A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Thursday, January 29.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2150m
1st - Bentley Blue; 2nd - Montaperti; 3rd - Brilliant Ween
WINNER FEEDBACK
Trainer Howard Wilson: “I think he’ll develop into a good stayer and he handles the heavy going, which is a bonus. I think in time he will be a mile-and-a-half horse. But that might be a little bit later. We’ll spell him now and try and target something like the TJ Smith during the Carnival.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “Yeah, it was a good win. His previous run at the Gold Coast with Jason (Holder) on (also on heavy going) put him in this race with genuine claims. The other two (Brilliant Ween and Montaperti) were involved in their own private battle along the rail and I finished wide out. My horse wasn’t hanging or anything like that. I actually directed him to that part of the track on the assumption that the going would be better there. As it was, it looks like the track is paying fair all over. For a moment there I thought I had made a costly mistake, but it all ended good when he got there in the end.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Bentley Blue): 5.00 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Montaperti): 3.50 in to 3.30. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tyrconnell (M. Palmer) jumped away awkwardly, almost dislodging its rider. Cinquacasino (T. Pannell) and Phere The Dust (M. O'Brien) raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, Phere The Dust had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Brilliant Ween (J. Bowditch), which shifted in. J. Bowditch, rider of Brilliant Ween, was advised to exercise more care. Near the 1600m, Phere The Dust shifted in, tightening the running of Gangbusters (S. Scriven) and Tuscany Music (R. Goltz). Montaperdi (B. Pengelly) and Brilliant Ween (J. Bowditch) made contact on several occasions in the home straight. Gangbusters, which finished a distant last, was examined by the veterinary surgeon and found to be making an abnormal respiratory noise. Stewards ordered that Gangbusters undergo an endoscopic examination after exercise prior to its next race start, with the results to be provided to stewards.
Race 2:
Class 2 Handicap - 1700m
1st - Blickem; 2nd - Half Drunk; 3rd - Kinsmate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Russell Pujolas: “She gave him a beautiful ride. The slight step up in distance helped a bit. He’s actually more a ten furlong horse, but he’s been a very slow learner. You put him in shorter races and he settles. You step him up in distance and he wants to run away with you. Last time I took him to Toowoomba and he just bolted. We’ll just be taking it step by step.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blinkem): 31.00 out to 41.00
Favourite (Quisatana): 1.90 out to 2.20. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ground Swell and Quisatana raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 800m, Kinsmate (R. Goltz) shifted out in order to improve its position and in doing so made contact with Dan Ch’I (M. Palmer) on several occasions, forcing that horse wide. Dan Ch’I was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Blickem (J. Pujolas) was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn. Near the 250m, Kinsmate (R. Goltz) had to be steadied when disappointed for a run between Half Drunk (D. Green) and Ground Swell, which shifted out. J. Wood, rider of Ground Swell, was severely reprimanded. Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the whip use by jockey M. Squires on With Elegance.
When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Blickem, trainer R. Pujolas stated that at its most recent start in Toowoomba, the gelding over-raced whilst racing wide on that occasion, and he further added that he felt Blickem appreciated the prevailing heavy track conditions today. The explanation was noted.
Apprentice B. Evans advised that Quisitana failed to handle today's track conditions. Dan Ch’I was euthanized on humane grounds after the horse suffered a hind limb fracture.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1010m
1st - Lass Ee; 2nd - Zooqalo; 3rd - Lindo Falcao
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Reg McKay: “She never really got over EI so we decided to give her a long break. She came back good. If we had better going here today I would have made her a certainty but, with the heavy going, we were not sure how she’d go. She did well, particularly as she was tested in the finish. But she’s got a bit of fight in her this mare.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lass Ee): 6.00 out to 10.00
Favourite (Triple Ay): 2.80 out to 3.20. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey K. Forrester (Manilla Girl) reported that his saddle shifted back on jumping away. Shortly after the start, Triple Ay (S. Scriven) shifted out, making contact with Basaltic Banne (A. Best), taking that horse outwards. At the same stage, Bagatelle Park (N. Evans), which had jumped inwards at the start, shifted in slightly, taking Lindo Falcao (L. Cassidy) in on to Zooqalo (R. Wiggins), resulting in that horse striking the heels of Basaltic Banne (A. Best) and blundering. In the circumstances stewards took no further action other than to advise N. Evans, rider of Bagatelle Park, that he must make a greater effort to afford his fellow riders sufficient room when in a position to do so. Near the 500m, Zooqalo (R. Wiggins) improved up on to the heels of Lass Ee (J. Wood) and had to be steadied. Bagatelle Park (N. Evans) and Manilla Girl (K. Forrester) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Finding Neverland, B. Pengelly stated that the horse did not feel comfortable in the conditions at any stage of the race and that when placed under pressure on entering the straight, in his opinion, the horse attempted to buck at the 150m. Trainer L. Morton was advised that Finding Neverland must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. A post race veterinary examination of Finding Neverland failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4:
3yo & Up CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Wynnum High; 2nd - Mada; 3rd - Nice Looker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Hulbert: “He is a half-brother to Rampant Lion. He’s only had eight starts and he’s really still only a baby. Going into the race I didn’t think he liked heavy going, but I had a mare who I thought the same thing about once before, and she came out and won for me on heavy going, so I thought he deserved his chance. I still don’t think it’s his go, but I think he had enough on them today to get the result under a confident ride. I’m hopeful he’ll go a mile.”
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “He actually didn’t handle the wet well, but he was just too good for them. Ideally they wanted me to box seat, but the trainer also said that if there was no real speed I should go up to lead. We got to the lead without much effort. He got an easy lead for most of the race and that was it.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Wynnum High): 1.70 out to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Flash Romeo (L. Cassidy) jumped inwards at the start, making contact with Mada (D. Tanti), resulting in Mada having to be steadied a short distance later when forced across the heels of Affidavit (J. Wood). Mada (D. Tanti) over-raced for a short distance passing the 1200m. Near the 300m, Dance Request (J. Taylor) shifted out, hampering Mythical (A. Erhart).
Race 5:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Zsazsa; 2nd - Flamboyance; 3rd - Verre Elite
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “She’s a very, very consistent filly. She’s always knocking about thereabouts. It was just a matter of time. They talk about horses not backing up on Cushion Tracks. She started last Friday on the Cushion Track and she’s backed up again today and she’s won.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “We jumped out positive. We were always going to be handy. I saw there wasn’t too much speed in the race so it was my idea to lead, but I was told to take a sit. So I did that. I just took a sit and she was travelling well throughout. I was just cantering coming to the corner. One took off. I knew I had it covered. I was cantering.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (ZsaZsa): 1.80 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Donnas Fashion which was kicked by another runner behind the barriers, was examined by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to start. Gold Gleam (J. Kropp) began awkwardly. Flamboyance (J. Bowditch) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Donnas Fashion (B. Thomson) and Gold Gleam (J. Kropp) raced wide for the majority of the event. Gold Gleam (J. Kropp) was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the straight. A post race veterinary examination of Oughtarule (D. Green), which compounded after racing wide, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Coxless; 2nd - Canyouhearthebell; 3rd - Hearty Laughter
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer: “The plan was always to roll forward today. Prior races today they were going real slow. With a five-horse field we thought they’d do the same. Bill (Baker) and I had a good talk before the race and we decided we were going to roll in front. With the 3kg allowance, it only had 51kg on its back whereas the favourite had 58kg on a heavy track, so we thought we’d make him carry his weight. Getting to the 550m, I just let her slip and it was a matter of come and get me ... and they were coming, but the plan succeeded in the end as she just hung on. She probably is only a fairly limited horse and those are the sort of races she wants, you know, heavy track, no weight, where she can bowl along in front and dictate things.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Coxless): 5.00 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Hearty Laughter): 1.50 out to 1.55. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tomifuf (A. Taylor) was slow to begin. Canyouhearthebell (I. French) had a tendency to lay out throughout the event.
Race 7:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Macedon; 2nd - Crysclang; 3rd - Kalinga Lady
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lindsay Gough: “He’s got a little bit of a boy in him so he played up a bit. But it’s really his first day away from home. I guess it will either make him concentrate or next time he will be worse, you know. He is a relaxed horse at home. He did have a trial. We just haven’t rushed into him. We’ve always ridden him a bit quiet in the jump outs. We’ve never put too much pressure on him at home and we think he might improve a bit on that run. He’s a lovely horse. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Macedon): 3.10 out to 3.60.
Favourite (Carigano): 2.10 out to 2.30. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Due to the downgrading of the track to Heavy 9, stewards acceded to an application by trainer G. Heinrich to scratch Winged Ivory at 12.46 pm. Winged Ivory will now incur a heavy track bar. Macedon (R. Wiggins) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Crysclang (M. Hellyer).
Kalinga Lady (A. Pattillo) hung out rounding the home turn. Macedon shifted out on the home turn, taking Keeler wider on the track. Keeler laid in when placed under pressure in the straight. Keeler (A. Taylor) and Suunto (M. Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Huss; 2nd - Brave Clang; 3rd - Your Mate Jimmy
WINNER FEEDBACK:”
Trainer Jim Atkins: “Glen Colless doesn’t make too many mistakes. I never gave him any instructions. I told him to ride his own race. He led all the way the other day as well (this was the horses second successive victory). I was very happy with the way he ran in the wet here because he didn’t handle it at Eagle Farm (two runs back). No, I haven’t got any runners at Doomben on Saturday. I’m having a day off.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Huss): 2.70 out to 2,80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Due to the downgrading of the track to Heavy 9, stewards acceded to an application by trainer K. Schweida to scratch Exertion at 12.37 pm, and an application by trainer G. Heinrich to scratch Duntroon Dragon at 12.46 pm. Exertion and Duntroon Dragon will now incur heavy track bars.
Your Mate Jimmy (B. El-Issa) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with the hind quarters of Blazing Night (M. Hellyer). Benny Angle (R. Goltz) was a little slow to begin. Brave Clang was momentarily held up on the heels of Benny Angle rounding the home turn. Lilyvale Lady (C. Small) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned apprentice S. Bogenhuber in regards to her riding of Brave Clang in the middle stages where it appeared that the gelding lost contact with the main body of the field. S. Bogenhuber stated that from her wide barrier she had restrained her mount to take up a position closer to the fence, however leaving the 1000m, Brave Clang commenced to lose ground despite her efforts, resulting in the horse settling further back than she had anticipated. She added that, in her opinion, Brave Clang failed to handle the track conditions until she moved the horse wider on the track approaching the 700m. S. Bogenhuber's explanation was noted.
Jockey B. El-Issa pleaded guilty to a charge under AR83(a), in that he disrespectfully responded to a stewards' direction to dismount from Your Mate Jimmy in the enclosure. As B. El-Issa had a suspended fine of $1000 for a previous breach of this rule, that penalty was invoked.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (WED, JAN 28)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, January 28.
Race 1:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1500m
1st - Sarcastically; 2nd - Zoe's Act; 3rd - Young Cried Wolf
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “I don’t really know what happened at the Sunshine Coast last time (when the horse performed poorly). I was away in New Zealand and I believe the horse got upset on the day. I don’t know if it was because it was really hot in the float ... and they had a lot of noise on the fence. I complained to the stewards about it. With the holidays up there, when the horses were going out, the crowd banged on the fence. The horses just get so upset and he tipped the rider off.
“If you want a story, the story is that for the last twenty-nine meetings that I’ve had a runner in over the last three-and-a-half months or so, I’ve had a winner at twenty-six of those meetings – that is meetings I’ve been involved in. You can call me, Strike-Rate Brian”
Just then apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer stepped off the winner and came up to Brian Smith.
Brian Smith (talking to Hellyer): “I tell you what, there’s a little bit of a lesson to be learnt right there. You’ve got to learn to use the stick in the other hand!”
Michael Hellyer: “In the right.”
Brian Smith: “If you don’t you are going to waste time and lose ground when you run in.”
Michael Hellyer: “Yeah, he didn’t run in that bad.”
Brian Smith: “But say he did run in, you know what I mean?”
Michael Hellyer: “Yeah, yeah.”
With that, Hellyer walked back to the jockey’s room and, along the way, he provided some useful insight into his current riding situation.
Michael Hellyer: “I was attached to Col Parker (at Murwillumbah). I was there at least a year-and-a-half. He got me going. I’m now on loan to Pat Duff. I was very excited when he (Duff) offered me the chance when I got off one of his horses at Doomben. My boss Col Parker straight away said, you’ve got to take it. He said it is an opportunity to work with the best. I’ve been there two weeks and I’ve already sat down and gone through my videos with him.
“That was my third ride for Brian (Smith). I know he is a very smart man. Did you hear what he said about my riding. He said I rode it good but I should have changed my whip. I think it is sensational that he tells me right there. It helps me keep my head down. I don’t walk around thinking I had a great ride. He’s telling me how to ride ... how to improve, and I love that!
For the last word, we go back to Brian Smith.
Brian Smith: “Well, my instructions were to be a bit handier, but he (Hellyer) said they went too quick and I liked his explanation. I think he has got a big future but, as with most kids, to have that future he MUST learn to use his stick in both hands. I say that because I know what’s needed for a rider to be special.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sarcastically): 2.50 out to 3.00.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Brigadoon Champ (A. Taylor), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Foreign Lass (J. Bowditch), which shifted in, and Sarcastically (M. Hellyer), which shifted out. Young Cried Wolf (L. Cassidy) was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn.
