A high-point of any jockey’s career is winning a Group 1 event. Ken Pope added that distinction to his resume when he partnered the Mick Mair trained Swiss Ace to victory in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield last Saturday. Horseracing Only spoke to the Group 1 winning rider.
Chasing the Group 1 dream:
“The only time I ever thought about riding a Group 1 winner was when I rode Swiss Ace at Doomben in the BTC Cup. We ran third to Apache Cat, but the horse gave me the feeling he could win a Group 1 and I hoped I could stick on him. That was when I first seriously thought about the fact that I could win a Group 1.”
Winning for trainer Mick Mair:
“The partnership with Mick added to the pleasure of the win. It was a pity Mick wasn’t down there. It would have been terrific to share such an experience with him but, having said that, I’m probably happy he wasn’t down there because I probably would have burst into tears.
“Mick was just so laid back about it. He didn’t even phone me on Saturday night. I was talking to him on Sunday morning, but that was only because we were talking about some other horses. Otherwise there was nothing. He didn’t even mention the race. He was going blah, blah, blah about something else. He just took it on the chin like everything else and moved on. For me though, the Group 1 win is a subject I like to talk about."
Stable loyalty and the relationship between horse and rider:
“I am obviously very grateful to Mick and the owners for staying loyal and keeping me on the horse. For me to be asked to go away with the horse, when obviously you’ve got a lot of other jockeys and their agents ringing up for the ride, it was really good. They were phoning from all over the place, you know, and there’ll be a lot more phoning after Saturday’s result. It’s not normal for connections to stick with their jockey when they’ve got big names with local knowledge after the ride. It’s an exception and I am very grateful they gave me that show of confidence and stuck with me. They had no qualms at all about it.
“The advantage of course is that I do know the horse backwards. I’ve ridden him in all of his wins. A lot of people did say that if anybody else had been on the horse he probably would have been beaten. I like to think the same thing, but obviously we don’t know that and I can’t say that. All I can say is that I know the horse. The horse knows me – I mean I’ve ridden him a million times in work and that – and our relationship certainly helped when we kicked again in the closing stages of the race.
“Character and temperament-wise, Swiss Ace is just beautiful ... perfect. He is a bull of course and he can get bullish when he wants to be. I took to him straight away. I allow him to get away with some things and I guess he does the same with me. I give him a little bit and he gives me. The important thing is that he does as he’s told when things get serious. We really do have a good understanding.”
Celebration:
“I didn’t celebrate too much. I had an eight o’clock flight booked back on Saturday night. I did have a cigar or two, but I would have had that anyway.”
The comeback trail:
“Swiss Ace was off for eight months prior to his return in the Lightning Stakes. There were no issues with the horse. He’s had a fairly long winter campaign and Mick was always going to give the horse a fair time off. I got badly injured on May 20 last year.” (Pope fractured the C4 and C5 vertebra in his neck). “At the time the injury cost me the ride in the Stradbroke. After the Stradbroke the horse was put out. Mick said I shouldn’t worry because I would beat the horse back.”
“I’m lucky I did, because it’s only been the last three weeks of my riding that I’ve come back to where I was before my injury. I rode two doubles in the two Sunday meetings leading up to the Oakleigh and it was only in the last week that I felt really spot on. It took a very, very long time. Even though I’ve been riding for a couple of months, it just sort of it took me that long to get back into it, you know. It really had been a long time, but we were both ready when we needed to be.”
“People kept saying beforehand that he’s only won this, he’d only won that. He’s only won in Queensland etc. But everything he’d ever done he’d done well. He won a Weetwood as a three-year old and that was a fair achievement in itself. Not just any horse could do that, you know."
Swiss Ace’s distance prowess:
“He’s an interesting horse distance-wise. After his spell, he came back well in the Lightning Stakes. That was over 1000m. Now in Queensland he could be a 1000m horse, but in that sort of competitive Group 1, 1000m field you get in Melbourne, he would need more ground to have his best shot. His trip would be more the 1200m (the distance over which Swiss Ace has secured five of his ten wins). He has won over 1350m and can squeeze out that distance. I don’t know if he can win over 1350m in the top grade, but we might be able to find out later on.”
The Lightning Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate:
“The Lightning Stakes was an ideal warm-up for the Oakleigh. He did get a bit lost down the straight in the Lightning - and so did I – but it was a sound effort and it brought him on well.
“In the Oakleigh, he jumped into the lead. Several people watching the video thought he didn’t, but that was the angle at which the film was taken. I would say he was always half a length ahead of anything else. We got across from the draw and he came back to me nicely. I rated him well. I was very aware of the work that I had done early, so I didn’t want to just get to the top of the straight and then go for him. I was lucky enough to be able to hold him up for quite a way in the straight.
“The first time I went for him was about ten metres before the 200m mark, when Lucky Secret headed me. But the strange thing was I wasn’t worried about him. I was worried about the swoopers. I was just thinking that if D. Brereton ... one of the best riders in the country ... if he had to go for his bloke (Lucky Secret) that hard before I had to go for mine, I thought I was a bit of a chance. I always had him in my sights but, like I said, I didn’t know what was happening with the horses on the outside, which is why I was worried about a swooper.
“I guess if you’d asked me before I would have said that if ever I found myself competitive in a finish in a Group 1 race, I’d probably be whipping the fur off the horse to get there. As things turned out though, I couldn’t believe I put my whip away at the 100m when I wasn’t even in the lead! You can call that instinct, experience ... whatever you like. I was just very aware at the time that my best option was to put the stick away and ride him out with the hands.”
Pope had selected a winning option and so it that Swiss Ace responded to Pope’s kinder urgings and fought back to come again and trump Lucky Secret in the final strides to score a famous victory for Queensland and put the names of Ken Pope and Mick Mair into the Group 1 winners directory.
The final word:
While the expert riding and training feats of Pope and Mair take centre stage, It would be seriously amiss not to mention the role played by owner Darryl Rogers and his wife in the above scenario. Rogers selected Swiss Ace at the point of purchase, sitting through a long day at the Brisbane Bloodstock Sales to pick up the colt for the bargain-basement price of $6000,00. It was Rogers who took the original punt before placing the horse with Mair at his stables at the Sunshine Coast. The counter on the return dividend on his investment now stands at a little over $650 000,00 – and it’s still rolling.
“No, I never had anything to do with the purchase of the horse,” said Mick Mair.
But did he have an opinion of the horse before hand?
“No, never even had a look at it. It was all the owner’s doing. I think I’ll have to let him buy some more for me.”
Swiss Ace will be a hard act to follow.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (WED, FEB 25)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, February 25.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From BTC meeting, 21.2.09
Stewards today continued an inquiry into the reason for Mataranka (B. El-Issa) being checked near the 350m in race 8 at the above race meeting. At the inquiry today evidence was taken from B. El-Issa, M. Palmer (Bernado) and apprentice B. Evans (Jachaze). After hearing all evidence and viewing the film, B. Evans was found guilty of contravening AR137(a), in that he rode in a careless manner by permitting his mount to shift out near the 350m under riding when not clear of Mataranka, causing that horse to be checked and lose ground. B. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February, and to expire at midnight, 11 March.
Race 1:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1300m
1st - Starsplash; 2nd - Master Of War; 3rd - Circumnavigate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “She is a well bred filly. She got into a fair amount of trouble in both of her previous starts. I just gave her a break after that. She’s a Galileo. She’s a little bit hot and that break just gave her time to settle down a bit. This was good comeback.”
Jockey Chris Whiteley: “She was first-up here. I’ve ridden her all three runs. She just needed that break (Starsplash was resuming after being out of action for five months) and has come back a nice little horse. She’s trialled a couple of times and has trialled well. I had a nice run behind the favourite the whole way and she hit the line real good. She’ll obviously take benefit out of this run. I think she’ll just go through here classes. I can’t say she is destined for big things, but I do think she’ll win a few more.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Starsplash): 4.80 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Dubai Storm): 3.30 steady. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lauxes (J. Bowditch) and Master Of War (G. Baker) came together at the start. Shortly after the start, Beautiful Moon (B. Evans) and Dubai Storm (S. Galloway) both raced in restricted room between Dapper (R. McMahon), which shifted in, and Craiglea Kara (A. Taylor) which shifted out. As both horses continued to race in restricted room for some distance, Beautiful Moon commenced to get its head up and raced ungenerously and shifted in and away from Dapper, tightening Dubai Storm. Near the 1100m, Lijudaro (R. Goltz) was tightened for room by Master Of War (G. Baker), which shifted out, and Dubai Storm (S. Galloway), which was taken in by Beautiful Moon (B. Evans) when that horse shifted in and away from Dapper (R. McMahon). As a consequence, Tell Jean (T. Treichel), which was trailing, clipped the heels of Lijudaro and blundered, and Starsplash (C. Whiteley) was inconvenienced. On straightening, Dapper (R. McMahon) shifted out to improve and brushed Beautiful Moon (B. Evans). Near the 350m, Dubai Storm shifted out to improve and made contact with Starsplash. Lauxes (J. Bowditch) hung out for the majority of the race. Beautiful Moon raced three wide for the majority of the event.
Race 2:
3yo Maiden Handicap - 1500m
1st - All Show; 2nd - Incendio; 3rd - Croix De Fer
Trainer Robert Heathcote (who saddled the quinella): “This was her fifth run for me. She has always promised to run well. Her last run was a cracker. Larry Cassidy rode her with 57.5kg. He got off and said, put a claimer on and this thing will win and, lo and behold, he was right. We had a doubt about the 1500m, but 57.5kg down to 52kg makes a big difference. But look, she is a solid, honest horse. She has been knocking at the door. I said to the owners, she’ll win in town. She is a Show A Heart mare and she’ll be worth a quid as a broodmare.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “We had a wide gate. I wanted to go forward. We jumped out. I knew I was going to get to the lead, but it was going to take a bit of time. So I was patient and slowly moved across and got to where we wanted to be. I held her up as long as I could down the straight. When I went for her, she kicked and had a big heart and kept kicking.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (All Show): 4.20 in to 3.80 out to 4.40.
Favourite (No Hurry): 3.00 out to 3.20. Finished eleventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As R. McMahon was to be over-weight, A. Spinks was substituted as the rider of Natane. R. McMahon was fined $200. Apprentice M. Hellyer, rider of Ellen Rosina, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 300m he permitted his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of Croix De Fer (G. Baker), which resulted in Croix De Fer having to be checked. Apprentice Hellyer was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February and to expire at midnight, 11 March 2009. Near the 100m, Croix De Fer (G. Baker) shifted in under pressure and bumped Ignition Miss. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of No Hurry and the riding tactics adopted, jockey B. Pengelly stated that he had been instructed to have the horse positioned forward, however the horse jumped away awkwardly with its head in the air and missed the start. He added that as a consequence he settled at the rear of the field rather than be caught wide. B. Pengelly further stated that at various stages of the race No Hurry seemed somewhat reluctant to travel, and when asked for an effort on straightening, the gelding failed to finish the race off as expected. Trainer B. Smith confirmed the instructions to have the horse placed closer to the lead and agreed that the performance today of No Hurry was disappointing. The explanation was noted.
