the runner-up Azzaland: “The track beat him. Everytime he tried to get out he sort of slipped. He only got out the last bit and in another 20m he would have won ... I’d say 10m. But that’s racing. The whole thing is he didn’t handle the track. He still showed what a good horse he is, although we would have preferred the sixty-four to the twenty thousand.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Langfibian): 26 out to 31.
Favourite (Keen Commander): 1.60 out to 1,70.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Langfibian (App. R Agnew) and Alexander Beetle (C Whiteley) came together on jumping away. Azzaland (G Baker) jumped away awkwardly inconveniencing Little Hughie (J Taylor). Bitabiff (S Seamer) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight Azzaland was held up for clear running. Near the 50m Azzaland shifted out inconveniencing Keen Commander (C Brown).
Race 8:
NMW (Special Conditions) - 1200m.
1st - Margy Magic; 2nd - His Boy Elroy; 3rd - Dardan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alicia Willick: “He’s going so well this horse. He’s just a lovely horse to work with. Christian (Reith) had said to us he’s a better horse ridden from behind. The barrier just beat us last time because we had to ride him just outside the lead. Makes a difference if you can do it the way you chose.”
Jockey Matthew Paget: “They wanted him ridden cold today. He was caught wide going forward in his last start so we wanted to ride him back this time. I just waited and waited as long as I could before making my move. Because I’d saved him so much early he was full of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Margy Magic): 9.00 out to 11.00
Favourite Rumba Jack): 3.50 in to 2.80 out to 3.10.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer R Maund was fined $100 for late notification of G Baker as rider of Rhodamine. Rhodamine (G Baker) and Gold Energy (S Seamer) came together on jumping away. Rumba Jack (App. A Taylor) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with Dardan (T Treichel). Shew Stone (C Whiteley) was buffeted on jumping away between Pertinence (P Hammersley) and Margy Magic (M Paget) both of which shifted ground. Near the 800m Ulladulla (G Colless) improved up on to the heels of Wigndove (App. O Turpin) and had to be steadied. Margy Magic and Rhodamine which were following had to be steadied as a consequence. Dardan raced wide throughout the event. Approaching the 300m Ulladulla was momentarily tightened for room between Brilliant Prince (App. R Agnew) and Margy Magic which shifted back in to obtain clear running. Margy Magic shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages slightly inconveniencing His Boy Elroy (C Brown).
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses Post-Race swabbed
All winners + Periander, Savanna La Mar, Tunes of Gold, Reduplication, Our Lukas, Pelltro, Azzaland, His Boy Elroy
Horses Pre-Race swabbed
Langfibian, Sir Breakfast, Alexander Beetle, Bitabiff, Azzaland, Sheezvalue, Little Hughie, Onion, Keen Commander, Pentup Lover, Casino Bob, Ardmilan, Legend of Goku, A Little Knowledge, Tikit To Glory, Oigles, Tambo Tiger
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