Race 2:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Way Too Hot; 2nd - All Show; 3rd - Persuadeandpossess
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Strong: “We bought her as a yearling at Magic Millions for $8000. She showed a lot of potential. She won a trial early and we thought we had a smart two-year-old type. But, she is just a horse that, in hindsight, we should have been patient with. Because she won that trial so well at Eagle Farm we paid up for the Magic Millions, but that didn’t work out. Her mother Lucy’s Way is Group 2 placed over 2000m, which makes it interesting.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I got a nice run through them, you know. She got all the splits at the right times. She’d probably just had enough the last bit ... getting her head up a bit, getting tired. The best thing about it was she travelled into it so well. She sort of wanted to race from about the 600m and I made up about three lengths without moving on her. Yeah, it was very good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Way Too Hot): 8.00 out to 10.00.
Favourite (Jester Rose): 3.00 out to 3.20. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Life Of A Lady (S. Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Shortly after leaving the 400m, Jester Rose faltered. Near the 150m, Prohibition Lass (T. Pannell) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Jester Rose (D. Craven), which was shifting outwards under pressure. Trainer B. Baldwin reported that Jester Rose cast its near-fore plate in running. Sometime after the horse raced, B. Baldwin informed stewards that Jester Rose was lame in the near foreleg. A veterinary clearance will be required for Jester Rose prior to its next race start.
Race 3:
3yo & UP G&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Oceans Twenty; 2nd - Indy Go Gold; 3rd - Dapper
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (foreman for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He just knocked up a bit last time. Might need further, I just don’t know yet. It was a good enough win. The scratching of the favourite (at the barriers) obviously helped us. Yeah, we’ve got about twenty-five in work down there now and everything’s rolling along really good. Couldn’t be happier.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer (who out-rode his claim with this winner): “He can probably get further. The thing is it’s just when he gets to the front too early, he tends to look around a bit.”
“Two years ago when I broke my neck, I thought that was the end of my riding career. It happened at Doomben on Australia Day two years ago. In was out for about twelve months so, I mean two years ago I couldn’t have even contemplated ever being in this position. It’s feels really good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Oceans Twenty): 4.00 out to 4.40 in to 4.20.
The winner was the favourite with a 53c deduction after the original favourite Rich Baby was withdrawn at the start.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rich Baby became fractious in the barriers. At a subsequent veterinary examination the horse was found to have suffered injuries to its head and lacerations to the nostrils, which deemed the horse unfit to race and Rich Baby was declared a late scratching at 1.36 pm. Following the event, all monies invested on Rich Baby were ordered to be refunded, with deductions of 53 cents in the dollar on the face value of win bets, 26 cents in the dollar on the face value of place bets applicable. Biscay Rocker (J. Taylor), Catwalk Strut (K Purdy) and Incendio (L. Cassidy) were all slow to begin. Catchment (T. Pannell) was inclined to hang out in the middle stages. Near the 600m, Biscay Rocker improved up on to the heels of Oceans Twenty (M. Palmer) and shifted out, taking Catchment wider. Near the 200m, Dapper (R. McMahon) shifted out and made contact with Pearl Of Paradise (N. Spencer) when it was inclined to lay out under pressure. K. Purdy, rider of Catwalk Strut, was severely reprimanded for using her whip excessively.
Race 4:
F& M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Cool Edition; 2nd - Miss Courtly; 3rd - Jacana Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “That was very pleasing first-up and going over nowhere near her best distance. She gets up to a mile. She went good. Always nice for a home-bred to come back like that.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “She really sprinted very quickly. I had to sort of get between those horses quick otherwise the run was going to close. I was surprised how fast I got there and all of a sudden I was a couple of lengths clear. I thought, well I’ve got here a bit soon, actually. She just kept going though. Bit of a soft win in the end.”
Somebody asked Cassidy if he thought he could still win the premiership, even though he has given his rivals six months start.
Cassidy: “I’ll have my work cut out, but I’ll be having a go, don’t worry.”
Glen Colless leads the Metropolitan Jockey Premiership standings with twenty-nine winners. Cassidy has a total of four wins.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cool Edition): 5.00 out to 6.00.
Favourite (Manila Calling): 1.80 in to 1.65 out to 1.70. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice T. Chambers was fined $50 for being late leaving the jockeys' room. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account mitigating circumstances. Near the 900m, French Nova (C. McIver) had to be steadied when it improved up on to the heels of Manila Calling (T. Chambers). Approaching the 400m, French Nova (C. McIver) had to be checked when tightened for room between Cool Edition (L. Cassidy) and Manila Calling, which shifted out. T. Chambers, rider of Manila Calling, was severely reprimanded and instructed to take greater measures to keep her mounts straight in future.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Manila Calling and riding tactics adopted by apprentice T. Chambers particularly in the early stages, T. Chambers stated that the instructions were to ride the horse forward, however after being caught wide from the wide draw, she had to make use of the horse to cross runners on her inside. Trainer A. Bailey confirmed the instructions to apprentice Chambers and indicated that he felt the horse may have come to the end of its preparation and intended to spell the horse. A post race veterinary examination of Manila Calling revealed the horse to be lame in the near side foreleg.
Miss Volitant, whose rider dismounted on pulling up, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and was found to have an abnormal recovery rate and was coughing. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he would be required to provide the results of an endoscopic examination and a veterinary clearance for Miss Volitant prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 3 Plate - 1835m
1st - Use To Be A Dancer; 2nd Innovator; 3rd - Ken And Kim
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “This horse belongs to lucky owners. They own Eleda and Jad as well.”
Owner David Cherry: “You know, it all started with a chance meeting with Bryan (Guy) in a restaurant. We didn’t know each other and I introduced myself. Nothing happened for about a year after that, but since we’ve given Bryan horses to train about two years ago we’ve had thirty-four runs. From that, on twenty-nine occasions, it’s definitely twenty-nine it might even be thirty, we’ve picked up prize-money – and we’ve had thirteen wins. That’s all from the three horses, Use To Be A Dancer, Eleda and Jad. Bryan is just a superstar at placing horses. Dean (Tanti) has also been a big part of our success. He just seems to grow in our colours. He seems to get to be six feet tall.”
Jockey Dean Tanti: “Yeah, I’ve won six on Eleda and now three on this filly for these owners. Their colours seem to bring out the best in me. She travelled well all of the way. It was her first time over 1800m, but I really did think she would be hard to beat. She was just going so well the horse. You’ve got to ride her quiet. She’s a Kiwi horse. I just love her big action. She came from New Zealand as a Maiden and she’s won three now.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Use To Be A Dancer): 2.80 out to 2.90.
Favourite (Innovator): 2.25 out to 2.45. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Amaizemea (T. Pannell) missed the start. Use To Be A Dancer (D. Tanti) got its head up and raced keenly rounding the first turn.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Notre Amour; 2nd - Prend; 3rd - Paymore
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “She’s had more trials than starts. She’s a nightmare with her naughty habits in the barriers. It’s nothing to do with her temperament. She’s got a nice nature ... but she plays up at the gates. She rears up and gets her leg caught on the barriers. Nice to get the result, but this is just a Class 4, so we won’t get ahead of ourselves. We’ll just go steady, steady.”
Jockey Christian Reith: “She was good at the start today. She’s pretty good here because the barrier staff are exceptional. They know the horse. It always helps when you’ve got a lot of horseman around you when you are on a difficult horse. She is a bit of a flighty, fractious thing, but all credit to the trainer ... second up over 1500m ... and to the barrier staff.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Notre Amour): 3.80 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Paymore): 2.70 out to 3.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Following his ride on Monicablinco in race 4, P. Hammersley was examined by the club's doctor and was subsequently stood down from his engagement on Prend. B El-Issa was substituted as the rider of Prend. Eddie Rapido (J. Bowditch) and Paymore (M. Hellyer) were a little slow to begin. Passing the 200m, Prend (B. El-Issa) shifted out and away from Loose Unit (J. Taylor), making contact with Notre Amour (C. Reith). J. Bowditch reported that Eddie Rapido hung in throughout the event, and approaching the finish line he had difficulty fully testing the gelding. Whilst stewards were mindful of Eddie Rapido being inclined to lay in, J. Bowditch was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the line.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Admiral Gherkin; 2nd - Single Bound; 3rd - Rosco's Circus
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless (who was successful on his only ride for the day): “It was a bit of an arm-wrestle over the last 200m, but he dug deep and got through.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Admiral Gherkin): 2.70 out to 2.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Audubon (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Eternal’s Choice (C. Whiteley) jumped away awkwardly.
Race 8:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Blue Jupiter; 2nd - Ladros; 3rd - Aquaterra
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He’s a bloody good horse. He’s just sort of run in some races that didn’t suit and he’s had a couple of problems. It has been frustrating because his record doesn’t reflect his ability. I mean he’s beaten Burdekin Blues so that tells you something.” (That notable win came on March 29 at Doomben). “Hopefully this win will give him a bit of confidence and he can go on a bit with it now. It wouldn’t worry me if he went up a bit in distance now – 1300m and 1350m. We’ll see how we go.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I was always pretty confident. There was a little bit of a worry there at the 200m, you know, he was starting to get a little bit ‘paddly’. But, one-two around the behind and he picked up and won well. He is a lot better horse than that class suggests. His form (behind Zero Rock last time) led him to be very hard to beat here. It was a huge step down in class.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blue Jupiter): 3.20 out to 3.90.
Favourite (Ladros): 3.30 out to 3.70. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bloodhound (A. Best) jumped in the air and missed the start. Near the 900m, Bloodhound improved on to the heels of Edward Bear (M. Palmer) and had to be steadied and shifted out wider on the track.
Chaski (C. McIver) was caught three wide after the start and raced three wide throughout. J. Taylor, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Aquaterra, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Zoe's Act, Prend.
Race 1:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1500m
1st - Sarcastically; 2nd - Zoe's Act; 3rd - Young Cried Wolf
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “I don’t really know what happened at the Sunshine Coast last time (when the horse performed poorly). I was away in New Zealand and I believe the horse got upset on the day. I don’t know if it was because it was really hot in the float ... and they had a lot of noise on the fence. I complained to the stewards about it. With the holidays up there, when the horses were going out, the crowd banged on the fence. The horses just get so upset and he tipped the rider off.
“If you want a story, the story is that for the last twenty-nine meetings that I’ve had a runner in over the last three-and-a-half months or so, I’ve had a winner at twenty-six of those meetings – that is meetings I’ve been involved in. You can call me, Strike-Rate Brian”
Just then apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer stepped off the winner and came up to Brian Smith.
Brian Smith (talking to Hellyer): “I tell you what, there’s a little bit of a lesson to be learnt right there. You’ve got to learn to use the stick in the other hand!”
Michael Hellyer: “In the right.”
Brian Smith: “If you don’t you are going to waste time and lose ground when you run in.”
Michael Hellyer: “Yeah, he didn’t run in that bad.”
Brian Smith: “But say he did run in, you know what I mean?”
Michael Hellyer: “Yeah, yeah.”
With that, Hellyer walked back to the jockey’s room and, along the way, he provided some useful insight into his current riding situation.
Michael Hellyer: “I was attached to Col Parker (at Murwillumbah). I was there at least a year-and-a-half. He got me going. I’m now on loan to Pat Duff. I was very excited when he (Duff) offered me the chance when I got off one of his horses at Doomben. My boss Col Parker straight away said, you’ve got to take it. He said it is an opportunity to work with the best. I’ve been there two weeks and I’ve already sat down and gone through my videos with him.
“That was my third ride for Brian (Smith). I know he is a very smart man. Did you hear what he said about my riding. He said I rode it good but I should have changed my whip. I think it is sensational that he tells me right there. It helps me keep my head down. I don’t walk around thinking I had a great ride. He’s telling me how to ride ... how to improve, and I love that!
For the last word, we go back to Brian Smith.
Brian Smith: “Well, my instructions were to be a bit handier, but he (Hellyer) said they went too quick and I liked his explanation. I think he has got a big future but, as with most kids, to have that future he MUST learn to use his stick in both hands. I say that because I know what’s needed for a rider to be special.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sarcastically): 2.50 out to 3.00.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Brigadoon Champ (A. Taylor), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Foreign Lass (J. Bowditch), which shifted in, and Sarcastically (M. Hellyer), which shifted out. Young Cried Wolf (L. Cassidy) was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn.
Race 2:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Way Too Hot; 2nd - All Show; 3rd - Persuadeandpossess
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Strong: “We bought her as a yearling at Magic Millions for $8000. She showed a lot of potential. She won a trial early and we thought we had a smart two-year-old type. But, she is just a horse that, in hindsight, we should have been patient with. Because she won that trial so well at Eagle Farm we paid up for the Magic Millions, but that didn’t work out. Her mother Lucy’s Way is Group 2 placed over 2000m, which makes it interesting.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I got a nice run through them, you know. She got all the splits at the right times. She’d probably just had enough the last bit ... getting her head up a bit, getting tired. The best thing about it was she travelled into it so well. She sort of wanted to race from about the 600m and I made up about three lengths without moving on her. Yeah, it was very good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Way Too Hot): 8.00 out to 10.00.