Race 3:
F&M Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Salice; 2nd - Player Run; 3rd - Hello Boss
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “We just found through a series of trials and her run that, when she gets back in the field, she just doesn’t go as well. Just loses her way. So we put the blinkers on and she was comfortably up with the speed today and was able to run her own race. We are sort of in a funny spot with regards to where we go with her now. The Carnival - well it’s too late to spell for it. I’ll have to sit back and give her another run or two and see how she improves ... and then give her a little ease up or something. Whether she is worthy of considering for the Carnival is hard to say. That wasn’t much of a race, but you can only win it. The next couple of runs will tell the story.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Mate, we thought she could win. She has always shown ability. Her first start was very disappointing. We put the blinkers on her this time and a few of the boys have been doing a fair bit of work with her and it’s obviously made a difference. In her first run she was slow to go and did everything wrong and just plugged along to the line. She was completely different then to what we knew she could be. Today’s was more like the type of effort we knew she could produce.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Salice): 4.20 out to 4.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) missed the start. Player Run (B. Evans) was tightened for room on jumping away between The Pocket Rocket (A. Erhart), which jumped inwards, and Salice (S. Scriven), which jumped out and away from Kiss Kiss (R. Goltz), which also jumped outwards. Lindo Falcao (C. McIver) was slow to jump. Approaching the 1000m, Player Run (B. Evans) had to be steadied when cramped for room between Kiss Kiss (R. Goltz), which shifted out slightly when being eased away from the heels of Zero Suspicion (M. Palmer), and Duvivier (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. B. El-Issa, rider of Duvivier, was advised to ensure he is clear when shifting ground. Near the 1000m, The Pocket Rocket (A. Erhart) shifted in and away from Pearly Beach (J. Taylor), resulting in Salice (S. Scriven) having to be checked. Salice then shifted in abruptly, causing severe interference to Zero Suspicion (M. Palmer) and Hello Boss (C. Whiteley). As there were a number of contributing factors involved, stewards were unable to apportion blame to any particular horse or rider for the incident.
A post race veterinary examination of Lindo Falcao, which appeared to be disappointing revealed the horse to have a respiratory problem.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Night Rogues; 2nd - Shake The Lantern; 3rd - Colin's Choice
Trainer Alan Bailey (who only brought two runners with the track and went home with two winners): “He is a very good horse, this horse. He has had a lot of problems. When I first worked him, Charming Rogue could never beat him. Never. But he had all the problems in the world. He had a hair-line fracture in his leg ... and there were problems with his joints. That’s why we had to put him away for such a long time. Since he’s come back he’s been getting there slowly. He’s going to go better than this I can tell you, but, because of the setbacks he has suffered, he’ll probably never get back to being as good as he was.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “Yeah, I copped early interference out of the gates. I wanted to cross but I got dictated to from the outside (by Dive Bomber shifting in sharply). The two on my inside had to take hold and come back out a bit. I mean it wasn’t real good what happened, but it ended up being good for me. We actually found ourselves in a beautiful position and he just sort of worked into it the whole way and got a beautiful run up the inside. I think it is going to be a very nice horse.”
Night Rogues was only having his second race start. He debuted in December 2007 and was out of action for fourteen months.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Night Rogues): 3.00 out to 3.10.
Favourite (Belltone): 2.00 out to 2.05. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
American Gangster (C. Reith) was slow to begin. A. Taylor, rider of Dive Bomber, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1000m she permitted her mount to shift in, which resulted in Night Rogues (B. Evans) being taken in on to Shake The Lantern (N. Thomas), which shifted in, resulting in Roswald (M. Hellyer) and Shake The Lantern severely checked. Stawell Dash was also hampered in this incident. A. Taylor was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 10 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February, and to expire at midnight, 11 March 2009.
Race 5:
4yo and Up (E&G) Class 3 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Haverford; 2nd - Mackunda; 3rd - Snackman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Richardson: “He’s had three seconds in a row before this. He just kept running into bad luck, you know. Bog track last start and when he straightened well back here I thought, oh shit, we are in trouble again. But maybe we learnt a thing or two today. Maybe that’s how he has got to be ridden. We’ve been riding him a lot closer, you know. Even today, I told Chris (McIver) I wanted him to be just off the pace and then take it easy from there. He’s got into trouble and had to get back, otherwise he would have been caught wide. But anyway, I very pleased. It is a very encouraging result. The people that bred him were a little bit dubious about coming to town. There is always a doubt about whether you are up to it when you step up to city racing. But she has got breeding on her side. The mare (Regal Chamber) ran third in the Golden Slipper. She’s the mare that put General Nediym back into fourth place.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver (who completed a double on the day): “He jumped with them, but being first time on the track he wasn’t comfortable and couldn’t quite go with them early. We got back to last and I was a bit worried, because I now had to ride him back to front. But we didn’t have any problem finding a run and as soon as he got into the clear he found another gear and took off.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Haverford): 10.00 out to 12.00.
Favourite (Mollington Grange): 2.60 out to 3.50.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Norse Code cast a plate and was attended to by the farrier prior to the start. Leaving the 1100m when the pace steadied, Norse Code (R. McMahon) commenced to pull hard and then shifted out, making heavy contact with Davion (S. Scriven). Davion then became unbalanced and shifted out, forcing Mollington Grange (L. Rolls) and Gee Whiz wider on the track. Mollington Grange and Gee Whiz were both then forced to race wide around the first turn and raced wide for the remainder of the race. Haverford (C. McIver) and Snackman (O. Turpin) were held up in the straight until after leaving the 200m. Stresso (C. Reith) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight.
Race 6:
4yo & Up (Mares) Class 3 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Lucky Toss; 2nd - Plenty Of Practise; 3rd - Starelie
Trainer Tony Gollan: “We thought she’d get back and settle back there. She’s got no early speed. I was probably a touch worried that 1500m might be a bit short for her ... but this was the best race I could find for her at this time. I think she is an above average mare. I’ve only had her for the three starts prior to this run, so she’s being going well for me (three wins from four starts). She’s going to go on to win a better race than this.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “That was a good, convincing win in the end. Since Tony (Gollan) has had the horse she’s appears to be relishing things. She is just flying. They warned me ... they said she would possibly get back a bit in the run, so I wasn’t too worried when that happened. When she got to the 600m she slowly picked up the bridle. Then it was just a matter of finding the clearing and away she went. The 1500m was probably a bit short for her. She is a ten furlong horse.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lucky Toss): 4.20 out to 4.20 in to 4.00.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 300m, Cajun Moon (M. Hellyer) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Starelie (R. Wiggins) when that horse shifted out to improve. Cajun Moon (M. Hellyer) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Blue Jupiter; 2nd - Fulham; 3rd - Sweet Sassi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He won like he won two runs ago with Shane (Scriven) on. The run in-between wasn’t as good. The reason for that is I really don’t think he is a kids horse. I’ve had a kid on him three times and he has just gone terrible. He is a horse you have to stand over a bit, and the apprentices struggle to get the best out of him. I thought today he had a great chance because of the pace of the race on paper. I knew they would just fly and that the race would be one by a sweeper and that he would be one of those.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “He won pretty easy again today. The other day he gave me a few little worries there at the furlong, but today he had them covered. Liam (Birchley) had done his homework and he assured me they’d fly in the race. So, it worked out nice ... a little bit slow to go, found the fence, weaved our way through, got him to the outside and he did the rest. He was always the best horse in the race. We just needed that bit of luck and we got it. It was good.”
This result game the Liam Birchley / Shane Scriven combination a double on the day.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blue Jupiter): 10.00 out to 13.00 in to 12.00.
Favourite (Mossbemad): 8.00 out to 8.50 in to 4.40.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As D. Craven was currently under suspension, R. Wiggins was substituted as the rider of Falvalea. Blue Jupiter (S. Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Damnation (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Spanish Sister (A. Spinks), Unintentional (J. Jones) and Seething Duck (J. Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Star Touch (G. Baker) got its head up approaching the home turn and commenced to over-race and raced ungenerously for a short distance. A post race veterinary examination of Star Touch failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners, Master Of War, Incendio, Mackunda, Plenty Of Practice, Fulham.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From BTC meeting, 21.2.09
Stewards today continued an inquiry into the reason for Mataranka (B. El-Issa) being checked near the 350m in race 8 at the above race meeting. At the inquiry today evidence was taken from B. El-Issa, M. Palmer (Bernado) and apprentice B. Evans (Jachaze). After hearing all evidence and viewing the film, B. Evans was found guilty of contravening AR137(a), in that he rode in a careless manner by permitting his mount to shift out near the 350m under riding when not clear of Mataranka, causing that horse to be checked and lose ground. B. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February, and to expire at midnight, 11 March.
Race 1:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1300m
1st - Starsplash; 2nd - Master Of War; 3rd - Circumnavigate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “She is a well bred filly. She got into a fair amount of trouble in both of her previous starts. I just gave her a break after that. She’s a Galileo. She’s a little bit hot and that break just gave her time to settle down a bit. This was good comeback.”
Jockey Chris Whiteley: “She was first-up here. I’ve ridden her all three runs. She just needed that break (Starsplash was resuming after being out of action for five months) and has come back a nice little horse. She’s trialled a couple of times and has trialled well. I had a nice run behind the favourite the whole way and she hit the line real good. She’ll obviously take benefit out of this run. I think she’ll just go through here classes. I can’t say she is destined for big things, but I do think she’ll win a few more.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Starsplash): 4.80 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Dubai Storm): 3.30 steady. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lauxes (J. Bowditch) and Master Of War (G. Baker) came together at the start. Shortly after the start, Beautiful Moon (B. Evans) and Dubai Storm (S. Galloway) both raced in restricted room between Dapper (R. McMahon), which shifted in, and Craiglea Kara (A. Taylor) which shifted out. As both horses continued to race in restricted room for some distance, Beautiful Moon commenced to get its head up and raced ungenerously and shifted in and away from Dapper, tightening Dubai Storm. Near the 1100m, Lijudaro (R. Goltz) was tightened for room by Master Of War (G. Baker), which shifted out, and Dubai Storm (S. Galloway), which was taken in by Beautiful Moon (B. Evans) when that horse shifted in and away from Dapper (R. McMahon). As a consequence, Tell Jean (T. Treichel), which was trailing, clipped the heels of Lijudaro and blundered, and Starsplash (C. Whiteley) was inconvenienced. On straightening, Dapper (R. McMahon) shifted out to improve and brushed Beautiful Moon (B. Evans). Near the 350m, Dubai Storm shifted out to improve and made contact with Starsplash. Lauxes (J. Bowditch) hung out for the majority of the race. Beautiful Moon raced three wide for the majority of the event.
Race 2:
3yo Maiden Handicap - 1500m
1st - All Show; 2nd - Incendio; 3rd - Croix De Fer
Trainer Robert Heathcote (who saddled the quinella): “This was her fifth run for me. She has always promised to run well. Her last run was a cracker. Larry Cassidy rode her with 57.5kg. He got off and said, put a claimer on and this thing will win and, lo and behold, he was right. We had a doubt about the 1500m, but 57.5kg down to 52kg makes a big difference. But look, she is a solid, honest horse. She has been knocking at the door. I said to the owners, she’ll win in town. She is a Show A Heart mare and she’ll be worth a quid as a broodmare.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “We had a wide gate. I wanted to go forward. We jumped out. I knew I was going to get to the lead, but it was going to take a bit of time. So I was patient and slowly moved across and got to where we wanted to be. I held her up as long as I could down the straight. When I went for her, she kicked and had a big heart and kept kicking.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (All Show): 4.20 in to 3.80 out to 4.40.
Favourite (No Hurry): 3.00 out to 3.20. Finished eleventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As R. McMahon was to be over-weight, A. Spinks was substituted as the rider of Natane. R. McMahon was fined $200. Apprentice M. Hellyer, rider of Ellen Rosina, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 300m he permitted his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of Croix De Fer (G. Baker), which resulted in Croix De Fer having to be checked. Apprentice Hellyer was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February and to expire at midnight, 11 March 2009. Near the 100m, Croix De Fer (G. Baker) shifted in under pressure and bumped Ignition Miss. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of No Hurry and the riding tactics adopted, jockey B. Pengelly stated that he had been instructed to have the horse positioned forward, however the horse jumped away awkwardly with its head in the air and missed the start. He added that as a consequence he settled at the rear of the field rather than be caught wide. B. Pengelly further stated that at various stages of the race No Hurry seemed somewhat reluctant to travel, and when asked for an effort on straightening, the gelding failed to finish the race off as expected. Trainer B. Smith confirmed the instructions to have the horse placed closer to the lead and agreed that the performance today of No Hurry was disappointing. The explanation was noted.
Race 3:
F&M Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Salice; 2nd - Player Run; 3rd - Hello Boss
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “We just found through a series of trials and her run that, when she gets back in the field, she just doesn’t go as well. Just loses her way. So we put the blinkers on and she was comfortably up with the speed today and was able to run her own race. We are sort of in a funny spot with regards to where we go with her now. The Carnival - well it’s too late to spell for it. I’ll have to sit back and give her another run or two and see how she improves ... and then give her a little ease up or something. Whether she is worthy of considering for the Carnival is hard to say. That wasn’t much of a race, but you can only win it. The next couple of runs will tell the story.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Mate, we thought she could win. She has always shown ability. Her first start was very disappointing. We put the blinkers on her this time and a few of the boys have been doing a fair bit of work with her and it’s obviously made a difference. In her first run she was slow to go and did everything wrong and just plugged along to the line. She was completely different then to what we knew she could be. Today’s was more like the type of effort we knew she could produce.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Salice): 4.20 out to 4.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Carry On Dancer (O. Turpin) missed the start. Player Run (B. Evans) was tightened for room on jumping away between The Pocket Rocket (A. Erhart), which jumped inwards, and Salice (S. Scriven), which jumped out and away from Kiss Kiss (R. Goltz), which also jumped outwards. Lindo Falcao (C. McIver) was slow to jump. Approaching the 1000m, Player Run (B. Evans) had to be steadied when cramped for room between Kiss Kiss (R. Goltz), which shifted out slightly when being eased away from the heels of Zero Suspicion (M. Palmer), and Duvivier (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. B. El-Issa, rider of Duvivier, was advised to ensure he is clear when shifting ground. Near the 1000m, The Pocket Rocket (A. Erhart) shifted in and away from Pearly Beach (J. Taylor), resulting in Salice (S. Scriven) having to be checked. Salice then shifted in abruptly, causing severe interference to Zero Suspicion (M. Palmer) and Hello Boss (C. Whiteley). As there were a number of contributing factors involved, stewards were unable to apportion blame to any particular horse or rider for the incident.
A post race veterinary examination of Lindo Falcao, which appeared to be disappointing revealed the horse to have a respiratory problem.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Night Rogues; 2nd - Shake The Lantern; 3rd - Colin's Choice
Trainer Alan Bailey (who only brought two runners with the track and went home with two winners): “He is a very good horse, this horse. He has had a lot of problems. When I first worked him, Charming Rogue could never beat him. Never. But he had all the problems in the world. He had a hair-line fracture in his leg ... and there were problems with his joints. That’s why we had to put him away for such a long time. Since he’s come back he’s been getting there slowly. He’s going to go better than this I can tell you, but, because of the setbacks he has suffered, he’ll probably never get back to being as good as he was.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “Yeah, I copped early interference out of the gates. I wanted to cross but I got dictated to from the outside (by Dive Bomber shifting in sharply). The two on my inside had to take hold and come back out a bit. I mean it wasn’t real good what happened, but it ended up being good for me. We actually found ourselves in a beautiful position and he just sort of worked into it the whole way and got a beautiful run up the inside. I think it is going to be a very nice horse.”
Night Rogues was only having his second race start. He debuted in December 2007 and was out of action for fourteen months.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Night Rogues): 3.00 out to 3.10.
Favourite (Belltone): 2.00 out to 2.05. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
American Gangster (C. Reith) was slow to begin. A. Taylor, rider of Dive Bomber, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1000m she permitted her mount to shift in, which resulted in Night Rogues (B. Evans) being taken in on to Shake The Lantern (N. Thomas), which shifted in, resulting in Roswald (M. Hellyer) and Shake The Lantern severely checked. Stawell Dash was also hampered in this incident. A. Taylor was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 10 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February, and to expire at midnight, 11 March 2009.
Race 5:
4yo and Up (E&G) Class 3 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Haverford; 2nd - Mackunda; 3rd - Snackman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Richardson: “He’s had three seconds in a row before this. He just kept running into bad luck, you know. Bog track last start and when he straightened well back here I thought, oh shit, we are in trouble again. But maybe we learnt a thing or two today. Maybe that’s how he has got to be ridden. We’ve been riding him a lot closer, you know. Even today, I told Chris (McIver) I wanted him to be just off the pace and then take it easy from there. He’s got into trouble and had to get back, otherwise he would have been caught wide. But anyway, I very pleased. It is a very encouraging result. The people that bred him were a little bit dubious about coming to town. There is always a doubt about whether you are up to it when you step up to city racing. But she has got breeding on her side. The mare (Regal Chamber) ran third in the Golden Slipper. She’s the mare that put General Nediym back into fourth place.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver (who completed a double on the day): “He jumped with them, but being first time on the track he wasn’t comfortable and couldn’t quite go with them early. We got back to last and I was a bit worried, because I now had to ride him back to front. But we didn’t have any problem finding a run and as soon as he got into the clear he found another gear and took off.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Haverford): 10.00 out to 12.00.
Favourite (Mollington Grange): 2.60 out to 3.50.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Norse Code cast a plate and was attended to by the farrier prior to the start. Leaving the 1100m when the pace steadied, Norse Code (R. McMahon) commenced to pull hard and then shifted out, making heavy contact with Davion (S. Scriven). Davion then became unbalanced and shifted out, forcing Mollington Grange (L. Rolls) and Gee Whiz wider on the track. Mollington Grange and Gee Whiz were both then forced to race wide around the first turn and raced wide for the remainder of the race. Haverford (C. McIver) and Snackman (O. Turpin) were held up in the straight until after leaving the 200m. Stresso (C. Reith) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight.
Race 6:
4yo & Up (Mares) Class 3 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Lucky Toss; 2nd - Plenty Of Practise; 3rd - Starelie
Trainer Tony Gollan: “We thought she’d get back and settle back there. She’s got no early speed. I was probably a touch worried that 1500m might be a bit short for her ... but this was the best race I could find for her at this time. I think she is an above average mare. I’ve only had her for the three starts prior to this run, so she’s being going well for me (three wins from four starts). She’s going to go on to win a better race than this.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “That was a good, convincing win in the end. Since Tony (Gollan) has had the horse she’s appears to be relishing things. She is just flying. They warned me ... they said she would possibly get back a bit in the run, so I wasn’t too worried when that happened. When she got to the 600m she slowly picked up the bridle. Then it was just a matter of finding the clearing and away she went. The 1500m was probably a bit short for her. She is a ten furlong horse.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lucky Toss): 4.20 out to 4.20 in to 4.00.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 300m, Cajun Moon (M. Hellyer) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Starelie (R. Wiggins) when that horse shifted out to improve. Cajun Moon (M. Hellyer) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Blue Jupiter; 2nd - Fulham; 3rd - Sweet Sassi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He won like he won two runs ago with Shane (Scriven) on. The run in-between wasn’t as good. The reason for that is I really don’t think he is a kids horse. I’ve had a kid on him three times and he has just gone terrible. He is a horse you have to stand over a bit, and the apprentices struggle to get the best out of him. I thought today he had a great chance because of the pace of the race on paper. I knew they would just fly and that the race would be one by a sweeper and that he would be one of those.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “He won pretty easy again today. The other day he gave me a few little worries there at the furlong, but today he had them covered. Liam (Birchley) had done his homework and he assured me they’d fly in the race. So, it worked out nice ... a little bit slow to go, found the fence, weaved our way through, got him to the outside and he did the rest. He was always the best horse in the race. We just needed that bit of luck and we got it. It was good.”
This result game the Liam Birchley / Shane Scriven combination a double on the day.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blue Jupiter): 10.00 out to 13.00 in to 12.00.
Favourite (Mossbemad): 8.00 out to 8.50 in to 4.40.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As D. Craven was currently under suspension, R. Wiggins was substituted as the rider of Falvalea. Blue Jupiter (S. Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Damnation (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Spanish Sister (A. Spinks), Unintentional (J. Jones) and Seething Duck (J. Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Star Touch (G. Baker) got its head up approaching the home turn and commenced to over-race and raced ungenerously for a short distance. A post race veterinary examination of Star Touch failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners, Master Of War, Incendio, Mackunda, Plenty Of Practice, Fulham.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, FEB 22)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, February 22.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
Training partnership Messrs B. and J. McLachlan pleaded guilty to a charge under LR43, in that Jo Borg, Ron Hansen and Bronwyn Latcham were all employed at their stable facility on the morning of 3 February when unlicensed. The training partnership of B & J. McLachlan was fined the sum of $300. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the exemplary record of this training partnership.
Trainer Mr M. Mair pleaded guilty to a charge under LR43 in that Ms Sharron Jolly was employed at his stage facility on 3 February when unlicensed. Mr Mair was fined the sum of $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account Mr Mair's unblemished record regarding this rule.
Race 1:
Class 1 Handicap - 2000m
1st - Brilliant Ween; 2nd - Fantastic Carat; 3rd - Lion Blanc
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Facoory: “When he’s on the track he is ready to race. But prior to being saddled and everything else, like when you try and saddle him, he’s a bit of a maniac. Maybe it is the adrenaline started to flow. Look at him now (as the horse was returning to scale). Look at him throwing his head up now ...and there again. But he has put two-in-a-row together now so there’s not much wrong with the way he is going on the track.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “He was quite worked up. He was already hot and sweaty beforehand so I just took him around with the pony. I didn’t give him much of a warm-up because he was already pretty warm. I just tried to reserve him that little bit more today (last time, at Ipswich, Brilliant Ween raced away to a sizeable early lead) because he was quite wound up already. But the difference today was I had a horse come up outside me at the 500m and I slapped my horse, just to start get it rolling, you know. I had a few looks and I knew I had them off the bit a little bit ... not right off the bit like the other day, but I knew Ihad things going in my favour. When we were travelling well at the 200m I was confident we had it won.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT: Crocodile Lass (B. Evans) jumped away awkwardly, making contact with Lion Blanc (E. Wilkinson), which had been slow to begin.