Favourite (Jester Rose): 3.00 out to 3.20. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Life Of A Lady (S. Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Shortly after leaving the 400m, Jester Rose faltered. Near the 150m, Prohibition Lass (T. Pannell) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Jester Rose (D. Craven), which was shifting outwards under pressure. Trainer B. Baldwin reported that Jester Rose cast its near-fore plate in running. Sometime after the horse raced, B. Baldwin informed stewards that Jester Rose was lame in the near foreleg. A veterinary clearance will be required for Jester Rose prior to its next race start.
Race 3:
3yo & UP G&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Oceans Twenty; 2nd - Indy Go Gold; 3rd - Dapper
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (foreman for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He just knocked up a bit last time. Might need further, I just don’t know yet. It was a good enough win. The scratching of the favourite (at the barriers) obviously helped us. Yeah, we’ve got about twenty-five in work down there now and everything’s rolling along really good. Couldn’t be happier.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer (who out-rode his claim with this winner): “He can probably get further. The thing is it’s just when he gets to the front too early, he tends to look around a bit.”
“Two years ago when I broke my neck, I thought that was the end of my riding career. It happened at Doomben on Australia Day two years ago. In was out for about twelve months so, I mean two years ago I couldn’t have even contemplated ever being in this position. It’s feels really good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Oceans Twenty): 4.00 out to 4.40 in to 4.20.
The winner was the favourite with a 53c deduction after the original favourite Rich Baby was withdrawn at the start.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rich Baby became fractious in the barriers. At a subsequent veterinary examination the horse was found to have suffered injuries to its head and lacerations to the nostrils, which deemed the horse unfit to race and Rich Baby was declared a late scratching at 1.36 pm. Following the event, all monies invested on Rich Baby were ordered to be refunded, with deductions of 53 cents in the dollar on the face value of win bets, 26 cents in the dollar on the face value of place bets applicable. Biscay Rocker (J. Taylor), Catwalk Strut (K Purdy) and Incendio (L. Cassidy) were all slow to begin. Catchment (T. Pannell) was inclined to hang out in the middle stages. Near the 600m, Biscay Rocker improved up on to the heels of Oceans Twenty (M. Palmer) and shifted out, taking Catchment wider. Near the 200m, Dapper (R. McMahon) shifted out and made contact with Pearl Of Paradise (N. Spencer) when it was inclined to lay out under pressure. K. Purdy, rider of Catwalk Strut, was severely reprimanded for using her whip excessively.
Race 4:
F& M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Cool Edition; 2nd - Miss Courtly; 3rd - Jacana Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “That was very pleasing first-up and going over nowhere near her best distance. She gets up to a mile. She went good. Always nice for a home-bred to come back like that.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “She really sprinted very quickly. I had to sort of get between those horses quick otherwise the run was going to close. I was surprised how fast I got there and all of a sudden I was a couple of lengths clear. I thought, well I’ve got here a bit soon, actually. She just kept going though. Bit of a soft win in the end.”
Somebody asked Cassidy if he thought he could still win the premiership, even though he has given his rivals six months start.
Cassidy: “I’ll have my work cut out, but I’ll be having a go, don’t worry.”
Glen Colless leads the Metropolitan Jockey Premiership standings with twenty-nine winners. Cassidy has a total of four wins.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cool Edition): 5.00 out to 6.00.
Favourite (Manila Calling): 1.80 in to 1.65 out to 1.70. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice T. Chambers was fined $50 for being late leaving the jockeys' room. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account mitigating circumstances. Near the 900m, French Nova (C. McIver) had to be steadied when it improved up on to the heels of Manila Calling (T. Chambers). Approaching the 400m, French Nova (C. McIver) had to be checked when tightened for room between Cool Edition (L. Cassidy) and Manila Calling, which shifted out. T. Chambers, rider of Manila Calling, was severely reprimanded and instructed to take greater measures to keep her mounts straight in future.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Manila Calling and riding tactics adopted by apprentice T. Chambers particularly in the early stages, T. Chambers stated that the instructions were to ride the horse forward, however after being caught wide from the wide draw, she had to make use of the horse to cross runners on her inside. Trainer A. Bailey confirmed the instructions to apprentice Chambers and indicated that he felt the horse may have come to the end of its preparation and intended to spell the horse. A post race veterinary examination of Manila Calling revealed the horse to be lame in the near side foreleg.
Miss Volitant, whose rider dismounted on pulling up, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and was found to have an abnormal recovery rate and was coughing. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he would be required to provide the results of an endoscopic examination and a veterinary clearance for Miss Volitant prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 3 Plate - 1835m
1st - Use To Be A Dancer; 2nd Innovator; 3rd - Ken And Kim
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “This horse belongs to lucky owners. They own Eleda and Jad as well.”
Owner David Cherry: “You know, it all started with a chance meeting with Bryan (Guy) in a restaurant. We didn’t know each other and I introduced myself. Nothing happened for about a year after that, but since we’ve given Bryan horses to train about two years ago we’ve had thirty-four runs. From that, on twenty-nine occasions, it’s definitely twenty-nine it might even be thirty, we’ve picked up prize-money – and we’ve had thirteen wins. That’s all from the three horses, Use To Be A Dancer, Eleda and Jad. Bryan is just a superstar at placing horses. Dean (Tanti) has also been a big part of our success. He just seems to grow in our colours. He seems to get to be six feet tall.”
Jockey Dean Tanti: “Yeah, I’ve won six on Eleda and now three on this filly for these owners. Their colours seem to bring out the best in me. She travelled well all of the way. It was her first time over 1800m, but I really did think she would be hard to beat. She was just going so well the horse. You’ve got to ride her quiet. She’s a Kiwi horse. I just love her big action. She came from New Zealand as a Maiden and she’s won three now.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Use To Be A Dancer): 2.80 out to 2.90.
Favourite (Innovator): 2.25 out to 2.45. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Amaizemea (T. Pannell) missed the start. Use To Be A Dancer (D. Tanti) got its head up and raced keenly rounding the first turn.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Notre Amour; 2nd - Prend; 3rd - Paymore
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “She’s had more trials than starts. She’s a nightmare with her naughty habits in the barriers. It’s nothing to do with her temperament. She’s got a nice nature ... but she plays up at the gates. She rears up and gets her leg caught on the barriers. Nice to get the result, but this is just a Class 4, so we won’t get ahead of ourselves. We’ll just go steady, steady.”
Jockey Christian Reith: “She was good at the start today. She’s pretty good here because the barrier staff are exceptional. They know the horse. It always helps when you’ve got a lot of horseman around you when you are on a difficult horse. She is a bit of a flighty, fractious thing, but all credit to the trainer ... second up over 1500m ... and to the barrier staff.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Notre Amour): 3.80 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Paymore): 2.70 out to 3.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Following his ride on Monicablinco in race 4, P. Hammersley was examined by the club's doctor and was subsequently stood down from his engagement on Prend. B El-Issa was substituted as the rider of Prend. Eddie Rapido (J. Bowditch) and Paymore (M. Hellyer) were a little slow to begin. Passing the 200m, Prend (B. El-Issa) shifted out and away from Loose Unit (J. Taylor), making contact with Notre Amour (C. Reith). J. Bowditch reported that Eddie Rapido hung in throughout the event, and approaching the finish line he had difficulty fully testing the gelding. Whilst stewards were mindful of Eddie Rapido being inclined to lay in, J. Bowditch was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the line.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Admiral Gherkin; 2nd - Single Bound; 3rd - Rosco's Circus
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless (who was successful on his only ride for the day): “It was a bit of an arm-wrestle over the last 200m, but he dug deep and got through.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Admiral Gherkin): 2.70 out to 2.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Audubon (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Eternal’s Choice (C. Whiteley) jumped away awkwardly.
Race 8:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Blue Jupiter; 2nd - Ladros; 3rd - Aquaterra
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He’s a bloody good horse. He’s just sort of run in some races that didn’t suit and he’s had a couple of problems. It has been frustrating because his record doesn’t reflect his ability. I mean he’s beaten Burdekin Blues so that tells you something.” (That notable win came on March 29 at Doomben). “Hopefully this win will give him a bit of confidence and he can go on a bit with it now. It wouldn’t worry me if he went up a bit in distance now – 1300m and 1350m. We’ll see how we go.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I was always pretty confident. There was a little bit of a worry there at the 200m, you know, he was starting to get a little bit ‘paddly’. But, one-two around the behind and he picked up and won well. He is a lot better horse than that class suggests. His form (behind Zero Rock last time) led him to be very hard to beat here. It was a huge step down in class.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blue Jupiter): 3.20 out to 3.90.
Favourite (Ladros): 3.30 out to 3.70. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bloodhound (A. Best) jumped in the air and missed the start. Near the 900m, Bloodhound improved on to the heels of Edward Bear (M. Palmer) and had to be steadied and shifted out wider on the track.
Chaski (C. McIver) was caught three wide after the start and raced three wide throughout. J. Taylor, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Aquaterra, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Zoe's Act, Prend.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
DOOMBEN REVIEW (MON, JAN 26)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Monday, January 26.
Keen racing was the order of the day at Doomben with the outcome of two races being decided in extra time in the Stewards Room, after riders two fired in protests (see races 4 and 7).
A first city treble for apprentice jockey Owen Turpin underlined the rapid rate of progress the young rider is making. Turpin won for three different trainers – Troy Hall, Donald Baker and Olivia Cairns – and two of his winners started at double figure odds. It just goes to show where a ‘listen, learn and apply’ policy can take you if you have the focus to make the most of your talent.
Joe Bowditch wasn’t far behind Turpin. Bowditch went home with a double, but he also picked up an eight meeting suspension which would have taken the edge off the celebration.
The Leon Morton trained Mr Slick provided the performance of the day in the Open Handicap (see race 7). The gelding now has a fifty percent strike rate, having won eight out of his sixteen starts. The five-year-old also has six runner-up finishes and one third placing to his credit. He will now be put away for the Winter Carnival.
Trainer Alan Bailey talked about possibly finding, “the horse we’ve been looking for.” Coming from such an astute trainer, those words should be well worth noting (see race 2), while Sunshine Coast based trainer Troy Hall’s association with high profile owner Nick Moraitis continued to blossom (see race 1).
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1640m
1st - Banana Split; 2nd - Professor; 3rd - Real Grand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “We got beat the other day at the Sunshine Coast. Well, it might have been a blessing because there was $28 000 or something to win this week. I had this race in mind if we did get beat. I don’t get to run in $45 000 Maidens every week. I’ve only had the horse for the two runs. I can’t tell you why he has taken so long to win. All I know is he had a sore back when I got him and I fixed that.
“He’s a good rider this kid (Owen Turpin). He’s a great judge. He just sums up a race so well. Like I told you before he’s improved ... and he has improved again. I’ve got nine horses from (owner) Nick Moraitis now. It started with one. It won its first two for me ... and we got two more after that. Then the next one we got, it won and it has continued to grow from there. I’ve just been placing them to win. The boss will be happy. That’s the main thing. This is my first city winner for him.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Yeah, he relaxed beautifully. I just tried to keep him relaxed and sit quiet on him till it was time to push him out ... and he took off when I asked him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Banana Split): 4.20 out to 5.00
Favourite (Professor): 4.20 out to 4.40 in to 3.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Taimazon (S. Seamer) and Professor (S. Scriven) over-raced for a short distance near the 1300m. Northern Apache over-raced in the early stages. Arizona Sunset (G. Colless) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 800m when the pace slackened, Langtime (D. Browne) improved up on to the heels of Arizona Sunset and had to be steadied. Banana Split (O. Turpin) and Real Grand (A. Spinks), which were following, also had to be steadied in consequence. Professor (S. Scriven) and Choose A Star (M. Hellyer) laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. Choose A Star (M. Hellyer) and Jensway raced wide for the majority of the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Jensway, which compounded to finish a distant last, revealed the filly to be exhibiting an abnormal respiratory noise. Trainer B. Laming was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for the filly prior to its next race start. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Heavy 8.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo C&G Handicap - 1200m
1st - Streets Away; 2nd - Daneomite; 3rd - Umanugget
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He just such a relaxed horse. He’s the same at home ... he could sleep all day, you know. He just gets up when it’s time to do things. He’s a really lovely horse. We won’t be tempted to go down south. We’ll keep him for the winter where there will be a nice choice of feature races for him. He’ll be even better as a three-year-old, I tell you. He could just be the horse we’ve been looking for. Have a look at him coming back here. That’s his first day at the races. You just don’t see horses so calm on their first day. He trialled the other day and two seconds afterwards he just dropped his head on the ground wanting some grass. We had to have winkers on him to try and wake him up. He just gets to the races and goes to sleep. Look at him come back here (to the winners’enclosure). He’s happy to stand there in the one place like he has been here for ten years. We’ll target the winter now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “We’ve always had a bit of a wrap on him all the way through. But he’s only had one trial and he sat outside the leader that day. Trying to teach him something today, but he got a bit lost. He was laying in that bad all race looking for the fence. Coming around the corner I just gave him one with the right hand and he thought, whoa ... I’ve got to go now ... and he just ran straight up to it then. Still has it all to learn, but he’s got the ability.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Streets Away): 2.25 out to 2.90.