Race 2:
3yo & Up CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Cheapskaterubi; 2nd - Maali; 3rd - Gold Land
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Peoples: “I’ve battled with him a little bit. He has had leg problems and we have sort of just keep patching him up all the time. They went fairly fast early today which helped us. I wanted him up there, but I said to Owen (Turpin) if they go fast early, he’ll settle for you. That’s how it panned out and Owen rode a good race.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The race form showed there wasn’t a whole lot of pace in the race. There was a couple that had a little bit of pace, but nothing quite like we imagined, because they did jump and go quite fast. I just took a backward seat. When we came to the 500m I just allowed my horse to roll forward and just pop out one. I had the opportunity to pop out one and sit three wide as we hit the corner and give him a clear run all the way home. Then it was up to him. I think the frontrunners might have went a bit too hard and I was happy to sit where I was. Just that last 100m they sort of hit the wall and I I kept coming. That was it.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cheapskaterubi (O. Turpin) jumped away awkwardly, making contact with Grillita’s Secret (M. Hughes), which was slow to begin. All Kiwi (A. Merritt), Icerullah (J. Bowditch) and Comeonwillie (N. Thomas) were all tightened for room at the start between Gold Land (M. Heagney), which shifted out, and Maali (B. Payne), which shifted in after jumping away awkwardly. All Kiwi lost its position as a result. Approaching the 800m, Maali (B. Payne) was forced to steady to avoid the heels of Top Resource (R. Stewart), which shifted in. A short distance later, Top Resource continued to shift in, causing Gold Land (M. Heagney) to be steadied to avoid heels. Jockey R. Stewart, rider of Top Resource, was reprimanded for this incident. For a short distance leaving the 800m, All Kiwi was inclined to hang out. Nearing the 700m when the pace steadied, Gold Land commenced to over-race and as a result was forced to shift out to avoid heels, forcing Maali (B. Payne) wider on the track. Maali raced wide from that point onwards. Prince Roamanico (A. Taylor) and Grillita’s Secret (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Plate - 1100m
1st - Yeah Good; 2nd - Mysterious Girl; 3rd - Quingilly
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Walk: “Yeah, she likes this track. I gave her a run on it before in a Class 1 (as a Maiden) and she ran alright that day. This is her sort of distance. We tried her over further before and that didn’t really work. We gave her a spell and she’s come back well. I thought she would be hard to beat. She’s been a nightmare for her owners and they deserve every win they get for the way they have kept trying with her. She’s done a lot of things wrong, so they’ve done well to get here.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fortynil (M. Hughes) was slow to begin. Quingilly (T. Treichel) jumped away awkwardly, losing ground. Near the 900m, Get Jazz (W. Clasohm) was forced to steady when tightened for room to the inside of Quingelly, which was taken in by Mile High Mistress (D. Craven). D. Craven, rider of Mile High Mistress, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. Queens Of The Storm (D. Gill), Miss Bickie (A. Badger) and Bella Principessa all raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Mile High Mistress revealed the horse to be lame in the near foreleg. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for the filly prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1600m
1st - In Rehearsal; 2nd - Nevada Gambler; 3rd - Malta
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “Last time the other one (Nevada Gambler) rushed away and I think they all thought it would come back them and it didn’t. We were flying at the finish there, but went down by a short-neck. We met again here, but they rode it differently today. We were in touch and he proved that he could handle the Cushion track which is good. It gives us another option. We’ll probably push him up in distance now. He has won over 1800m before and we’ll probably push up to 2000m.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin (who completed a hat trick on the day to add to the two winners he had at the track at its inaugural night meeting on Saturday night): “I knew the other horse wouldn’t lead on the Cushion track the way it did last time. It never does. I thought well, I’d be able to just jump out and ride the horse at my own pace. After the jump I just popped him out one off the rail, because I was last anyway. I popped up outside Nevada Gambler knowing that Nevada Gambler was going to take off early at the 600m. I then just sat on my horse and held him in until the straight. Around the 450m I started letting him slide and he finished off great. The stable turned the horse out beautifully and I just want to say to Jason and Bruce (McLachlan) how much I appreciate the rides they give me.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
In Rehearsal (O. Turpin) was slow to begin. Semi Wells (B. Evans) was momentarily held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Stewards questioned both apprentice A. Badger and trainer B. Gill in relation to the tactics adopted on Nevada Gambler. Apprentice Badger stated her instructions were to ride the horse in a forward position, however after travelling a short distance, it was clear she was not going to be able to hold such a position as horses to her outside were showing significant early speed, and she elected therefore to take hold and take a sit. Trainer Mr B. Gill confirmed these instructions, however stated that he was not entirely surprised the Nevada Gambler was not able to hold the lead as, in his opinion, there was more pace in this event than at the horse's previous start.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Pop Legend; 2nd - Lapetus; 3rd - Real Grand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gina Roberts: “He hasn’t performed badly in recent starts, but he just doesn’t appreciate heavy ground. He’s definitely better on top of the ground. He gets through the heavy going but he’s not comfortable in it. We just had no choice. There are not a lot of suitable races around. It’s taken a while with him. He ran fourth in his first start as a three-year-old at the Gold Coast, but he bowed his tendon so hence, we lost a couple of years because he has done it twice. He had two years off and it’s just taken a long time for him to come back. Being an older horse, he just needed racing. You know last start, ok that was on a heavy track, and this one, it’s probably the fittest he’s ever been.
“I did have a bit of confidence in him coming right, that’s why I persevered with him. He’s always shown a bit of ability and I think he will win a couple of more races. When they can get a bit of ground it’s a bit easier. Staying races are not that hard. I think he’ll get 2000m or maybe even further, you know. He had to chase down the winner today. He always tries hard and his determination helped get him there. Kenji (Yoshida) did well. He rides all my work and I’ve got to support him.”
Jockey Kenji Yoshida: “At the top of the straight I wasn’t sure if I could run down the leader (Lapetus) because he had kicked away by four or five lengths. At the 200m, my horse started making ground and was closing the gap. From there I was pretty sure I would win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ausbred Icon (A. Merritt) and Fleischmans Rocket (W. Clasohm) were slow to begin. Dane Raider (K. Pope) raced wide in the early stages. Biscays Best (R. Stewart), which raced wide in the early stages, over-raced for a short distance leaving the 1400m. Approaching the 400m, Slip Up (M. Hughes) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made heavy contact with Pop Legend (K. Yoshida), causing both horses to become unbalanced. Real Grand raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Horse, which tailed off, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
3yo QTIS Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Trail Of Secrets; 2nd - Easy Play; 3rd - Kalinga Lady
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: (The McLachlan stable completed a treble on the day). “She is a really lightly framed filly. She showed us a lot early ... but she has taken so long to mature. We’ve had to turn her out a few times. She’s shown a lot of potential on the track and she just needs to strengthen up. She will get stronger. She is a late maturing filly. A couple of times I thought she could win. She wasn’t strong enough. She’ll make it at the end of the day. Give her another twelve months and she will be a nice filly.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Easy Play (J. Jones) was slow to begin. Near the 600m, Easy Play improved up on to the heels of Dodge County (O. Turpin) and had to be steadied. Easy Play was then held up for clear running until leaving the 400m. Pegunny Theatre (J. Bowditch) was buffeted at the start between Stickman (W. Clasohm) and Trail Of Secrets (N. Thomas), both of which shifted ground. Dodge County (O. Turpin) was inclined to hang out from the 500m onwards. Stickman and Galaxy Stalker (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Craiglea Maiden; 2nd - Yuketan; 3rd - Larry's Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Fleming: “That’s her third run this prep. Before that she was out for eleven months because she suffered badly from EI and never really recovered from the inoculations. We just had to give her time. She’s finally come back now, but at the time she just never handled the inoculations. She’s been up to 1500m, but 1000m to 1300m is probably her best range of distance. The draw (number one barrier) helped and he (Tony Pattillo) rode her well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Buddha Babe was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon prior to the race and cleared to start. Alf On The Run, which reared over in the barriers, was declared a late scratching at 4.07 pm on veterinary advice. Trainer S. Mackinnon was advised that a warning would be placed on Alf On The Run regarding its barrier manners. Buddha Babe (A. Spinks), Disastrous (G. Baker) and Reonmay (D. Craven) were all tightened for room at the start between Lunacampo (N. Thomas) and Craiglea Maiden (A. Pattillo), which shifted out. Reonmay and Disastrous both lost ground in this incident. Lions And Dragons (A. Merritt) was tightened for room at the start between YUKETAN (E. Wilkinson) and Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers), both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 1000m, Lions And Dragons (A. Merritt), which commenced to over-race and Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) were both tightened for room and had to be steadied when racing between Lunacampo (N. Thomas), which shifted out, and Yuketan (E. Wilkinson), which shifted in. Lions And Dragons then continued to over-race until leaving the 800m when it hung out across the heels of Clickgothespears (K. Pope) and had to be checked. L. Manzelman, trainer of Lions And Dragons, was advised that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Nearing the 800m, when the pace slackened, Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) commenced to over-race on the heels of Reonmay (D. Craven). Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) had difficulty obtaining clear running from the 500m until approaching the 200m. Clickgothespears (K. Pope) and Yuketan (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Buddha Babe revealed the gelding had sustained a small laceration to the near hind leg. The veterinary surgeon also reported that Lunacampo had been galloped on on the off hind leg.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Damashqui; 2nd - Spirto Gentil; 3rd - Don Carmello
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “He’s racing well. We dropped him back in distance because he just never finished the mile off last time. He might be a 1400m horse, but we will give him a try over the mile again.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
App. Jockey J. Jones was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his engagement on Cooly Road and was replaced by apprentice A. Taylor. Cooly Road (A. Taylor) was slow to begin. Mr Solidarity (E. Wilkinson) jumped away awkwardly. Seven Dwarfs (H. Hamada) jumped with its head in the air and lost ground. Leaving the 1200m, Seven Dwarfs (H. Hamada) and Cooly Road (A. Taylor) both over-raced and had to be steadied. Approaching the 600m, Spirito Gentil (B. Pengelly) was forced to shift wider on the track to avoid the heels of the tiring Competitive Edge and in doing so shifted Sir Reason (R. Stewart) wider on the track. Spirito Gentil (B. Pengelly) raced wide from this point onwards. Nearing the 400m, Mr Solitary was momentarily tightened for room between Spirito Gentil and Howgoodsthat (K. Pope), which shifted out slightly. Nearing the 200m, E. Wilkinson, rider of Mr Solitary, accidentally dropped his whip. Mr Solitary (E. Wilkinson) and Sir Reason (R. Stewart) raced wide throughout. Spirito Gentil lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Competitive Edge revealed the colt had a minor abrasion to the off nostril and a minor laceration to the inside of the off-fore cannon. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Howgoodsthat, which commenced to lose ground from the 400m, revealed the horse to be lame in the off-fore fetlock. Trainer J. Walk was advised he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Howgoodsthat prior to its next race start. Jockey B. Pengelly pleaded guilty to a charge under AR145 in that he returned to scale overweight on Spirito Gentil. B. Pengelly was fined the sum of $500.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Fantastic Carat, Quingilly.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
Training partnership Messrs B. and J. McLachlan pleaded guilty to a charge under LR43, in that Jo Borg, Ron Hansen and Bronwyn Latcham were all employed at their stable facility on the morning of 3 February when unlicensed. The training partnership of B & J. McLachlan was fined the sum of $300. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the exemplary record of this training partnership.
Trainer Mr M. Mair pleaded guilty to a charge under LR43 in that Ms Sharron Jolly was employed at his stage facility on 3 February when unlicensed. Mr Mair was fined the sum of $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account Mr Mair's unblemished record regarding this rule.