Favourite (Umanugget): 1.80 out to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Streets Away (G. Colless) laid in, momentarily tightening the running of Run Jake Run (S. Drake).
Race 3:
Class 6 Plate - 1640m
1st - Humma; 2nd - La Zeel; 3rd - Fort ‘N' Won
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “This horse is owned by international soccer players. Craig Moore, the captain of the Queensland Roar, and Scott Chipperfield are Aussie internationals. Zelko Kalac is the AC Milan second string goal-keeper. I’m talking to him this morning and he is sitting opposite Kaka (one of the world’s best and most highly paid soccer players), so maybe I’ll be able to talk them into buying some more horses. I couldn’t get hold of all the boys beforehand though. He nearly didn’t run to be honest. This was only his fourth start for me and they told me he doesn’t handle a heavy track. So I thought the only bloke I really needed to talk to is the last person to train him, Chris Waller. I spoke to Chris Waller this morning at twenty past seven - and he said, ‘run him’. Good decision.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He just got a bit of a squeeze at the start which put him back in the field a bit. He travelled really nice though ... had a good run and was able to get to the outside just before straightened. When he got there (to the lead) he just switched off a little bit. That just gave the other horse (La Zeel) a chance to fight back a bit, but we always had her covered.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Humma): 4.20 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Punch Up): 3.20 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Humma (J. Bowditch), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Fat Possum (L. Cassidy), which shifted in, and Demolir (O. Turpin), which was taken out by La Zeel (M. Paget). Near the 1400m, Punch Up (J. Taylor) got its head up. Passing the 600m, Humma (J. Bowditch) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so forced Fat Possum wider on the track. Margy Magic (C. Reith), which was following, was hampered as a consequence.
A post-race veterinary examination of Punch Up revealed the horse to be suffering from a burst abscess in the right commisure of its mouth. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Slow 7.
Race 4:
Class 6 Handicap - 1110m
1st - King Leonidas; 2nd - Shudule Gee; 3rd - Cardio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Larry Cassidy (speaking directly after the race): “He wasn’t really handling the track and when I reached the lead he shifted out. I don’t think I made contact, but we’ll have a look anyway.”
It was to be a very close look. Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls, the rider of the second placed horse Shudule Gee, put in a protest against the winner and the action moved into the Stewards room.
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (giving the grounds for his protest): “Coming to about the 100m mark, Larry Cassidy has given me a very definite bump. It cost me a length. It really put my horse off-balance. I had to stop riding it and re-gather him up and he’s come again once he got balanced.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (questioning his accuser): “When you say I gave your mount a decent bump, how many strides did you have to stop riding for?”
Luke Rolls: “I probably stopped riding three, maybe four strides. I had to stop with the whip.”
Larry Cassidy: “... and you believe that cost you one length?”
Luke Rolls: “Yeah. Might even have been more ... but at least that”
Larry Cassidy: “Just short of the line, do you think your horse got in and bumped me?”
Luke Rolls: “No I don’t.”
Daniel Wheeler (representing trainer John Wallace): “They made their runs together. Larry Cassidy’s horse has started to shift and I see, about two strides before they actually bumped, he had the stick out. He was probably struggling to keep it as straight as he possibly could. He’s bumped our horse. Our horse never moved. He kept a straight line until he got the bump, and then he has had to shift out another three or four horses. When he got balanced up he made another run at him and I thought the inside horse has come out again right on the line, probably two strides before the line, and bumped us again. Clearly our horse is a 1400m and if he keeps straight on the inside horse, I believe we win. If the interference didn’t occur, I’d say the result would be different.
Larry Cassidy: “There are many points that should be pointed out. Firstly, we actually didn’t make our runs together. I was about a length-and-a-quarter behind the second place-getter when we made our runs. Obviously he come up the outside and I come up the inside. Sure my mount has shifted out, but I’ve given him a length-and-a-quarter start from the point of the home bend. As I started to shift I was clear of any other horse. When I finally did get out and finally brushed the second horse – and that’s really all it was, a brush not a bump, like Luke has said ... a severe bump like he said, has cost him a length. There is no way in the world, looking at the film gentlemen with your experience, there is no way in the world that has cost him a length. Um ... Luke suggested he stopped riding for three strides. Well, if you look at the film, he’s probably stopped for one stride, even half a stride ... he’s hardly missed a beat. It’s an ever so slight brush.
“As I’ve straightened my mount and we’ve got going again, I believe Luke’s mount has actually got in on top of me the last five strides and actually inconvenienced me again. There is no way in the world he would ever have beaten me and I believe the placings should stand.”
Luke Rolls (to Larry Cassidy): “After the incident occurred, how far did you put on me?”
Larry Cassidy: “Very hard looking at the angle. It wouldn’t have been much at all because my momentum was slowed. I actually stopped riding for six or seven strides and we were probably still head to head.”
Scott Hammersley (representing trainer Bryan Guy): “As Larry said there was a slight brush, but I don’t believe there was any great inconvenience to the second horse. The movement inwards and outwards close to the line was irrelevant. I mean the race was over in that point in time. I couldn’t see that those placings can be changed on that.”
Luke Rolls: “Just looking at the film, Larry’s mount was probably a neck in front of me as we bumped. My horse had to re-balance up and fight back and he has only been beaten a half-a-head ... short-head. I think if he hadn’t have been bumped he would have won.”
Daniel Wheeler: “Just a question to Larry. How far do you reckon your horse shifted out from the time you started pulling the stick to when you hit the winning post, and how far do you think you took our horse out?”
Larry Cassidy: “The first part of your question is irrelevant, because I was clear of any other horse ...”
Daniel Wheeler: “How far did you take our horse out? How many horses did he come out?”
Larry Cassidy: “I brushed the horse, maybe, that’s about it. It was only a slight brush. But I don’t believe you took ground off me. Over the last 100m, my horse was holding yours quite comfortably behind us.”
Daniel Wheeler: “In my opinion we counted three horses ... that he was taken out three horses.”
That brought the protest hearing to an end.
The protest was dismissed.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (King Leonidas): 4.80 out to 5.00.
Favourite (Cardio): 3.00 out to 3.20 in to 2.50. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As R. McMahon was to be overweight on Miss Matay and Crackaway (Race 8), riding changes were made as per the Stewards Summary Sheet. R. McMahon was fined the sum of $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account jockey McMahon's exemplary record concerning this rule.
On return to scale a protest was lodge by apprentice L. Rolls, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Shudule Gee, against King Leonidas (L. Cassidy) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol films, it was established that near the 100m, King Leonidas did shift out slightly inconveniencing Shudule Gee, however stewards could not be satisfied that the minor interference suffered by Shudule Gee had a material effect on the finishing positions of both horses and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings.
Alternate (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. King Leonidas (L. Cassidy) and Pagan County (S. Seamer) made contact on jumping away. A post-race veterinary examination of Pagan County revealed the mare to be lame in the near fore leg. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Pagan County prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Open Handicap - 2040m
1st - Winsome Loot; 2nd - Bell Academy; 3rd - Rebounded
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “They told me the horse goes better with hands and heels. I gave him one on the shoulder just to get him going. I pumped him out. Just give him two more just to make sure I was getting the best out of him, you know. He never backed off the fight and finished off real strong.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Winsome Loot): 14.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Hunters Moon): 3.50 out to 3.80. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Olympic Time (J. Taylor) raced three deep in the early stages. Hunters Moon (M. Palmer) and Shale Shaker (C. McIver) raced wide from the 800m.
Race 6:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 1350m
1st - Zahas Pride; 2nd - Kbenrenrun; 3rd - High Roll'N Woman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I knew they were coming thick and fast but look, he just kept sticking his head out, and sticking his head out. Early on he travelled beautifully. He just does his own thing. He’s got a high cruising speed and does everything right. Most importantly, he has a lot of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Zahas Pride): 4.60 steady.
Favourite (Adnocon): 3.00 in to 2.70 out to 2.80. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kbenrenrun (P. Hammersley) and Hawkeye Pierce (C. McIver) were tightened for room on jumping away between Mr Orient (A. Taylor) and Upi Bay (K. Pope), both of which shifted ground. Adnocon (O. Turpin) and Tell’em It’s Easy (J. Taylor) bumped on jumping away. Flybefree (B. El-Issa) over-raced for a short distance in the early stages. Attallus (J. Bowditch) over-raced in the early stages, and near the 1100m had to be steadied off the heels of Tell’em It’s Easy (J. Taylor). Leaving the 900m, Upi Bay (K. Pope) commenced to hang out and near the 700m had to be steadied from the heels of Kbenrenrun (P. Hammersley). Upi Bay continued to have a tendency to hang out for the remainder of the event. Attallus was held up for clear running from leaving the 500m until approaching the 300m.
Near the 400m, Tell’em Its Easy had to be steadied when tightened for room between Sheeza Drama (A. Spinks), which shifted in slightly when weakening, and Flybefree (B. El-Issa), which was taken in by Adnocon. A short distance later, Flybefree had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Adnocon, which continued to shift out. O. Turpin, rider of Adnocon, was severely reprimanded and advised that he must take greater care when shifting ground in future. Attallus, Sheeza Drama (A. Spinks), Tell’em Its Easy and Mr Orient raced wide for the majority of the race.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Mr Slick; 2nd - Special Voyage; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Leon Morton (speaking directly after the race): “He’s going to go for a little let-up now. Keep him for the Carnival. You see, I think he was 2kg overweight today in that race, if it had been a true Open Handicap race. He had 56,5kg ... so considering that, I thought it was a very good run. He’s probably the best horse I’ve had. He’s not only won the most, but he’s won them in style, you know what I mean. We still haven’t got to the top shelf with him yet. We got to be careful with him because of his joints. He’s got a few problems with them. We try to give him steady work, a little bit of swimming, a lot of ice. What race would I like to head for? Well let’s put it this way. He won last year on Stradbroke Day and run a good time. All we can do is hope.”
The conversation ended with the announcement that Ken Pope, the rider of Sommersea Drive had lodged a protest against the winner.
Jockey Ken Pope (giving the grounds for his protest): “At approximately the 300m mark I secured a run inside of Joe Bowditch’s mount (Mr Slick). His horse then shifted in and made heavy contact with me. I had to severely check my horse. The incident put me out of the race completely. It took me 50m to get going again.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch pointed out that he felt the inside horse (Bazzooka) shifted out and contributed towards the tight circumstances in which the runners found themselves.
Pope was adamant: “The bump came from the outside horse and that put me in across the heels of the inside horse.”
Trevor Miller (trainer of Sommersea Drive): “I don’t know what it cost us. I don’t know if it was three lengths or six lengths. There fact is there was severe interference which cost us any chance of a win.”
Joe Bowditch: “I believe the inside horse came out and helped close the gap. My horse also took an awkward step ... then carried on. It was more of a hindrance to me. Even after the Sommersea Drive got going again, he was hard ridden and I was still going away from him at the line. He was never in a position to beat my horse.”
The protest was dismissed.
Leon Morton (trainer of Mr Slick – speaking after the protest ruling had been announced): “My horse can be a bit of an arrogant horse when he’s in the mood. Sometimes if you get in his way he will put the shoulder in, but I don’t believe that was the case on this occasion. I think Ken Pope’s move was a bit ill-judged in terms of timing. I think if he’d just waited a few more steps the gap would have opened up properly for him. But it wasn’t fully there when he went for it.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Slick): 2.10 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite. Mr Slick was also the only main fancy to win on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodge by K. Pope, rider of the 4th placegetter, Sommersea Drive, against Mr Slick being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 300m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards established that near the 250m, Mr Slick shifted inwards, resulting in Sommersea Drive being forced inwards, resulting in that horse being checked when taken across the heels of Bazzooka. Taking into account the considerable margin between both horses at the finish, stewards could not be satisfied that Sommersea Drive would have beaten Mr Slick had the interference not occurred, and therefore dismissed the objection and confirmed the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, J. Bowditch, rider of Mr Slick, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he allowed his mount to shift in near the 250m, taking Sommersea Drive (K. Pope) inwards, resulting in that horse having to be checked when forced acoss the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer). J. Bowditch was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 31 January and to expire at midnight, 13 February 2008.
Mystery City (C. Reith) and Sam’s Express (O. Turpin) bumped on jumping away. Approaching the 400m, Mr Slick (J. Bowditch) shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Starlactic (R. McMahon) on several occasions. Myndos (M. Palmer), which was trailing Starlactic, was inconvenienced as a consequence. Sommersea Drive was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn. Leaving the 100m, C. Reith, rider of Mystery City, had his whip knocked from his grasp by the whip of S. Galloway, rider of Rubiton Raider. Sam’s Express (O. Turpin) was held up for clear running in the straight until leaving the 100m. Starlactic and Myndos raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Honour Happy List; 2nd - Pertinence; 3rd - De Business
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Olivia Cairns: “That’s pretty much the way she did it last time (when winning in Townsville). She arrived late then too. But it’s really good to put two wins together in a row.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Happy Honour List): 12.00 out to 14.00
Favourite (De Business): 3.80 in to 3.70. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teary Eyed (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Tolart (C. Reith) was a little slow to begin. Approaching the 1200m, De Business (T. Chambers) shifted out slightly, resulting in Defend The Hill (D. Barron), which had commenced to over-race, shifting out, making contact with Pertinence (P. Hammersley). Pertinence was then obliged to race wide until passing the 800m. Defend The Hill raced wide thereafter. Teary Eyed was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn.