Race 1:
Class 1 Handicap - 2000m
1st - Brilliant Ween; 2nd - Fantastic Carat; 3rd - Lion Blanc
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Facoory: “When he’s on the track he is ready to race. But prior to being saddled and everything else, like when you try and saddle him, he’s a bit of a maniac. Maybe it is the adrenaline started to flow. Look at him now (as the horse was returning to scale). Look at him throwing his head up now ...and there again. But he has put two-in-a-row together now so there’s not much wrong with the way he is going on the track.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “He was quite worked up. He was already hot and sweaty beforehand so I just took him around with the pony. I didn’t give him much of a warm-up because he was already pretty warm. I just tried to reserve him that little bit more today (last time, at Ipswich, Brilliant Ween raced away to a sizeable early lead) because he was quite wound up already. But the difference today was I had a horse come up outside me at the 500m and I slapped my horse, just to start get it rolling, you know. I had a few looks and I knew I had them off the bit a little bit ... not right off the bit like the other day, but I knew Ihad things going in my favour. When we were travelling well at the 200m I was confident we had it won.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT: Crocodile Lass (B. Evans) jumped away awkwardly, making contact with Lion Blanc (E. Wilkinson), which had been slow to begin.
Race 2:
3yo & Up CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Cheapskaterubi; 2nd - Maali; 3rd - Gold Land
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Peoples: “I’ve battled with him a little bit. He has had leg problems and we have sort of just keep patching him up all the time. They went fairly fast early today which helped us. I wanted him up there, but I said to Owen (Turpin) if they go fast early, he’ll settle for you. That’s how it panned out and Owen rode a good race.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The race form showed there wasn’t a whole lot of pace in the race. There was a couple that had a little bit of pace, but nothing quite like we imagined, because they did jump and go quite fast. I just took a backward seat. When we came to the 500m I just allowed my horse to roll forward and just pop out one. I had the opportunity to pop out one and sit three wide as we hit the corner and give him a clear run all the way home. Then it was up to him. I think the frontrunners might have went a bit too hard and I was happy to sit where I was. Just that last 100m they sort of hit the wall and I I kept coming. That was it.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cheapskaterubi (O. Turpin) jumped away awkwardly, making contact with Grillita’s Secret (M. Hughes), which was slow to begin. All Kiwi (A. Merritt), Icerullah (J. Bowditch) and Comeonwillie (N. Thomas) were all tightened for room at the start between Gold Land (M. Heagney), which shifted out, and Maali (B. Payne), which shifted in after jumping away awkwardly. All Kiwi lost its position as a result. Approaching the 800m, Maali (B. Payne) was forced to steady to avoid the heels of Top Resource (R. Stewart), which shifted in. A short distance later, Top Resource continued to shift in, causing Gold Land (M. Heagney) to be steadied to avoid heels. Jockey R. Stewart, rider of Top Resource, was reprimanded for this incident. For a short distance leaving the 800m, All Kiwi was inclined to hang out. Nearing the 700m when the pace steadied, Gold Land commenced to over-race and as a result was forced to shift out to avoid heels, forcing Maali (B. Payne) wider on the track. Maali raced wide from that point onwards. Prince Roamanico (A. Taylor) and Grillita’s Secret (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Plate - 1100m
1st - Yeah Good; 2nd - Mysterious Girl; 3rd - Quingilly
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Walk: “Yeah, she likes this track. I gave her a run on it before in a Class 1 (as a Maiden) and she ran alright that day. This is her sort of distance. We tried her over further before and that didn’t really work. We gave her a spell and she’s come back well. I thought she would be hard to beat. She’s been a nightmare for her owners and they deserve every win they get for the way they have kept trying with her. She’s done a lot of things wrong, so they’ve done well to get here.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fortynil (M. Hughes) was slow to begin. Quingilly (T. Treichel) jumped away awkwardly, losing ground. Near the 900m, Get Jazz (W. Clasohm) was forced to steady when tightened for room to the inside of Quingelly, which was taken in by Mile High Mistress (D. Craven). D. Craven, rider of Mile High Mistress, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. Queens Of The Storm (D. Gill), Miss Bickie (A. Badger) and Bella Principessa all raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Mile High Mistress revealed the horse to be lame in the near foreleg. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for the filly prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1600m
1st - In Rehearsal; 2nd - Nevada Gambler; 3rd - Malta
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “Last time the other one (Nevada Gambler) rushed away and I think they all thought it would come back them and it didn’t. We were flying at the finish there, but went down by a short-neck. We met again here, but they rode it differently today. We were in touch and he proved that he could handle the Cushion track which is good. It gives us another option. We’ll probably push him up in distance now. He has won over 1800m before and we’ll probably push up to 2000m.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin (who completed a hat trick on the day to add to the two winners he had at the track at its inaugural night meeting on Saturday night): “I knew the other horse wouldn’t lead on the Cushion track the way it did last time. It never does. I thought well, I’d be able to just jump out and ride the horse at my own pace. After the jump I just popped him out one off the rail, because I was last anyway. I popped up outside Nevada Gambler knowing that Nevada Gambler was going to take off early at the 600m. I then just sat on my horse and held him in until the straight. Around the 450m I started letting him slide and he finished off great. The stable turned the horse out beautifully and I just want to say to Jason and Bruce (McLachlan) how much I appreciate the rides they give me.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
In Rehearsal (O. Turpin) was slow to begin. Semi Wells (B. Evans) was momentarily held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Stewards questioned both apprentice A. Badger and trainer B. Gill in relation to the tactics adopted on Nevada Gambler. Apprentice Badger stated her instructions were to ride the horse in a forward position, however after travelling a short distance, it was clear she was not going to be able to hold such a position as horses to her outside were showing significant early speed, and she elected therefore to take hold and take a sit. Trainer Mr B. Gill confirmed these instructions, however stated that he was not entirely surprised the Nevada Gambler was not able to hold the lead as, in his opinion, there was more pace in this event than at the horse's previous start.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Pop Legend; 2nd - Lapetus; 3rd - Real Grand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gina Roberts: “He hasn’t performed badly in recent starts, but he just doesn’t appreciate heavy ground. He’s definitely better on top of the ground. He gets through the heavy going but he’s not comfortable in it. We just had no choice. There are not a lot of suitable races around. It’s taken a while with him. He ran fourth in his first start as a three-year-old at the Gold Coast, but he bowed his tendon so hence, we lost a couple of years because he has done it twice. He had two years off and it’s just taken a long time for him to come back. Being an older horse, he just needed racing. You know last start, ok that was on a heavy track, and this one, it’s probably the fittest he’s ever been.
“I did have a bit of confidence in him coming right, that’s why I persevered with him. He’s always shown a bit of ability and I think he will win a couple of more races. When they can get a bit of ground it’s a bit easier. Staying races are not that hard. I think he’ll get 2000m or maybe even further, you know. He had to chase down the winner today. He always tries hard and his determination helped get him there. Kenji (Yoshida) did well. He rides all my work and I’ve got to support him.”
Jockey Kenji Yoshida: “At the top of the straight I wasn’t sure if I could run down the leader (Lapetus) because he had kicked away by four or five lengths. At the 200m, my horse started making ground and was closing the gap. From there I was pretty sure I would win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ausbred Icon (A. Merritt) and Fleischmans Rocket (W. Clasohm) were slow to begin. Dane Raider (K. Pope) raced wide in the early stages. Biscays Best (R. Stewart), which raced wide in the early stages, over-raced for a short distance leaving the 1400m. Approaching the 400m, Slip Up (M. Hughes) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made heavy contact with Pop Legend (K. Yoshida), causing both horses to become unbalanced. Real Grand raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Horse, which tailed off, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
3yo QTIS Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Trail Of Secrets; 2nd - Easy Play; 3rd - Kalinga Lady
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: (The McLachlan stable completed a treble on the day). “She is a really lightly framed filly. She showed us a lot early ... but she has taken so long to mature. We’ve had to turn her out a few times. She’s shown a lot of potential on the track and she just needs to strengthen up. She will get stronger. She is a late maturing filly. A couple of times I thought she could win. She wasn’t strong enough. She’ll make it at the end of the day. Give her another twelve months and she will be a nice filly.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Easy Play (J. Jones) was slow to begin. Near the 600m, Easy Play improved up on to the heels of Dodge County (O. Turpin) and had to be steadied. Easy Play was then held up for clear running until leaving the 400m. Pegunny Theatre (J. Bowditch) was buffeted at the start between Stickman (W. Clasohm) and Trail Of Secrets (N. Thomas), both of which shifted ground. Dodge County (O. Turpin) was inclined to hang out from the 500m onwards. Stickman and Galaxy Stalker (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Craiglea Maiden; 2nd - Yuketan; 3rd - Larry's Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Fleming: “That’s her third run this prep. Before that she was out for eleven months because she suffered badly from EI and never really recovered from the inoculations. We just had to give her time. She’s finally come back now, but at the time she just never handled the inoculations. She’s been up to 1500m, but 1000m to 1300m is probably her best range of distance. The draw (number one barrier) helped and he (Tony Pattillo) rode her well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Buddha Babe was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon prior to the race and cleared to start. Alf On The Run, which reared over in the barriers, was declared a late scratching at 4.07 pm on veterinary advice. Trainer S. Mackinnon was advised that a warning would be placed on Alf On The Run regarding its barrier manners. Buddha Babe (A. Spinks), Disastrous (G. Baker) and Reonmay (D. Craven) were all tightened for room at the start between Lunacampo (N. Thomas) and Craiglea Maiden (A. Pattillo), which shifted out. Reonmay and Disastrous both lost ground in this incident. Lions And Dragons (A. Merritt) was tightened for room at the start between YUKETAN (E. Wilkinson) and Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers), both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 1000m, Lions And Dragons (A. Merritt), which commenced to over-race and Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) were both tightened for room and had to be steadied when racing between Lunacampo (N. Thomas), which shifted out, and Yuketan (E. Wilkinson), which shifted in. Lions And Dragons then continued to over-race until leaving the 800m when it hung out across the heels of Clickgothespears (K. Pope) and had to be checked. L. Manzelman, trainer of Lions And Dragons, was advised that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Nearing the 800m, when the pace slackened, Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) commenced to over-race on the heels of Reonmay (D. Craven). Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) had difficulty obtaining clear running from the 500m until approaching the 200m. Clickgothespears (K. Pope) and Yuketan (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Buddha Babe revealed the gelding had sustained a small laceration to the near hind leg. The veterinary surgeon also reported that Lunacampo had been galloped on on the off hind leg.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Damashqui; 2nd - Spirto Gentil; 3rd - Don Carmello
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “He’s racing well. We dropped him back in distance because he just never finished the mile off last time. He might be a 1400m horse, but we will give him a try over the mile again.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
App. Jockey J. Jones was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his engagement on Cooly Road and was replaced by apprentice A. Taylor. Cooly Road (A. Taylor) was slow to begin. Mr Solidarity (E. Wilkinson) jumped away awkwardly. Seven Dwarfs (H. Hamada) jumped with its head in the air and lost ground. Leaving the 1200m, Seven Dwarfs (H. Hamada) and Cooly Road (A. Taylor) both over-raced and had to be steadied. Approaching the 600m, Spirito Gentil (B. Pengelly) was forced to shift wider on the track to avoid the heels of the tiring Competitive Edge and in doing so shifted Sir Reason (R. Stewart) wider on the track. Spirito Gentil (B. Pengelly) raced wide from this point onwards. Nearing the 400m, Mr Solitary was momentarily tightened for room between Spirito Gentil and Howgoodsthat (K. Pope), which shifted out slightly. Nearing the 200m, E. Wilkinson, rider of Mr Solitary, accidentally dropped his whip. Mr Solitary (E. Wilkinson) and Sir Reason (R. Stewart) raced wide throughout. Spirito Gentil lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Competitive Edge revealed the colt had a minor abrasion to the off nostril and a minor laceration to the inside of the off-fore cannon. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Howgoodsthat, which commenced to lose ground from the 400m, revealed the horse to be lame in the off-fore fetlock. Trainer J. Walk was advised he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Howgoodsthat prior to its next race start. Jockey B. Pengelly pleaded guilty to a charge under AR145 in that he returned to scale overweight on Spirito Gentil. B. Pengelly was fined the sum of $500.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Fantastic Carat, Quingilly.
Monday, February 23, 2009
DOOMBEN REVIEW (SAT, FEB 21)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Saturday, February 21.
Race 1:
2yo QTIS Handicap - 1200m
1st - Umanugget; 2nd - Captain Sonador; 3rd - Released
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Gentle: “I think he could have won his first start if he had drawn a barrier. He went back to third last and had to come around them in his first start in a race and he’d only had one trial. Sarge In Charge won that race and he went on to Karaka millions and run second. Sarge In Charge should have won the Karaka Millions and the second or third horse in our race, Motown Lady, ran third in the Magic Millions. So that was a very good effort. Very good form-line.
“In his second start he ran into Streets Away and there is a big wrap on that one. I think the tempo of that race in a five horse field the other day – they ran the first 600m in 37 (seconds) and ran home in 35, didn’t suit him. Also, he got through the (heavy) going there, but didn’t handle it one hundred percent. Today he handled it a lot better obviously. He has got a pretty high cruising speed once he gets going. Behind Streets Away we rode him out the barriers because of the five horse field. I think if he’d have got the same run as Streets Away he’d probably have won the race. Going into that race last start, we were going to go from there straight to Sydney for the Silver Slipper or a race like that. But, then when he got beaten, we went back to the drawing board.
“He’s got the win now so we are back on track. We haven’t finalised any plans yet. He’s still in the Slipper. We’ll go home and think about that. We’ve got a three-year-old we are trying to turn into a two-year-old and it’s only been in the last few weeks that this horse has been drilled down to be a two-year-old. He’s bred to stay. He is by Mossman and the best Mossman has been Excites. He won over a mile, 2000m and was placed in the Derby. Umanugget’s mother won two races over a mile and 2000m at Flemington. So he’s really bred to be a three-year-old and stay, so, although we are trying to turn him into a smart two-year-old, we’ll have to consider all of our options. It’s up in the air if we go down to the Slipper. If we go the Sydney but not go to the Slipper, we can go the Sires and the Champagne Stakes. If we don’t go to Sydney, we’ll probably give him one more run here and then bring him back for the winter.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed slightly due to Craiglea Bella requiring the attention of the farrier and Water Pistol having to be resaddled. Thrillseeker was examined behind the barriers and cleared to race by the veterinary surgeon. No Ransom (A. Taylor) shifted out at the start and brushed Umanugget (S. Seamer). Leaving the 900m Diehard Trying (C. Reith) shifted in and made heavy contact with Released (B. Evans), forcing that horse in on to the rails. C. Reith was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Spinelli (Matthew Palmer), which was caught wide rounding the first turn, was obliged to race wide throughout. Captain Sonador raced three wide throughout. Near the 300m Water Pistol (O. Turpin) shifted out and brushed No Ransom (A. Taylor). Water Pistol again shifted out under pressure in the run to the finish and hampered No Ransom. Passing the 300m Craiglea Bella, when attempting a run between Thrillseeker and Diehard Trying, had to be steadied when Diehard Trying shifted ground when not fully clear. After being steadied, Craiglea Bella then shifted in and made heavy contact with Released. C. Reith, the rider of Diehard Trying, was advised to ensure he is fully clear when shifting ground.
Race 2:
Open Handicap - 2220m
1st - Fort ‘N' Won; 2nd - Take The Plea; 3rd – Fulmonti
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (foreman for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “This result says a lot for the Murwillumbah track doesn’t it. We’ve had ten inches of rain in eight days down there and we haven’t missed a beat in training preparing a horse to win over 2200m. We’ve got a sand track down there that they just need to duplicate and replace all of the all-weather tracks in Australia. It’s amazing, you know. That’s the test, to get stayers ready in those conditions and, like I say, we haven’t missed a beat. The inside sand track at Murwillumbah is amazing. We’ve had three inches over night and you wouldn’t know it. You’ve got no idea. Forget the all-weather tracks. Just copy it.
“It was a good win. He was a good horse when he was young and the only difference between him now and then is that he’s lost the dash he used to have. Because of that we tried to ride him a bit closer. It worked out well. He (Matthew Palmer) rode it perfect. We took the lugging bit off and we put the Kyneton nose band on because we wanted to ride him closer. He works in that every morning. We thought if we had to give him a bit of a squeeze to get there, it can be hard to get him to come back, whereas in that nose band he comes straight back. That’s the reason we put that on.
“As a three-year-old he could have been anything this horse. He’s lost his acceleration. That’s probably the major difference between where he is now and where he was as a three-year-old. He still stays good. There’s another race for him in a fortnight. We’ll just keep chugging away.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m Take The Plea (B. El-Issa) shifted out to improve and made heavy contact with Bell Academy (L. Cassidy). Near the 600m Fulmonti (R. McMahon) had to be steadied momentarily as Take The Plea shifted back towards the rail. On straightening Fulmonti shifted out to improve, forcing the tiring Winsome Loot (O. Turpin) out on to Bell Academy. R. McMahon, the rider of Fulmonti, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts right to the line and ensure that he does not leave himself open to question.
Stewards questioned trainer C. Jordan and jockey R. McMahon as to Fulmonti travelling several lengths off the second-last horse Take The Plea in the early and middle stages of the race. R. McMahon stated that the horse was reluctant to travel in the heavy going in the early stages of the race and did not seem comfortable at any stage. Trainer C. Jordan stated that he felt that the horse did not appear comfortable in the going and he was of the opinion that despite the horse running good races on wet tracks previously, on those occasions it had carried lighter weights than today. The explanation was noted.
Race 3:
3yo QTIS Handicap - 1200m
1st - Age Of Heroes; 2nd - Meet George; 3rd - Showit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He’s a good horse this bloke. His win at the Gold Coast the other day was fantastic. He led and they attacked him and attacked him, but he is a real little fighter. He was beaten ten times, but when they got to the line he’d beaten them by a length. He’s is a good little racehorse. He’s definitely a Winter Carnival horse and I’ll keep him here for that. We won’t go anywhere else with him. I don’t know which races we’ll go for right now. We’ll go for whatever we can win!
“You had to worry about the going today. Everybody has to worry about it when it gets this wet. This is about the wettest track you can run on. He likes the better going, but he got through it. I was worried about the going and I said to Michael (Palmer), you might have to ride him back third or fourth or somewhere so you can get to the outside and give him a good look where he ‘s going. But then he was slow out today and he got into a bit of strife and had to go back and finished up on the fence (from an outside draw). He was back third last. I didn’t think he’d get back that far. But once Michael got him out at the top of the straight, I said he’ll win now. He comes that quickly. He is a very good horse.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “Our plan was to be up in the top four or five, but once we jumped there was a lot more pace than we anticipated. He jumped out fine, but couldn’t muster enough pace to sort of be there, so I was further back than I wanted to be. He was a bit awkward in the going. He didn’t really handle it – but he got through it. He was never really comfortable, but once he straightened up and got him out and had that one clear run at it, he knuckled down and put it in all the way to finish.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Mountain Brew had to be re-plated after it cast a plate. The Crusader (L. Cassidy) jumped out at the start and made contact with Hello Christmas (M. Dorrington). Sharufa (R. Stewart) also jumped out at the start and made contact with Patch’s Express (B. Evans). Mountain Brew (S. Bogenhuber), Kirra Lyn (Matthew Palmer) and Za Magic (S. Scriven) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Leaving the 900M Angelic (A. Pattillo) shifted in and away from Rapid Tricia (B. El-Issa) and cramped Sharufa, Hello Christmas and The Crusader. The Crusader then raced in restricted room and near the 800m had to be checked when racing inside of Angelic, which was taken in by Rapid Tricia. After hearing evidence from the riders, B. El-Issa, the rider of Rapid Tricia, was severely reprimanded under AR. 137(a) and instructed to provide more clearance when crossing. Patch’s Express shifted out under pressure near the 100m and brushed the hind quarters of Mountain Brew. A post-race veterinary examination of Hello Christmas failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Kirra Lyn revealed the filly to be suffering metabolic heat syndrome.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1030m
1st - Heart; 2nd - Sequallan; 3rd - Babinda Half
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Brent Evans: “Yeah, well I knew he wouldn’t have enough speed to go with them early. We had a good alley and we were always going to be on the fence which we didn’t really want to be. We were on the back of Babinda Half and then, when he peeled off, there was only one place I could go. So I just dug up the rails and went up on the inside. One came to challenge me, but he just kept on finding.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
How Good Is He (A. Spinks) raced three wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Azzaland, jockey G. Baker stated that the horse at no stage seemed comfortable in the heavy going and had failed previously on a heavy track at the Gold Coast. Trainer R. Stephenson agreed with jockey Baker's comments and indicated that the horse would now be immediately spelled.
Stewards questioned jockey A. Spinks, the rider of How Good Is He, in relation to the riding tactics in racing three wide for the entire event. Jockey Spinks stated that his instructions were to go back, however when the pace eased passing the 800m he was caught three wide and the horse had commenced to pull and as there was no significant pace in the middle stages he was then obliged to race three wide. Trainer R. Purcell confirmed the instructions and felt that Spinks may have been a victim of circumstances given the pattern of the race.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate (Set Weights) - 1640m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - Shew Stone; 3rd - Humma
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “He’s a real smart horse this horse. You know, I do odd things with horses. Maybe I’ll bring him - maybe – I’ll bring him back in distance. With the confidence he’s got now to win, he’s showing me he can win 1400m ... and for the times he can run on a good track, you know, I’ve got to look at that and say maybe he is a Stradbroke horse. It might seem silly to say that and then say that the following year I might take him up in distance. I’m not sure yet, but I’ve got options. When I get feelings, I just leave it open.
“The owners have given me a free hand with the horse. He’s a lovely type. When I went out in the paddock. I said, yeah I’ll train him, I’ll win a Stradbroke with him. He is a very smart horse, but you have got to be careful with these horses when they are big and built like he is. He is a sprinter-miler, you know what I mean. If they go along quick on a good track, he’ll track up and he’ll sprint over the top of them. Even when he was gone in the ground today – incidentally, I will not run him on a heavy track again, because I don’t want to ask him to do something he can’t do – even when he looked gone today, he was really trying for me. Once he got off the bit he wasn’t handling it, but he dug deep. That’s what I’ve train him for and everything I’ve done for this horse is to get him to hit the line.
“With the whole of my team, you know I’m doing very nicely because of one reason – Scotty Galloway and the other riders, they are understanding me and they are riding my horses the way I want them to be ridden. I’m just so happy with Scott. You know, he rode Double Or Nothing to three city wins in a row for me from wide draws. The bloke rode for Hawkes all of that time. He is a champion rider unrecognised. Really, a champion rider unrecognised. I’m blessed that he understands me. He comes up and rides work and he understands what I want. It’s great.