Apprentice T. Chambers, rider of the 3rd placegetter, De Business, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR137(b), in that she failed to ride her mount right out to the finish of the race. Apprentice Chambers was suspended from riding in races for a period of 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 28 January and to expire at midnight, 11 February.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses.
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Danomite, La Zeel, Shudule Gee, Bell Academy, Special Voyage, Pertinence
Keen racing was the order of the day at Doomben with the outcome of two races being decided in extra time in the Stewards Room, after riders two fired in protests (see races 4 and 7).
A first city treble for apprentice jockey Owen Turpin underlined the rapid rate of progress the young rider is making. Turpin won for three different trainers – Troy Hall, Donald Baker and Olivia Cairns – and two of his winners started at double figure odds. It just goes to show where a ‘listen, learn and apply’ policy can take you if you have the focus to make the most of your talent.
Joe Bowditch wasn’t far behind Turpin. Bowditch went home with a double, but he also picked up an eight meeting suspension which would have taken the edge off the celebration.
The Leon Morton trained Mr Slick provided the performance of the day in the Open Handicap (see race 7). The gelding now has a fifty percent strike rate, having won eight out of his sixteen starts. The five-year-old also has six runner-up finishes and one third placing to his credit. He will now be put away for the Winter Carnival.
Trainer Alan Bailey talked about possibly finding, “the horse we’ve been looking for.” Coming from such an astute trainer, those words should be well worth noting (see race 2), while Sunshine Coast based trainer Troy Hall’s association with high profile owner Nick Moraitis continued to blossom (see race 1).
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1640m
1st - Banana Split; 2nd - Professor; 3rd - Real Grand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “We got beat the other day at the Sunshine Coast. Well, it might have been a blessing because there was $28 000 or something to win this week. I had this race in mind if we did get beat. I don’t get to run in $45 000 Maidens every week. I’ve only had the horse for the two runs. I can’t tell you why he has taken so long to win. All I know is he had a sore back when I got him and I fixed that.
“He’s a good rider this kid (Owen Turpin). He’s a great judge. He just sums up a race so well. Like I told you before he’s improved ... and he has improved again. I’ve got nine horses from (owner) Nick Moraitis now. It started with one. It won its first two for me ... and we got two more after that. Then the next one we got, it won and it has continued to grow from there. I’ve just been placing them to win. The boss will be happy. That’s the main thing. This is my first city winner for him.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Yeah, he relaxed beautifully. I just tried to keep him relaxed and sit quiet on him till it was time to push him out ... and he took off when I asked him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Banana Split): 4.20 out to 5.00
Favourite (Professor): 4.20 out to 4.40 in to 3.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Taimazon (S. Seamer) and Professor (S. Scriven) over-raced for a short distance near the 1300m. Northern Apache over-raced in the early stages. Arizona Sunset (G. Colless) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 800m when the pace slackened, Langtime (D. Browne) improved up on to the heels of Arizona Sunset and had to be steadied. Banana Split (O. Turpin) and Real Grand (A. Spinks), which were following, also had to be steadied in consequence. Professor (S. Scriven) and Choose A Star (M. Hellyer) laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. Choose A Star (M. Hellyer) and Jensway raced wide for the majority of the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Jensway, which compounded to finish a distant last, revealed the filly to be exhibiting an abnormal respiratory noise. Trainer B. Laming was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for the filly prior to its next race start. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Heavy 8.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo C&G Handicap - 1200m
1st - Streets Away; 2nd - Daneomite; 3rd - Umanugget
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He just such a relaxed horse. He’s the same at home ... he could sleep all day, you know. He just gets up when it’s time to do things. He’s a really lovely horse. We won’t be tempted to go down south. We’ll keep him for the winter where there will be a nice choice of feature races for him. He’ll be even better as a three-year-old, I tell you. He could just be the horse we’ve been looking for. Have a look at him coming back here. That’s his first day at the races. You just don’t see horses so calm on their first day. He trialled the other day and two seconds afterwards he just dropped his head on the ground wanting some grass. We had to have winkers on him to try and wake him up. He just gets to the races and goes to sleep. Look at him come back here (to the winners’enclosure). He’s happy to stand there in the one place like he has been here for ten years. We’ll target the winter now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “We’ve always had a bit of a wrap on him all the way through. But he’s only had one trial and he sat outside the leader that day. Trying to teach him something today, but he got a bit lost. He was laying in that bad all race looking for the fence. Coming around the corner I just gave him one with the right hand and he thought, whoa ... I’ve got to go now ... and he just ran straight up to it then. Still has it all to learn, but he’s got the ability.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Streets Away): 2.25 out to 2.90.
Favourite (Umanugget): 1.80 out to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Streets Away (G. Colless) laid in, momentarily tightening the running of Run Jake Run (S. Drake).
Race 3:
Class 6 Plate - 1640m
1st - Humma; 2nd - La Zeel; 3rd - Fort ‘N' Won
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “This horse is owned by international soccer players. Craig Moore, the captain of the Queensland Roar, and Scott Chipperfield are Aussie internationals. Zelko Kalac is the AC Milan second string goal-keeper. I’m talking to him this morning and he is sitting opposite Kaka (one of the world’s best and most highly paid soccer players), so maybe I’ll be able to talk them into buying some more horses. I couldn’t get hold of all the boys beforehand though. He nearly didn’t run to be honest. This was only his fourth start for me and they told me he doesn’t handle a heavy track. So I thought the only bloke I really needed to talk to is the last person to train him, Chris Waller. I spoke to Chris Waller this morning at twenty past seven - and he said, ‘run him’. Good decision.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He just got a bit of a squeeze at the start which put him back in the field a bit. He travelled really nice though ... had a good run and was able to get to the outside just before straightened. When he got there (to the lead) he just switched off a little bit. That just gave the other horse (La Zeel) a chance to fight back a bit, but we always had her covered.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Humma): 4.20 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Punch Up): 3.20 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Humma (J. Bowditch), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Fat Possum (L. Cassidy), which shifted in, and Demolir (O. Turpin), which was taken out by La Zeel (M. Paget). Near the 1400m, Punch Up (J. Taylor) got its head up. Passing the 600m, Humma (J. Bowditch) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so forced Fat Possum wider on the track. Margy Magic (C. Reith), which was following, was hampered as a consequence.
A post-race veterinary examination of Punch Up revealed the horse to be suffering from a burst abscess in the right commisure of its mouth. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Slow 7.
Race 4:
Class 6 Handicap - 1110m
1st - King Leonidas; 2nd - Shudule Gee; 3rd - Cardio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Larry Cassidy (speaking directly after the race): “He wasn’t really handling the track and when I reached the lead he shifted out. I don’t think I made contact, but we’ll have a look anyway.”
It was to be a very close look. Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls, the rider of the second placed horse Shudule Gee, put in a protest against the winner and the action moved into the Stewards room.
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (giving the grounds for his protest): “Coming to about the 100m mark, Larry Cassidy has given me a very definite bump. It cost me a length. It really put my horse off-balance. I had to stop riding it and re-gather him up and he’s come again once he got balanced.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (questioning his accuser): “When you say I gave your mount a decent bump, how many strides did you have to stop riding for?”
Luke Rolls: “I probably stopped riding three, maybe four strides. I had to stop with the whip.”
Larry Cassidy: “... and you believe that cost you one length?”
Luke Rolls: “Yeah. Might even have been more ... but at least that”
Larry Cassidy: “Just short of the line, do you think your horse got in and bumped me?”
Luke Rolls: “No I don’t.”
Daniel Wheeler (representing trainer John Wallace): “They made their runs together. Larry Cassidy’s horse has started to shift and I see, about two strides before they actually bumped, he had the stick out. He was probably struggling to keep it as straight as he possibly could. He’s bumped our horse. Our horse never moved. He kept a straight line until he got the bump, and then he has had to shift out another three or four horses. When he got balanced up he made another run at him and I thought the inside horse has come out again right on the line, probably two strides before the line, and bumped us again. Clearly our horse is a 1400m and if he keeps straight on the inside horse, I believe we win. If the interference didn’t occur, I’d say the result would be different.
Larry Cassidy: “There are many points that should be pointed out. Firstly, we actually didn’t make our runs together. I was about a length-and-a-quarter behind the second place-getter when we made our runs. Obviously he come up the outside and I come up the inside. Sure my mount has shifted out, but I’ve given him a length-and-a-quarter start from the point of the home bend. As I started to shift I was clear of any other horse. When I finally did get out and finally brushed the second horse – and that’s really all it was, a brush not a bump, like Luke has said ... a severe bump like he said, has cost him a length. There is no way in the world, looking at the film gentlemen with your experience, there is no way in the world that has cost him a length. Um ... Luke suggested he stopped riding for three strides. Well, if you look at the film, he’s probably stopped for one stride, even half a stride ... he’s hardly missed a beat. It’s an ever so slight brush.
“As I’ve straightened my mount and we’ve got going again, I believe Luke’s mount has actually got in on top of me the last five strides and actually inconvenienced me again. There is no way in the world he would ever have beaten me and I believe the placings should stand.”
Luke Rolls (to Larry Cassidy): “After the incident occurred, how far did you put on me?”
Larry Cassidy: “Very hard looking at the angle. It wouldn’t have been much at all because my momentum was slowed. I actually stopped riding for six or seven strides and we were probably still head to head.”
Scott Hammersley (representing trainer Bryan Guy): “As Larry said there was a slight brush, but I don’t believe there was any great inconvenience to the second horse. The movement inwards and outwards close to the line was irrelevant. I mean the race was over in that point in time. I couldn’t see that those placings can be changed on that.”
Luke Rolls: “Just looking at the film, Larry’s mount was probably a neck in front of me as we bumped. My horse had to re-balance up and fight back and he has only been beaten a half-a-head ... short-head. I think if he hadn’t have been bumped he would have won.”
Daniel Wheeler: “Just a question to Larry. How far do you reckon your horse shifted out from the time you started pulling the stick to when you hit the winning post, and how far do you think you took our horse out?”
Larry Cassidy: “The first part of your question is irrelevant, because I was clear of any other horse ...”
Daniel Wheeler: “How far did you take our horse out? How many horses did he come out?”
Larry Cassidy: “I brushed the horse, maybe, that’s about it. It was only a slight brush. But I don’t believe you took ground off me. Over the last 100m, my horse was holding yours quite comfortably behind us.”
Daniel Wheeler: “In my opinion we counted three horses ... that he was taken out three horses.”
That brought the protest hearing to an end.
The protest was dismissed.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (King Leonidas): 4.80 out to 5.00.
Favourite (Cardio): 3.00 out to 3.20 in to 2.50. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As R. McMahon was to be overweight on Miss Matay and Crackaway (Race 8), riding changes were made as per the Stewards Summary Sheet. R. McMahon was fined the sum of $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account jockey McMahon's exemplary record concerning this rule.
On return to scale a protest was lodge by apprentice L. Rolls, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Shudule Gee, against King Leonidas (L. Cassidy) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol films, it was established that near the 100m, King Leonidas did shift out slightly inconveniencing Shudule Gee, however stewards could not be satisfied that the minor interference suffered by Shudule Gee had a material effect on the finishing positions of both horses and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings.
Alternate (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. King Leonidas (L. Cassidy) and Pagan County (S. Seamer) made contact on jumping away. A post-race veterinary examination of Pagan County revealed the mare to be lame in the near fore leg. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Pagan County prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Open Handicap - 2040m
1st - Winsome Loot; 2nd - Bell Academy; 3rd - Rebounded
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “They told me the horse goes better with hands and heels. I gave him one on the shoulder just to get him going. I pumped him out. Just give him two more just to make sure I was getting the best out of him, you know. He never backed off the fight and finished off real strong.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Winsome Loot): 14.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Hunters Moon): 3.50 out to 3.80. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Olympic Time (J. Taylor) raced three deep in the early stages. Hunters Moon (M. Palmer) and Shale Shaker (C. McIver) raced wide from the 800m.
Race 6:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 1350m
1st - Zahas Pride; 2nd - Kbenrenrun; 3rd - High Roll'N Woman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I knew they were coming thick and fast but look, he just kept sticking his head out, and sticking his head out. Early on he travelled beautifully. He just does his own thing. He’s got a high cruising speed and does everything right. Most importantly, he has a lot of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Zahas Pride): 4.60 steady.
Favourite (Adnocon): 3.00 in to 2.70 out to 2.80. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kbenrenrun (P. Hammersley) and Hawkeye Pierce (C. McIver) were tightened for room on jumping away between Mr Orient (A. Taylor) and Upi Bay (K. Pope), both of which shifted ground. Adnocon (O. Turpin) and Tell’em It’s Easy (J. Taylor) bumped on jumping away. Flybefree (B. El-Issa) over-raced for a short distance in the early stages. Attallus (J. Bowditch) over-raced in the early stages, and near the 1100m had to be steadied off the heels of Tell’em It’s Easy (J. Taylor). Leaving the 900m, Upi Bay (K. Pope) commenced to hang out and near the 700m had to be steadied from the heels of Kbenrenrun (P. Hammersley). Upi Bay continued to have a tendency to hang out for the remainder of the event. Attallus was held up for clear running from leaving the 500m until approaching the 300m.
Near the 400m, Tell’em Its Easy had to be steadied when tightened for room between Sheeza Drama (A. Spinks), which shifted in slightly when weakening, and Flybefree (B. El-Issa), which was taken in by Adnocon. A short distance later, Flybefree had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Adnocon, which continued to shift out. O. Turpin, rider of Adnocon, was severely reprimanded and advised that he must take greater care when shifting ground in future. Attallus, Sheeza Drama (A. Spinks), Tell’em Its Easy and Mr Orient raced wide for the majority of the race.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Mr Slick; 2nd - Special Voyage; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Leon Morton (speaking directly after the race): “He’s going to go for a little let-up now. Keep him for the Carnival. You see, I think he was 2kg overweight today in that race, if it had been a true Open Handicap race. He had 56,5kg ... so considering that, I thought it was a very good run. He’s probably the best horse I’ve had. He’s not only won the most, but he’s won them in style, you know what I mean. We still haven’t got to the top shelf with him yet. We got to be careful with him because of his joints. He’s got a few problems with them. We try to give him steady work, a little bit of swimming, a lot of ice. What race would I like to head for? Well let’s put it this way. He won last year on Stradbroke Day and run a good time. All we can do is hope.”
The conversation ended with the announcement that Ken Pope, the rider of Sommersea Drive had lodged a protest against the winner.
Jockey Ken Pope (giving the grounds for his protest): “At approximately the 300m mark I secured a run inside of Joe Bowditch’s mount (Mr Slick). His horse then shifted in and made heavy contact with me. I had to severely check my horse. The incident put me out of the race completely. It took me 50m to get going again.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch pointed out that he felt the inside horse (Bazzooka) shifted out and contributed towards the tight circumstances in which the runners found themselves.
Pope was adamant: “The bump came from the outside horse and that put me in across the heels of the inside horse.”
Trevor Miller (trainer of Sommersea Drive): “I don’t know what it cost us. I don’t know if it was three lengths or six lengths. There fact is there was severe interference which cost us any chance of a win.”
Joe Bowditch: “I believe the inside horse came out and helped close the gap. My horse also took an awkward step ... then carried on. It was more of a hindrance to me. Even after the Sommersea Drive got going again, he was hard ridden and I was still going away from him at the line. He was never in a position to beat my horse.”
The protest was dismissed.
Leon Morton (trainer of Mr Slick – speaking after the protest ruling had been announced): “My horse can be a bit of an arrogant horse when he’s in the mood. Sometimes if you get in his way he will put the shoulder in, but I don’t believe that was the case on this occasion. I think Ken Pope’s move was a bit ill-judged in terms of timing. I think if he’d just waited a few more steps the gap would have opened up properly for him. But it wasn’t fully there when he went for it.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Slick): 2.10 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite. Mr Slick was also the only main fancy to win on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodge by K. Pope, rider of the 4th placegetter, Sommersea Drive, against Mr Slick being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 300m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards established that near the 250m, Mr Slick shifted inwards, resulting in Sommersea Drive being forced inwards, resulting in that horse being checked when taken across the heels of Bazzooka. Taking into account the considerable margin between both horses at the finish, stewards could not be satisfied that Sommersea Drive would have beaten Mr Slick had the interference not occurred, and therefore dismissed the objection and confirmed the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, J. Bowditch, rider of Mr Slick, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he allowed his mount to shift in near the 250m, taking Sommersea Drive (K. Pope) inwards, resulting in that horse having to be checked when forced acoss the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer). J. Bowditch was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 31 January and to expire at midnight, 13 February 2008.
Mystery City (C. Reith) and Sam’s Express (O. Turpin) bumped on jumping away. Approaching the 400m, Mr Slick (J. Bowditch) shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Starlactic (R. McMahon) on several occasions. Myndos (M. Palmer), which was trailing Starlactic, was inconvenienced as a consequence. Sommersea Drive was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn. Leaving the 100m, C. Reith, rider of Mystery City, had his whip knocked from his grasp by the whip of S. Galloway, rider of Rubiton Raider. Sam’s Express (O. Turpin) was held up for clear running in the straight until leaving the 100m. Starlactic and Myndos raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Honour Happy List; 2nd - Pertinence; 3rd - De Business
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Olivia Cairns: “That’s pretty much the way she did it last time (when winning in Townsville). She arrived late then too. But it’s really good to put two wins together in a row.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Happy Honour List): 12.00 out to 14.00
Favourite (De Business): 3.80 in to 3.70. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teary Eyed (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Tolart (C. Reith) was a little slow to begin. Approaching the 1200m, De Business (T. Chambers) shifted out slightly, resulting in Defend The Hill (D. Barron), which had commenced to over-race, shifting out, making contact with Pertinence (P. Hammersley). Pertinence was then obliged to race wide until passing the 800m. Defend The Hill raced wide thereafter. Teary Eyed was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn.
Apprentice T. Chambers, rider of the 3rd placegetter, De Business, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR137(b), in that she failed to ride her mount right out to the finish of the race. Apprentice Chambers was suspended from riding in races for a period of 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 28 January and to expire at midnight, 11 February.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses.
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Danomite, La Zeel, Shudule Gee, Bell Academy, Special Voyage, Pertinence
Monday, January 26, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, JAN 24)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, January 24.
It was the day Larry Cassidy came to town. The accomplished jockey has a pedigree synonymous with success and his presence immediately penetrated the psyche of both local race-goers and local riders.
Every horse Cassidy rode received a second glance from most punters. In the end, three of his mounts started as favourite. He won on two of them - Funtantes and Burdekin Blues - and he was touched off in the last stride on Ugly Betty.
As far as his fellow riders are concerned, their comments now include the likes of, ‘I was able to manoeuvre inside Larry” ... “I passed Larry and said see you mate” (see race 3) and, “I was on the back of Larry” (see race 7).
Trainer Robert Heathcote had some illuminating remarks to make about Cassidy’s work ethic (see race 1). Heathcote’s comments go a long way to explaining the fact that Cassidy, on his first day at the office in Brisbane, was the only rider to have a full book of rides (before scratchings).
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls matched Cassidy’s effort of piloting home two winners. Rolls scored with an enterprising front-running ride on the outsider Tenfold (for trainer Mel Eggleston) and he then showed his prowess in a fighting finish when taking out the last race aboard Kneel And Raise (for trainer Tom Dougall).
Burdekin Blues’ effortless victory when winning first-up in runaway fashion was a performance highlight. The Barry Baldwin trained gelding has now won six out of ten starts and he could be heading to Melbourne to flex his muscles down south. The Brian Smith trained Encosta Tszyu is another on a roll and he completed a hat trick of wins (to remain unbeaten this preparation) in a most impressive fashion. Spanish Fling, a lightly raced three-year-old with the high strike-rate, also caught the eye. Trainer Pat Duff believes she has the making of a very good racehorse. The two-year-old Funtantes is also one who added to his reputation by winning for the second time in only three starts.
Satsang took the honours for guts and perseverance. From the position she was in at the halfway up the straight it was easier for Satsang to lose than to win, but, under the determined urgings of apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer, the mare ambushed them all right on the line to take away the spoils.
Ten Toowoomba trainers came to town. Two went home with winners. Kevin Kemp struck with the New Zealand bred Malela, who won in convincing fashion, while Tom Dougall triumphed with Kneel And Raise, who has now saluted in five of his twelve starts. The gelding also has five minor placings to his credit.
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1200m
1st - Funtanes; 2nd - Craiglea Bella; 3rd - Pharonic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “She’s very good there is no doubting that. But did you notice how, when things didn’t work out ... she missed the start, held wide ... did you see what Cassidy did? He eased her out of the speed battle, balanced her up, waited until the right time ... did you see a couple of times she dipped up the straight ... he never went for her until he had to. That’s a sign of a real professional, top quality rider.
“To me, whilst Larry (Cassidy) hasn’t been here a long while, he’s been here every day riding track-work. A couple for Baldwin ... couple for me ... couple for Birchley ... couple for a couple of other trainers. I’m not used to that in Brisbane. Our riders just don’t generally turn up on a regular basis. You will get jockeys who will argue that we turn up and ride work but we don’t get put on. That’s because they don’t turn up regularly. I’m mean, I’ve got to get my horses worked every-day. I have staff that do that, so when riders turn up they make it a little bit easier on my staff and my stable operation, but Larry – with forty Group 1’s – fit, keen, enthusiastic ... pick of my stable mate, you can have what you like. I like to see hard work rewarded. He will be a success here.”
The filly also did a sterling job.
Heathcote: “Ah, she’s tough. There were four negatives today. Every-time I have a runner in a race I think through things beforehand. She can get beat. What are the things that are going to get her beat? There were four negatives going into the race today. One was the back-up (from last Saturday), the 57kg’s, going 1200m on a slow track and drawn barrier nine. So yes, whoever the jockey was, she had a bit to overcome and she did her job well.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “I just let her come back behind them. When they didn’t go that quick, I thought well, if I come out five deep for a run it doesn’t matter now ...providing I’m going easy and she only does what she has to. No, I was never worried. I got in with a bit of cover and I thought that, where the old crossing was, I’d peel her out after that. I didn’t want to give her an impossible start and I was moving well on the turn. I did nothing on her till the 200m ... she was always going to win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Funtantes): 1.90 in to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teaattheritz (G. Colless) was slow to begin. Near the 900m, Pharonic (J. Bowditch) was placed in restricted room to the inside of Chanfal (M. Palmer) after that horse shifted in and away from Swift Sands (C. Spry). Dorothy raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Funtantes (L. Cassidy) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Street Sign and Kolo, which when racing ungenerously shifted out. Shortly after straightening, Street Sign was buffeted between Funtantes and Kolo, which was endeavouring to shift out to improve. Near the 350m, Funtantes faltered of its own accord. Dorothy was inclined to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages. Flaxen Belle (S. Scriven) and Street Sign raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Stopstart revealed the filly to be suffering from mild heat stress. Following this race the track rating was upgraded to Dead 5.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Tenfold; 2nd - Yass River; 3rd - Red Sphere
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “With 51kg and going to the front today, actually believe it or not, we were very confident coming in. But it’s very often they come off do they? Not at that price. When Heinrich’s scratched that horse of theirs (Askew) we thought ... it’s too good to be true this. That was the speed in the race. I said, that’s it. The 1400m – that’s his go (the gelding stepped up in distance after chasing over 900m at the Gold Coast in his previous start) and if he was allowed to have he’s own way in front it would play into our hands. We put the blinkers back on again here. He didn’t have to have them on, but we didn’t want him to bust himself and it does switch him back on.
“We bought him about eighteen months ago and he had lots of problems with him. Yeah, he just kept going sore. He had real bad feet. So we tipped him out and got him right. Then, to have everything go our way in the race. It was a big result for us.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls: “He had a very light weight today and he got it easy by himself out in front. I knew we had a kick on the corner. It was just a question of whether they could pick her up or not – and they couldn’t.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tenfold): 26.00 out to 31.00 in to 26.00.
Equal favourite (Red Sphere): 5.00 out to 5.50 in to 5.00. Finished third.
Equal favourite (Viking Storm): 4.00 out to 5.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Three Little Words (J. Bowditch) had to be checked on jumping away when tightened for room between Pride Of Power (S. Galloway) and Tenfold (L. Rolls), which shifted out after jumping away awkwardly. Ready When You Are (J. Taylor) and Viking Storm (S. Seamer) were slow to begin. Three Little Words over-raced in the early stages. Columate (R. McMahon) raced wide until near the 900m. Pelltro (B. Evans) and Gatakers Bay (B. El-Issa) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tenfold lost its near-hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Tenfold, trainer M. Eggleston stated that, in his opinion, the addition of blinkers and step up in distance of today's event had assisted in the horse's performance. He added that Tenfold had had problems and he experienced difficulties getting the gelding to peak fitness through track-work, however with the number of runs in this campaign, Tenfold had reached peak fitness. A post race veterinary examination of Ready When You Are failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
NMW Handicap - 1815m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - King Artist; 3rd - Tipsy Piggy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “Early on he just wasn’t travelling with the pace going that quick, so I just let the two horses outside me cross us. He just travelled beautifully from there on, you know. On straightening up he was in tight room. I was able to manoeuvre and give him a tick inside Larry (Cassidy – the rider on Tipsy Piggy). I passed Larry and said see you mate. It was all over! He’s a happy horse now. When he first came in to the stable he wasn’t quite right. Then they gelded him and everything. Brian’s done a great job with him. He responds straight away when you ask him. He has got gears this horse. We hadn’t even gone through them yet and the race was over. I just gave him a couple just to let him know to keep going, but I never really opened him up.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Encosta Tszyu): 5.50 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Havayarn): 2.70 out to 3.10. Finished tenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1600m, Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) had to be checked when attempting a run to the inside of I’m So Stunning where there was doubtful room. Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Tipsy Piggy improved up on to the heels of Havayarn and had to be steadied. As a result, Tipsy Piggy shifted wider on the track. Shortly after straightening, Havayarn, which was weakening, was hampered between Iluva Queenslander and Encosta Tszyu, which shifted out to improve. Kings Artist (B. El-Issa), which was following, was momentarily inconvenienced. Kings Artist was then held up for a short distance. Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Golders Road (M. Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tims Image lost its near-hind plate in running.