”The horse might go out now, but I’m not certain. I’ve got a little secret place where I put them, but I’ll keep that under my hat.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “From the awkward alley we had to go back and they were walking so I was really concerned. At about the 1100m a couple of horses in front of me pulled hard and shifted out so I was able to get up in behind the leader and that won me the race, you know. From there he just had to finish of well, which he did.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tripitz (B. Evans) was slow to jump. In Phuket (A. Taylor) faltered on jumping away. Shortly after the start In Phuket commenced to over-race and near the 1400m had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Humma (J. Bowditch) which was taken in by Punch Up (J. Taylor). In Phuket then commenced to hang out and passing the 1200m, when over-racing, shifted out forcing Tripitz wider on the track. In Phuket then raced wide for the remainder of the event.
Stewards questioned jockey J. Taylor, the rider of Punch Up, as to his reason for allowing Humma to assume a position outside the leader after leaving the 800m. J. Taylor stated that Punch Up had relaxed when racing outside the leader racing down the back straight, however as a result of the slow pace approaching the 800m, his mount got its head up on at least two occasions and at this point Humma went forward three wide and sprinted quickly. He stated that Punch Up could not sprint with Humma and as a consequence he elected to allow it to cross and trail it forward, however his mount could not maintain its position and only finished the race off fairly. J. Taylor's explanation was noted.
Apprentice Michael Palmer, the rider of Shuffle The Cash, was reprimanded under AR. 137A for using his whip excessively.
Race 6:
4yo and Up Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Public Nuisance; 2nd - Lucidly; 3rd - More Than Regal
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Louise White: “That’s two out of two for me as a trainer. I’ve been so lucky. Heather (Burgess - who trained the horse when he scored the first success in his current winning sequence) wanted to finish training. I’m friends with her and she trusted me to take the horse over. The horse is a marvel. So easy to train. He loves his work, loves his feed. He’s brilliant ... and he keeps himself happy too. He amuses himself by doing very silly things in the box. He is an absolute pleasure to train.”
Jockey Scott Galloway (who completed a double on the day): “He’s come back a better horse this time in. He has thickened out a bit and just got stronger. He travelled nice. It took him a little while to pick up the leader, but from the 150m I sort of had him covered.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Perugin Thought (B. Stewart) sprung a plate travelling to the barriers and required the attention of the farrier. More Than Regal (S. Seamer) jumped awkwardly and missed the start. More Than Regal and Mr Doyle (S. Scriven) brushed just past the winning post.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1350m
1st - Striking Victory; 2nd - Rightson; 3rd - Watchyerback
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Squaire: “I got a bit of flak for starting him first-up over a mile last time. But I had to do it because there were no races for him. He’d had a virus before that. A bad virus and I had to give him a good break (for nearly four months), but he’d come back strong and needed to run. Today, he had 53kg on his back. I don’t think he’s carried that since he was a foal. I didn’t worry about the barrier (the widest runner) because the horse has got pace. I honestly thought he had a good chance today."
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (who completed a double on the day): “Yeah, I’ve only had four winners in town and they’ve both come in doubles. I was always going to go forward and be in the first four. I fired him up out of the gates and I found myself in front. I give him a breather once I got there. Then Larry (Cassidy – on Rightson) come up outside me. The old horse just fought on well. He never had that weight on his back for a long, long time. I didn’t think I would get to the other one when he went away from us. But I just put the whip away and kept riding him and he fought on.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Foolish (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Slim Pickings (J. Taylor), which jumped away awkwardly, was tightened shortly after the start between Angelo Minny (R. McMahon) and Secrets Untold (B. El-Issa), which jumped inwards.
Jockey R. McMahon, the rider of Angelo Minny, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a), the careless riding being that near the 1200m he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Slim Pickings, resulting in Slim Pickings being taken in on to Hello Possums (A. Taylor), which was taken in on to Ice Chariot (P. Wolfgram), which had to be checked. R. McMahon's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Saturday, 21 February, and to expire at midnight on Saturday, 7 March 2009.
Masai Pride (C. McIver) and Secrets Untold raced wide for the majority of the event. Slim Pickings was momentarily held up rounding the home turn on the heels of Masai Pride. Watchyerback (S. Galloway) shifted out abruptly off the heels of Rightson (L. Cassidy) on the finish line.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Power Express; 2nd - Cool Edition; 3rd - Pertinence
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “I didn’t know about the fall until Larry (Cassidy) came up to me when I passed the crossing and he said there’s been a fall. My horse settled nicely. It took a bit of getting to the front. (Trainer) Bob (Purcell) wanted him to either lead or, if something led, to sit off them – to be up there. But if I had have sat off something, I would have been about three or four wide so I just went to the front. He settled nice. I didn’t sort of touch him until we really straightened up and then he kicked going down off the hill. On wet tracks you can get away with things. If you get a big enough break on them they can struggle to pick you up.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bernado (Matthew Palmer) was tightened on jumping away between Jachaze (B. Evans) and Power Express (A. Spinks), which shifted in. Shortly after being tightened Bernado blundered at the heels of Power Express. Yukon Lad (A. Pattillo) jumped awkwardly. Mataranka (B. El-Issa), which was caught four deep on the first turn, was obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event.
Stewards intended to open an inquiry into the reason for Mataranka (B. El-Issa) suffering interference on the home turn. After hearing submissions from all parties, the inquiry was adjourned to one hour before the first race on Wednesday, 25 February, unless otherwise amended, to enable apprentice B. Evans to have representation.
Near the 300m Icedane (S. Drake), which was full of running, fell when jockey S. Drake attempted to position her mount into a run between Cuban Dancer (S. Seamer) and Shudule Gee (L. Rolls) where there was not fully sufficient room and as a consequence Icedane made contact with the hind quarters of Shudule Gee and fell. After taking into account the circumstances, direct blame was not attributed to any particular rider. However, S. Drake was given the benefit of the doubt as to whether her actions were careless in the circumstances. When Icedane fell Yukon Lad, Fissile (J. Taylor), Magique Mine (J. Bowditch) and Go The Red (C. Reith) were all checked to varying degrees.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed pre-race:
Lucidly, Public Nuisance, Watchyerback, Slim Pickings, Yukon Lad, Pertinence, Perugin Thought, Punch Up, Za Magic, Mountain Brew, Encosta Tszyu, How Good Is He.
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners and 2nd placegetters in Races 1 to 4, 6.
Race 1:
2yo QTIS Handicap - 1200m
1st - Umanugget; 2nd - Captain Sonador; 3rd - Released
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Gentle: “I think he could have won his first start if he had drawn a barrier. He went back to third last and had to come around them in his first start in a race and he’d only had one trial. Sarge In Charge won that race and he went on to Karaka millions and run second. Sarge In Charge should have won the Karaka Millions and the second or third horse in our race, Motown Lady, ran third in the Magic Millions. So that was a very good effort. Very good form-line.
“In his second start he ran into Streets Away and there is a big wrap on that one. I think the tempo of that race in a five horse field the other day – they ran the first 600m in 37 (seconds) and ran home in 35, didn’t suit him. Also, he got through the (heavy) going there, but didn’t handle it one hundred percent. Today he handled it a lot better obviously. He has got a pretty high cruising speed once he gets going. Behind Streets Away we rode him out the barriers because of the five horse field. I think if he’d have got the same run as Streets Away he’d probably have won the race. Going into that race last start, we were going to go from there straight to Sydney for the Silver Slipper or a race like that. But, then when he got beaten, we went back to the drawing board.
“He’s got the win now so we are back on track. We haven’t finalised any plans yet. He’s still in the Slipper. We’ll go home and think about that. We’ve got a three-year-old we are trying to turn into a two-year-old and it’s only been in the last few weeks that this horse has been drilled down to be a two-year-old. He’s bred to stay. He is by Mossman and the best Mossman has been Excites. He won over a mile, 2000m and was placed in the Derby. Umanugget’s mother won two races over a mile and 2000m at Flemington. So he’s really bred to be a three-year-old and stay, so, although we are trying to turn him into a smart two-year-old, we’ll have to consider all of our options. It’s up in the air if we go down to the Slipper. If we go the Sydney but not go to the Slipper, we can go the Sires and the Champagne Stakes. If we don’t go to Sydney, we’ll probably give him one more run here and then bring him back for the winter.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed slightly due to Craiglea Bella requiring the attention of the farrier and Water Pistol having to be resaddled. Thrillseeker was examined behind the barriers and cleared to race by the veterinary surgeon. No Ransom (A. Taylor) shifted out at the start and brushed Umanugget (S. Seamer). Leaving the 900m Diehard Trying (C. Reith) shifted in and made heavy contact with Released (B. Evans), forcing that horse in on to the rails. C. Reith was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Spinelli (Matthew Palmer), which was caught wide rounding the first turn, was obliged to race wide throughout. Captain Sonador raced three wide throughout. Near the 300m Water Pistol (O. Turpin) shifted out and brushed No Ransom (A. Taylor). Water Pistol again shifted out under pressure in the run to the finish and hampered No Ransom. Passing the 300m Craiglea Bella, when attempting a run between Thrillseeker and Diehard Trying, had to be steadied when Diehard Trying shifted ground when not fully clear. After being steadied, Craiglea Bella then shifted in and made heavy contact with Released. C. Reith, the rider of Diehard Trying, was advised to ensure he is fully clear when shifting ground.
Race 2:
Open Handicap - 2220m
1st - Fort ‘N' Won; 2nd - Take The Plea; 3rd – Fulmonti
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (foreman for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “This result says a lot for the Murwillumbah track doesn’t it. We’ve had ten inches of rain in eight days down there and we haven’t missed a beat in training preparing a horse to win over 2200m. We’ve got a sand track down there that they just need to duplicate and replace all of the all-weather tracks in Australia. It’s amazing, you know. That’s the test, to get stayers ready in those conditions and, like I say, we haven’t missed a beat. The inside sand track at Murwillumbah is amazing. We’ve had three inches over night and you wouldn’t know it. You’ve got no idea. Forget the all-weather tracks. Just copy it.
“It was a good win. He was a good horse when he was young and the only difference between him now and then is that he’s lost the dash he used to have. Because of that we tried to ride him a bit closer. It worked out well. He (Matthew Palmer) rode it perfect. We took the lugging bit off and we put the Kyneton nose band on because we wanted to ride him closer. He works in that every morning. We thought if we had to give him a bit of a squeeze to get there, it can be hard to get him to come back, whereas in that nose band he comes straight back. That’s the reason we put that on.
“As a three-year-old he could have been anything this horse. He’s lost his acceleration. That’s probably the major difference between where he is now and where he was as a three-year-old. He still stays good. There’s another race for him in a fortnight. We’ll just keep chugging away.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m Take The Plea (B. El-Issa) shifted out to improve and made heavy contact with Bell Academy (L. Cassidy). Near the 600m Fulmonti (R. McMahon) had to be steadied momentarily as Take The Plea shifted back towards the rail. On straightening Fulmonti shifted out to improve, forcing the tiring Winsome Loot (O. Turpin) out on to Bell Academy. R. McMahon, the rider of Fulmonti, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts right to the line and ensure that he does not leave himself open to question.
Stewards questioned trainer C. Jordan and jockey R. McMahon as to Fulmonti travelling several lengths off the second-last horse Take The Plea in the early and middle stages of the race. R. McMahon stated that the horse was reluctant to travel in the heavy going in the early stages of the race and did not seem comfortable at any stage. Trainer C. Jordan stated that he felt that the horse did not appear comfortable in the going and he was of the opinion that despite the horse running good races on wet tracks previously, on those occasions it had carried lighter weights than today. The explanation was noted.