A post race veterinary examination of Havayarn revealed the gelding to be sore in the near hind leg. A swab sample was taken from Havayarn. Trainer A. Bailey was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Havayarn prior to its next race start. The veterinary surgeon also reported that I’m So Stunning was sore in the off-fore fetlock. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for I’m So Stunning prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Spanish Fling; 2nd - Poor Judge; 3rd - The Crusader
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “She’s shown great promise right from day one. She won her first start in a race. She had a couple of unfortunate things, but she raced very well in her second and third start. She won her fourth. She probably needed the break ... but she’s come back. I think she’s got the makings of a very good racehorse. When I went to the sales and I saw her, I said, I’m not going home without here. Have a look at her. She’s very impressive. I’ll be looking at some of those nice fillies races during the Winter for her now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “Pat (Duff) has a bit of an opinion of him. He said it might take fifty yards or so to get into its gear, which she did. But when she found it, she’s got a very high cruising speed. It was just a sit and steer ride.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spanish Fling): 4.40 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Boogiewoogie (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Passing the 600m, Poor Judge (J. Taylor) and Showit (E. Wilkinson) were buffeted between Rhodamine (R. Agnew) and Meet George (L. Rolls), which shifted in for a short distance. Meet George (L. Rolls), Showit (E. Wilkinson) and Pandemonia (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. Trainer R. Heathcote advised that Brilliantes will now be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Meet George failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Ezi Girl had sustained a laceration to the gum. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 5:
2MW-Last Year Handicap - 1000m
1st - Burdekin Blues; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “He ran a couple of times on slow tracks and he got good enough results, but I know that on those slow tracks he raced six lengths below his best – and I’ve always said that. He’s a better horse on top of the ground. I don’t know if the Mr. Sheahan (the owner) will let me take him to Melbourne, because they will be smart down there and he’d have to handle the other way of going. Shane Scriven rode him in work here the opposite way. He’s worked three-quarter pace on the course proper - he’s never galloped it - but Shane says he thinks the horse will adapt to it.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (who completed a double on the day): “Oh look, he’s a machine. He is very easy to ride. He’s got good speed and I’m sure he could relax and race second or third if you want him to. I think when he gets it on top of the ground he will be even better. When I first had a look inside and out (shortly after entering the straight), I thought that can’t be right, I’d better have another look. So I did ... with the same result. He’d just left them that far behind. I’d like to keep the ride, but the way he goes I think even Barry (Baldwin) could ride him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Burdekin Blues): 1.70 out to 1.75 in to 1.65.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARD REPORT EXTRACT:
Sequallan (R. Agnew), Sectagonal (G. Colless), Barons Court (O. Turpin) and Nessuno (C. McIver) were a little slow to begin. A post race veterinary examination of Sir Breakfast failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Malela; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Belles Opinion
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “The owner rang me and said have you got room for a horse. I said no. It turned up the next day. I reckoned, I’ve got a horse here but no space for it. So I sacked one of my other horses. She jumped at the barriers and missed it a bit last time (when finishing second at Ipswich) and then made ground late.” That run was over 1350m. This time the distance was 1500m. “She loved the extra ground. She has already won a couple over a mile. I knew going into today it would be a long price, but we really wanted to start. The owners and I were tossing up and I said look it’s a fillies and mares Class 6, the favourites only won three, let’s run. She’s still only had nine starts. She is a mare on the way up.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “She’s still got a little bit to learn, but I just got the best run ever into it. Everything opened up and she just let down really good. She’s still a bit green like, when I was under pressure and when she hit the front she star-gazed a little bit, but it was a pretty good effort. The more racing she gets the better she will be.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Malela): 21.00 steady.
Favourite (Morgalicious): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 3.80. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1000m, La Bella Luisa (S. Galloway) improved onto the heels of Malela (R. McMahon) and had to be steadied. Near the 200m, Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch), which shifted in, and Kenshe (R. Wiggins), which shifted out. Both J. Bowditch, rider of Born To Hunt, and R. Wiggins, rider of Kenshe, were reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. Kenshe continued to shift out and near the 100m bumped Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch). Seconde (O. Turpin), Hussonova (S. Seamer) and Tellemtogo (B. El-Issa) raced wide throughout. La Bella Luisa lost its near hind plate in running.
Race 7:
F&M Quality, Listed Handicap - 1200m
1st - Satsang; 2nd - Ugly Betty; 3rd - Michelle Cafea
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “She’s probably crying out for 1400m, but what a gallant run. She was back near the tail of the field, off the bit chasing ... but this boy has ridden her a treat. I didn’t think she was going to get the luck, you know, but all the praise to him and I’m just so proud of the mare. She never gives up trying. She’s had bad barriers, but the first day we had a good barrier she won a Listed race. I was watching in the trainers’ room. I thought we’d run second but Pat Duff was with me and he said, ‘you’ve got it.’
“This time in I told the owners I’d decided I wanted to stick with one jockey and I’m very impressed with this little guy. I wanted one jockey because previously there wasn’t a regular jockey so nobody got to know her. He’s ridden her a treat today and he knows her now so it’s turned out well.
“The result is good for the owners for breeding, you know, being a Listed race. Thanks to Queensland Racing for having these Listed fillies and mares races. It’s wonderful for our owners. We are lucky to have them. You see the Sydney people came for the race. It gives us good racing.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I was in trouble for a long way. I had to really scrub her along early. At the 500m I had to put a couple on her, just because she was in-between horses and she doesn’t race in-between horses. You got to realise, she is a very difficult horse. Basically, once Ugly Betty started to get a run through and I was on the back of Larry (Cassidy – Ugly Betty’s rider), Larry kept being carted wider and wider, but I sort of had no option but to go out with him. Had I gone back inside it would have been completely over. So I thought, well, I might look like a fool, but I’ll keep going on the outside. I know the horse inside-out and back to front and that’s her pattern of racing. I just put my head down and kept going to the line – and we got there, which was good. I’m just grateful to John and Helen and all of the connections for allowing me to keep the association with the horse. I’m not just saying this because I brought it back, but she is a very, very hard horse to ride and I am grateful they kept me on.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Satsang): 7.00 steady.
Favourite (Ugly Betty): 3.70 in to 3.20. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After jumping away awkwardly, Momentously raced ungenerously in the early stages and near the 800m had to be steadied when tightened for room between Allaboutus and Satsang (M. Palmer) which shifted out. Between the 700m and 600m, Tsutsumi (S. Galloway) were obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Moppett (J. Bowditch), which was taken in slightly by Michelle Cafea (A. Spinks). Rounding the home turn, Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy) shifted out, forcing Quizzical Lady (S. Scriven) wider on the track. Momentously hung out rounding the home turn and for the majority of the straight, and near the 300m had to be steadied off the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham). Momentously continued to lay out for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Michelle Cafea shifted out and brushed Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy). Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and Allaboutus (J. Taylor) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned co-trainer Mr Jason McLachlan regarding the tactics adopted on Key Bar Nights today as opposed to its last three starts. Mr McLachlan stated that at the horse's last three starts it had drawn wide and they believed it was in the best interests of the mare to ride it quieter. He further added that blinkers were placed on the horse for the first time today, and with the benefit of the inside alley, decided to ride Key Bar Nights forward, which has been the most successful manner in which to ride the mare. Stewards noted Mr McLachlan's comments, however he was admonished for failing to inform stewards of their intention to ride the horse differently today.
A post race veterinary examination of Allaboutus failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kneel And Raise; 2nd - Sir Teles; 3rd - Queen Of Asia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tom Dougall: “He is a very hard-trying, honest horse. I was as confident as you could be going into the race. Beautifully ridden. I would actually like to try him over a bit further. He may settle a bit better in a slow tempo race ... hopefully ... but that remains to be seen. He’s just a lovely horse with a beautiful temperament.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who completed a double on the day): “He just travelled nicely about three lengths off the leader. So I just took my time. He responded the minute I pushed the button and he let down well and really hit the line good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kneel And Raise): 2.80 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (L. Cassidy) jumped away awkwardly. Eagle Heights (A. Spinks) blundered on jumping away and a short distance later faltered. Near the 900m, Kneel And Raise (L. Rolls) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Aladdins Lion (R. McMahon), which shifted in. R. McMahon, rider of Aladdins Lion, was reprimanded. Audubon (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early and middle stages. L. Cassidy, rider of Shady Prospect reported that his saddle shifted back on entering the straight and, in his opinion, resulted in Shady prospect failing to stretch out down the home straight. Shortly after entering the straight, Eagle Heights was retired from the event. A post race veterinary examination of Eagle Heights failed to reveal any abnormalities other than the horse had lost its near fore plate in running. Trainer J. Ryan's representative Mr K. Schweida, was advised that he must obtain a veterinary clearance for Eagle Heights prior to its next race start. M. Hughes, rider of Wigndove, dropped his whip passing the 100m.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Havayarn
It was the day Larry Cassidy came to town. The accomplished jockey has a pedigree synonymous with success and his presence immediately penetrated the psyche of both local race-goers and local riders.
Every horse Cassidy rode received a second glance from most punters. In the end, three of his mounts started as favourite. He won on two of them - Funtantes and Burdekin Blues - and he was touched off in the last stride on Ugly Betty.
As far as his fellow riders are concerned, their comments now include the likes of, ‘I was able to manoeuvre inside Larry” ... “I passed Larry and said see you mate” (see race 3) and, “I was on the back of Larry” (see race 7).
Trainer Robert Heathcote had some illuminating remarks to make about Cassidy’s work ethic (see race 1). Heathcote’s comments go a long way to explaining the fact that Cassidy, on his first day at the office in Brisbane, was the only rider to have a full book of rides (before scratchings).
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls matched Cassidy’s effort of piloting home two winners. Rolls scored with an enterprising front-running ride on the outsider Tenfold (for trainer Mel Eggleston) and he then showed his prowess in a fighting finish when taking out the last race aboard Kneel And Raise (for trainer Tom Dougall).
Burdekin Blues’ effortless victory when winning first-up in runaway fashion was a performance highlight. The Barry Baldwin trained gelding has now won six out of ten starts and he could be heading to Melbourne to flex his muscles down south. The Brian Smith trained Encosta Tszyu is another on a roll and he completed a hat trick of wins (to remain unbeaten this preparation) in a most impressive fashion. Spanish Fling, a lightly raced three-year-old with the high strike-rate, also caught the eye. Trainer Pat Duff believes she has the making of a very good racehorse. The two-year-old Funtantes is also one who added to his reputation by winning for the second time in only three starts.
Satsang took the honours for guts and perseverance. From the position she was in at the halfway up the straight it was easier for Satsang to lose than to win, but, under the determined urgings of apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer, the mare ambushed them all right on the line to take away the spoils.
Ten Toowoomba trainers came to town. Two went home with winners. Kevin Kemp struck with the New Zealand bred Malela, who won in convincing fashion, while Tom Dougall triumphed with Kneel And Raise, who has now saluted in five of his twelve starts. The gelding also has five minor placings to his credit.
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1200m
1st - Funtanes; 2nd - Craiglea Bella; 3rd - Pharonic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “She’s very good there is no doubting that. But did you notice how, when things didn’t work out ... she missed the start, held wide ... did you see what Cassidy did? He eased her out of the speed battle, balanced her up, waited until the right time ... did you see a couple of times she dipped up the straight ... he never went for her until he had to. That’s a sign of a real professional, top quality rider.
“To me, whilst Larry (Cassidy) hasn’t been here a long while, he’s been here every day riding track-work. A couple for Baldwin ... couple for me ... couple for Birchley ... couple for a couple of other trainers. I’m not used to that in Brisbane. Our riders just don’t generally turn up on a regular basis. You will get jockeys who will argue that we turn up and ride work but we don’t get put on. That’s because they don’t turn up regularly. I’m mean, I’ve got to get my horses worked every-day. I have staff that do that, so when riders turn up they make it a little bit easier on my staff and my stable operation, but Larry – with forty Group 1’s – fit, keen, enthusiastic ... pick of my stable mate, you can have what you like. I like to see hard work rewarded. He will be a success here.”
The filly also did a sterling job.
Heathcote: “Ah, she’s tough. There were four negatives today. Every-time I have a runner in a race I think through things beforehand. She can get beat. What are the things that are going to get her beat? There were four negatives going into the race today. One was the back-up (from last Saturday), the 57kg’s, going 1200m on a slow track and drawn barrier nine. So yes, whoever the jockey was, she had a bit to overcome and she did her job well.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “I just let her come back behind them. When they didn’t go that quick, I thought well, if I come out five deep for a run it doesn’t matter now ...providing I’m going easy and she only does what she has to. No, I was never worried. I got in with a bit of cover and I thought that, where the old crossing was, I’d peel her out after that. I didn’t want to give her an impossible start and I was moving well on the turn. I did nothing on her till the 200m ... she was always going to win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Funtantes): 1.90 in to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teaattheritz (G. Colless) was slow to begin. Near the 900m, Pharonic (J. Bowditch) was placed in restricted room to the inside of Chanfal (M. Palmer) after that horse shifted in and away from Swift Sands (C. Spry). Dorothy raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Funtantes (L. Cassidy) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Street Sign and Kolo, which when racing ungenerously shifted out. Shortly after straightening, Street Sign was buffeted between Funtantes and Kolo, which was endeavouring to shift out to improve. Near the 350m, Funtantes faltered of its own accord. Dorothy was inclined to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages. Flaxen Belle (S. Scriven) and Street Sign raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Stopstart revealed the filly to be suffering from mild heat stress. Following this race the track rating was upgraded to Dead 5.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Tenfold; 2nd - Yass River; 3rd - Red Sphere
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “With 51kg and going to the front today, actually believe it or not, we were very confident coming in. But it’s very often they come off do they? Not at that price. When Heinrich’s scratched that horse of theirs (Askew) we thought ... it’s too good to be true this. That was the speed in the race. I said, that’s it. The 1400m – that’s his go (the gelding stepped up in distance after chasing over 900m at the Gold Coast in his previous start) and if he was allowed to have he’s own way in front it would play into our hands. We put the blinkers back on again here. He didn’t have to have them on, but we didn’t want him to bust himself and it does switch him back on.
“We bought him about eighteen months ago and he had lots of problems with him. Yeah, he just kept going sore. He had real bad feet. So we tipped him out and got him right. Then, to have everything go our way in the race. It was a big result for us.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls: “He had a very light weight today and he got it easy by himself out in front. I knew we had a kick on the corner. It was just a question of whether they could pick her up or not – and they couldn’t.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tenfold): 26.00 out to 31.00 in to 26.00.
Equal favourite (Red Sphere): 5.00 out to 5.50 in to 5.00. Finished third.
Equal favourite (Viking Storm): 4.00 out to 5.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Three Little Words (J. Bowditch) had to be checked on jumping away when tightened for room between Pride Of Power (S. Galloway) and Tenfold (L. Rolls), which shifted out after jumping away awkwardly. Ready When You Are (J. Taylor) and Viking Storm (S. Seamer) were slow to begin. Three Little Words over-raced in the early stages. Columate (R. McMahon) raced wide until near the 900m. Pelltro (B. Evans) and Gatakers Bay (B. El-Issa) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tenfold lost its near-hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Tenfold, trainer M. Eggleston stated that, in his opinion, the addition of blinkers and step up in distance of today's event had assisted in the horse's performance. He added that Tenfold had had problems and he experienced difficulties getting the gelding to peak fitness through track-work, however with the number of runs in this campaign, Tenfold had reached peak fitness. A post race veterinary examination of Ready When You Are failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
NMW Handicap - 1815m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - King Artist; 3rd - Tipsy Piggy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “Early on he just wasn’t travelling with the pace going that quick, so I just let the two horses outside me cross us. He just travelled beautifully from there on, you know. On straightening up he was in tight room. I was able to manoeuvre and give him a tick inside Larry (Cassidy – the rider on Tipsy Piggy). I passed Larry and said see you mate. It was all over! He’s a happy horse now. When he first came in to the stable he wasn’t quite right. Then they gelded him and everything. Brian’s done a great job with him. He responds straight away when you ask him. He has got gears this horse. We hadn’t even gone through them yet and the race was over. I just gave him a couple just to let him know to keep going, but I never really opened him up.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Encosta Tszyu): 5.50 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Havayarn): 2.70 out to 3.10. Finished tenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1600m, Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) had to be checked when attempting a run to the inside of I’m So Stunning where there was doubtful room. Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Tipsy Piggy improved up on to the heels of Havayarn and had to be steadied. As a result, Tipsy Piggy shifted wider on the track. Shortly after straightening, Havayarn, which was weakening, was hampered between Iluva Queenslander and Encosta Tszyu, which shifted out to improve. Kings Artist (B. El-Issa), which was following, was momentarily inconvenienced. Kings Artist was then held up for a short distance. Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Golders Road (M. Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tims Image lost its near-hind plate in running.
A post race veterinary examination of Havayarn revealed the gelding to be sore in the near hind leg. A swab sample was taken from Havayarn. Trainer A. Bailey was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Havayarn prior to its next race start. The veterinary surgeon also reported that I’m So Stunning was sore in the off-fore fetlock. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for I’m So Stunning prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Spanish Fling; 2nd - Poor Judge; 3rd - The Crusader
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “She’s shown great promise right from day one. She won her first start in a race. She had a couple of unfortunate things, but she raced very well in her second and third start. She won her fourth. She probably needed the break ... but she’s come back. I think she’s got the makings of a very good racehorse. When I went to the sales and I saw her, I said, I’m not going home without here. Have a look at her. She’s very impressive. I’ll be looking at some of those nice fillies races during the Winter for her now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “Pat (Duff) has a bit of an opinion of him. He said it might take fifty yards or so to get into its gear, which she did. But when she found it, she’s got a very high cruising speed. It was just a sit and steer ride.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spanish Fling): 4.40 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Boogiewoogie (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Passing the 600m, Poor Judge (J. Taylor) and Showit (E. Wilkinson) were buffeted between Rhodamine (R. Agnew) and Meet George (L. Rolls), which shifted in for a short distance. Meet George (L. Rolls), Showit (E. Wilkinson) and Pandemonia (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. Trainer R. Heathcote advised that Brilliantes will now be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Meet George failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Ezi Girl had sustained a laceration to the gum. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 5:
2MW-Last Year Handicap - 1000m
1st - Burdekin Blues; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “He ran a couple of times on slow tracks and he got good enough results, but I know that on those slow tracks he raced six lengths below his best – and I’ve always said that. He’s a better horse on top of the ground. I don’t know if the Mr. Sheahan (the owner) will let me take him to Melbourne, because they will be smart down there and he’d have to handle the other way of going. Shane Scriven rode him in work here the opposite way. He’s worked three-quarter pace on the course proper - he’s never galloped it - but Shane says he thinks the horse will adapt to it.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (who completed a double on the day): “Oh look, he’s a machine. He is very easy to ride. He’s got good speed and I’m sure he could relax and race second or third if you want him to. I think when he gets it on top of the ground he will be even better. When I first had a look inside and out (shortly after entering the straight), I thought that can’t be right, I’d better have another look. So I did ... with the same result. He’d just left them that far behind. I’d like to keep the ride, but the way he goes I think even Barry (Baldwin) could ride him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Burdekin Blues): 1.70 out to 1.75 in to 1.65.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARD REPORT EXTRACT:
Sequallan (R. Agnew), Sectagonal (G. Colless), Barons Court (O. Turpin) and Nessuno (C. McIver) were a little slow to begin. A post race veterinary examination of Sir Breakfast failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Malela; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Belles Opinion
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “The owner rang me and said have you got room for a horse. I said no. It turned up the next day. I reckoned, I’ve got a horse here but no space for it. So I sacked one of my other horses. She jumped at the barriers and missed it a bit last time (when finishing second at Ipswich) and then made ground late.” That run was over 1350m. This time the distance was 1500m. “She loved the extra ground. She has already won a couple over a mile. I knew going into today it would be a long price, but we really wanted to start. The owners and I were tossing up and I said look it’s a fillies and mares Class 6, the favourites only won three, let’s run. She’s still only had nine starts. She is a mare on the way up.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “She’s still got a little bit to learn, but I just got the best run ever into it. Everything opened up and she just let down really good. She’s still a bit green like, when I was under pressure and when she hit the front she star-gazed a little bit, but it was a pretty good effort. The more racing she gets the better she will be.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Malela): 21.00 steady.
Favourite (Morgalicious): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 3.80. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1000m, La Bella Luisa (S. Galloway) improved onto the heels of Malela (R. McMahon) and had to be steadied. Near the 200m, Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch), which shifted in, and Kenshe (R. Wiggins), which shifted out. Both J. Bowditch, rider of Born To Hunt, and R. Wiggins, rider of Kenshe, were reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. Kenshe continued to shift out and near the 100m bumped Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch). Seconde (O. Turpin), Hussonova (S. Seamer) and Tellemtogo (B. El-Issa) raced wide throughout. La Bella Luisa lost its near hind plate in running.
Race 7:
F&M Quality, Listed Handicap - 1200m
1st - Satsang; 2nd - Ugly Betty; 3rd - Michelle Cafea
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “She’s probably crying out for 1400m, but what a gallant run. She was back near the tail of the field, off the bit chasing ... but this boy has ridden her a treat. I didn’t think she was going to get the luck, you know, but all the praise to him and I’m just so proud of the mare. She never gives up trying. She’s had bad barriers, but the first day we had a good barrier she won a Listed race. I was watching in the trainers’ room. I thought we’d run second but Pat Duff was with me and he said, ‘you’ve got it.’
“This time in I told the owners I’d decided I wanted to stick with one jockey and I’m very impressed with this little guy. I wanted one jockey because previously there wasn’t a regular jockey so nobody got to know her. He’s ridden her a treat today and he knows her now so it’s turned out well.
“The result is good for the owners for breeding, you know, being a Listed race. Thanks to Queensland Racing for having these Listed fillies and mares races. It’s wonderful for our owners. We are lucky to have them. You see the Sydney people came for the race. It gives us good racing.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I was in trouble for a long way. I had to really scrub her along early. At the 500m I had to put a couple on her, just because she was in-between horses and she doesn’t race in-between horses. You got to realise, she is a very difficult horse. Basically, once Ugly Betty started to get a run through and I was on the back of Larry (Cassidy – Ugly Betty’s rider), Larry kept being carted wider and wider, but I sort of had no option but to go out with him. Had I gone back inside it would have been completely over. So I thought, well, I might look like a fool, but I’ll keep going on the outside. I know the horse inside-out and back to front and that’s her pattern of racing. I just put my head down and kept going to the line – and we got there, which was good. I’m just grateful to John and Helen and all of the connections for allowing me to keep the association with the horse. I’m not just saying this because I brought it back, but she is a very, very hard horse to ride and I am grateful they kept me on.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Satsang): 7.00 steady.
Favourite (Ugly Betty): 3.70 in to 3.20. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After jumping away awkwardly, Momentously raced ungenerously in the early stages and near the 800m had to be steadied when tightened for room between Allaboutus and Satsang (M. Palmer) which shifted out. Between the 700m and 600m, Tsutsumi (S. Galloway) were obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Moppett (J. Bowditch), which was taken in slightly by Michelle Cafea (A. Spinks). Rounding the home turn, Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy) shifted out, forcing Quizzical Lady (S. Scriven) wider on the track. Momentously hung out rounding the home turn and for the majority of the straight, and near the 300m had to be steadied off the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham). Momentously continued to lay out for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Michelle Cafea shifted out and brushed Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy). Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and Allaboutus (J. Taylor) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned co-trainer Mr Jason McLachlan regarding the tactics adopted on Key Bar Nights today as opposed to its last three starts. Mr McLachlan stated that at the horse's last three starts it had drawn wide and they believed it was in the best interests of the mare to ride it quieter. He further added that blinkers were placed on the horse for the first time today, and with the benefit of the inside alley, decided to ride Key Bar Nights forward, which has been the most successful manner in which to ride the mare. Stewards noted Mr McLachlan's comments, however he was admonished for failing to inform stewards of their intention to ride the horse differently today.
A post race veterinary examination of Allaboutus failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kneel And Raise; 2nd - Sir Teles; 3rd - Queen Of Asia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tom Dougall: “He is a very hard-trying, honest horse. I was as confident as you could be going into the race. Beautifully ridden. I would actually like to try him over a bit further. He may settle a bit better in a slow tempo race ... hopefully ... but that remains to be seen. He’s just a lovely horse with a beautiful temperament.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who completed a double on the day): “He just travelled nicely about three lengths off the leader. So I just took my time. He responded the minute I pushed the button and he let down well and really hit the line good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kneel And Raise): 2.80 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (L. Cassidy) jumped away awkwardly. Eagle Heights (A. Spinks) blundered on jumping away and a short distance later faltered. Near the 900m, Kneel And Raise (L. Rolls) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Aladdins Lion (R. McMahon), which shifted in. R. McMahon, rider of Aladdins Lion, was reprimanded. Audubon (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early and middle stages. L. Cassidy, rider of Shady Prospect reported that his saddle shifted back on entering the straight and, in his opinion, resulted in Shady prospect failing to stretch out down the home straight. Shortly after entering the straight, Eagle Heights was retired from the event. A post race veterinary examination of Eagle Heights failed to reveal any abnormalities other than the horse had lost its near fore plate in running. Trainer J. Ryan's representative Mr K. Schweida, was advised that he must obtain a veterinary clearance for Eagle Heights prior to its next race start. M. Hughes, rider of Wigndove, dropped his whip passing the 100m.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Havayarn
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