Race 3:
3yo QTIS Handicap - 1200m
1st - Age Of Heroes; 2nd - Meet George; 3rd - Showit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He’s a good horse this bloke. His win at the Gold Coast the other day was fantastic. He led and they attacked him and attacked him, but he is a real little fighter. He was beaten ten times, but when they got to the line he’d beaten them by a length. He’s is a good little racehorse. He’s definitely a Winter Carnival horse and I’ll keep him here for that. We won’t go anywhere else with him. I don’t know which races we’ll go for right now. We’ll go for whatever we can win!
“You had to worry about the going today. Everybody has to worry about it when it gets this wet. This is about the wettest track you can run on. He likes the better going, but he got through it. I was worried about the going and I said to Michael (Palmer), you might have to ride him back third or fourth or somewhere so you can get to the outside and give him a good look where he ‘s going. But then he was slow out today and he got into a bit of strife and had to go back and finished up on the fence (from an outside draw). He was back third last. I didn’t think he’d get back that far. But once Michael got him out at the top of the straight, I said he’ll win now. He comes that quickly. He is a very good horse.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “Our plan was to be up in the top four or five, but once we jumped there was a lot more pace than we anticipated. He jumped out fine, but couldn’t muster enough pace to sort of be there, so I was further back than I wanted to be. He was a bit awkward in the going. He didn’t really handle it – but he got through it. He was never really comfortable, but once he straightened up and got him out and had that one clear run at it, he knuckled down and put it in all the way to finish.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Mountain Brew had to be re-plated after it cast a plate. The Crusader (L. Cassidy) jumped out at the start and made contact with Hello Christmas (M. Dorrington). Sharufa (R. Stewart) also jumped out at the start and made contact with Patch’s Express (B. Evans). Mountain Brew (S. Bogenhuber), Kirra Lyn (Matthew Palmer) and Za Magic (S. Scriven) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Leaving the 900M Angelic (A. Pattillo) shifted in and away from Rapid Tricia (B. El-Issa) and cramped Sharufa, Hello Christmas and The Crusader. The Crusader then raced in restricted room and near the 800m had to be checked when racing inside of Angelic, which was taken in by Rapid Tricia. After hearing evidence from the riders, B. El-Issa, the rider of Rapid Tricia, was severely reprimanded under AR. 137(a) and instructed to provide more clearance when crossing. Patch’s Express shifted out under pressure near the 100m and brushed the hind quarters of Mountain Brew. A post-race veterinary examination of Hello Christmas failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Kirra Lyn revealed the filly to be suffering metabolic heat syndrome.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1030m
1st - Heart; 2nd - Sequallan; 3rd - Babinda Half
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Brent Evans: “Yeah, well I knew he wouldn’t have enough speed to go with them early. We had a good alley and we were always going to be on the fence which we didn’t really want to be. We were on the back of Babinda Half and then, when he peeled off, there was only one place I could go. So I just dug up the rails and went up on the inside. One came to challenge me, but he just kept on finding.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
How Good Is He (A. Spinks) raced three wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Azzaland, jockey G. Baker stated that the horse at no stage seemed comfortable in the heavy going and had failed previously on a heavy track at the Gold Coast. Trainer R. Stephenson agreed with jockey Baker's comments and indicated that the horse would now be immediately spelled.
Stewards questioned jockey A. Spinks, the rider of How Good Is He, in relation to the riding tactics in racing three wide for the entire event. Jockey Spinks stated that his instructions were to go back, however when the pace eased passing the 800m he was caught three wide and the horse had commenced to pull and as there was no significant pace in the middle stages he was then obliged to race three wide. Trainer R. Purcell confirmed the instructions and felt that Spinks may have been a victim of circumstances given the pattern of the race.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate (Set Weights) - 1640m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - Shew Stone; 3rd - Humma
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “He’s a real smart horse this horse. You know, I do odd things with horses. Maybe I’ll bring him - maybe – I’ll bring him back in distance. With the confidence he’s got now to win, he’s showing me he can win 1400m ... and for the times he can run on a good track, you know, I’ve got to look at that and say maybe he is a Stradbroke horse. It might seem silly to say that and then say that the following year I might take him up in distance. I’m not sure yet, but I’ve got options. When I get feelings, I just leave it open.
“The owners have given me a free hand with the horse. He’s a lovely type. When I went out in the paddock. I said, yeah I’ll train him, I’ll win a Stradbroke with him. He is a very smart horse, but you have got to be careful with these horses when they are big and built like he is. He is a sprinter-miler, you know what I mean. If they go along quick on a good track, he’ll track up and he’ll sprint over the top of them. Even when he was gone in the ground today – incidentally, I will not run him on a heavy track again, because I don’t want to ask him to do something he can’t do – even when he looked gone today, he was really trying for me. Once he got off the bit he wasn’t handling it, but he dug deep. That’s what I’ve train him for and everything I’ve done for this horse is to get him to hit the line.
“With the whole of my team, you know I’m doing very nicely because of one reason – Scotty Galloway and the other riders, they are understanding me and they are riding my horses the way I want them to be ridden. I’m just so happy with Scott. You know, he rode Double Or Nothing to three city wins in a row for me from wide draws. The bloke rode for Hawkes all of that time. He is a champion rider unrecognised. Really, a champion rider unrecognised. I’m blessed that he understands me. He comes up and rides work and he understands what I want. It’s great.
”The horse might go out now, but I’m not certain. I’ve got a little secret place where I put them, but I’ll keep that under my hat.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “From the awkward alley we had to go back and they were walking so I was really concerned. At about the 1100m a couple of horses in front of me pulled hard and shifted out so I was able to get up in behind the leader and that won me the race, you know. From there he just had to finish of well, which he did.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tripitz (B. Evans) was slow to jump. In Phuket (A. Taylor) faltered on jumping away. Shortly after the start In Phuket commenced to over-race and near the 1400m had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Humma (J. Bowditch) which was taken in by Punch Up (J. Taylor). In Phuket then commenced to hang out and passing the 1200m, when over-racing, shifted out forcing Tripitz wider on the track. In Phuket then raced wide for the remainder of the event.
Stewards questioned jockey J. Taylor, the rider of Punch Up, as to his reason for allowing Humma to assume a position outside the leader after leaving the 800m. J. Taylor stated that Punch Up had relaxed when racing outside the leader racing down the back straight, however as a result of the slow pace approaching the 800m, his mount got its head up on at least two occasions and at this point Humma went forward three wide and sprinted quickly. He stated that Punch Up could not sprint with Humma and as a consequence he elected to allow it to cross and trail it forward, however his mount could not maintain its position and only finished the race off fairly. J. Taylor's explanation was noted.
Apprentice Michael Palmer, the rider of Shuffle The Cash, was reprimanded under AR. 137A for using his whip excessively.
Race 6:
4yo and Up Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Public Nuisance; 2nd - Lucidly; 3rd - More Than Regal
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Louise White: “That’s two out of two for me as a trainer. I’ve been so lucky. Heather (Burgess - who trained the horse when he scored the first success in his current winning sequence) wanted to finish training. I’m friends with her and she trusted me to take the horse over. The horse is a marvel. So easy to train. He loves his work, loves his feed. He’s brilliant ... and he keeps himself happy too. He amuses himself by doing very silly things in the box. He is an absolute pleasure to train.”
Jockey Scott Galloway (who completed a double on the day): “He’s come back a better horse this time in. He has thickened out a bit and just got stronger. He travelled nice. It took him a little while to pick up the leader, but from the 150m I sort of had him covered.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Perugin Thought (B. Stewart) sprung a plate travelling to the barriers and required the attention of the farrier. More Than Regal (S. Seamer) jumped awkwardly and missed the start. More Than Regal and Mr Doyle (S. Scriven) brushed just past the winning post.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1350m
1st - Striking Victory; 2nd - Rightson; 3rd - Watchyerback
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Squaire: “I got a bit of flak for starting him first-up over a mile last time. But I had to do it because there were no races for him. He’d had a virus before that. A bad virus and I had to give him a good break (for nearly four months), but he’d come back strong and needed to run. Today, he had 53kg on his back. I don’t think he’s carried that since he was a foal. I didn’t worry about the barrier (the widest runner) because the horse has got pace. I honestly thought he had a good chance today."
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (who completed a double on the day): “Yeah, I’ve only had four winners in town and they’ve both come in doubles. I was always going to go forward and be in the first four. I fired him up out of the gates and I found myself in front. I give him a breather once I got there. Then Larry (Cassidy – on Rightson) come up outside me. The old horse just fought on well. He never had that weight on his back for a long, long time. I didn’t think I would get to the other one when he went away from us. But I just put the whip away and kept riding him and he fought on.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Foolish (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Slim Pickings (J. Taylor), which jumped away awkwardly, was tightened shortly after the start between Angelo Minny (R. McMahon) and Secrets Untold (B. El-Issa), which jumped inwards.
Jockey R. McMahon, the rider of Angelo Minny, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a), the careless riding being that near the 1200m he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Slim Pickings, resulting in Slim Pickings being taken in on to Hello Possums (A. Taylor), which was taken in on to Ice Chariot (P. Wolfgram), which had to be checked. R. McMahon's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Saturday, 21 February, and to expire at midnight on Saturday, 7 March 2009.
Masai Pride (C. McIver) and Secrets Untold raced wide for the majority of the event. Slim Pickings was momentarily held up rounding the home turn on the heels of Masai Pride. Watchyerback (S. Galloway) shifted out abruptly off the heels of Rightson (L. Cassidy) on the finish line.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Power Express; 2nd - Cool Edition; 3rd - Pertinence
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “I didn’t know about the fall until Larry (Cassidy) came up to me when I passed the crossing and he said there’s been a fall. My horse settled nicely. It took a bit of getting to the front. (Trainer) Bob (Purcell) wanted him to either lead or, if something led, to sit off them – to be up there. But if I had have sat off something, I would have been about three or four wide so I just went to the front. He settled nice. I didn’t sort of touch him until we really straightened up and then he kicked going down off the hill. On wet tracks you can get away with things. If you get a big enough break on them they can struggle to pick you up.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bernado (Matthew Palmer) was tightened on jumping away between Jachaze (B. Evans) and Power Express (A. Spinks), which shifted in. Shortly after being tightened Bernado blundered at the heels of Power Express. Yukon Lad (A. Pattillo) jumped awkwardly. Mataranka (B. El-Issa), which was caught four deep on the first turn, was obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event.
Stewards intended to open an inquiry into the reason for Mataranka (B. El-Issa) suffering interference on the home turn. After hearing submissions from all parties, the inquiry was adjourned to one hour before the first race on Wednesday, 25 February, unless otherwise amended, to enable apprentice B. Evans to have representation.
Near the 300m Icedane (S. Drake), which was full of running, fell when jockey S. Drake attempted to position her mount into a run between Cuban Dancer (S. Seamer) and Shudule Gee (L. Rolls) where there was not fully sufficient room and as a consequence Icedane made contact with the hind quarters of Shudule Gee and fell. After taking into account the circumstances, direct blame was not attributed to any particular rider. However, S. Drake was given the benefit of the doubt as to whether her actions were careless in the circumstances. When Icedane fell Yukon Lad, Fissile (J. Taylor), Magique Mine (J. Bowditch) and Go The Red (C. Reith) were all checked to varying degrees.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed pre-race:
Lucidly, Public Nuisance, Watchyerback, Slim Pickings, Yukon Lad, Pertinence, Perugin Thought, Punch Up, Za Magic, Mountain Brew, Encosta Tszyu, How Good Is He.
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners and 2nd placegetters in Races 1 to 4, 6.
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