The Horse Racing Only (HRO) brand will be taking a new direction with the upcoming launch of the www.horseracingonly.com.au website.
The new site will provide a fully comprehensive account of racing in Queensland and will also give in-depth coverage of racing on the national and international stage.
Apart from expanding the coverage enjoyed up to now at horseracingonly.blogspot.com, the new site will also be more user-friendly, with easy navigation coming with just the click of a button.
As a consequence of the workload and time constraints required to finalise the launch of www.horseracingonly.com.au, the posting of reviews and photos to this blogspot in the coming week will not be as regular as it has been up until now.
Thank you for your understanding.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
GOLD COAST REVIEW (SAT, MAY 2)
A review of the meeting held at the Gold Coast on Saturday, May 2.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards intend to question D. Oliver regards to his failure to fulfil his engagement on Sir Coup in Race 1. Stewards also wish to question D. Oliver in regards to his failure to seek permission to leave the race course.
Race 1:
Class 6 Handicap - 1800m.
1st - Prix Du Sang; 2nd - Humma; 3rd - Hear Ye
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Moroney: “She is a light-framed filly, not dissimilar to Eskimo Queen. Always showed us she was pretty good ... and we always had a plan to get her here. But she just had a bit of bad luck. Some things went wrong and she was a bit immature, so we couldn’t make it to the fillies’ races over there (in New Zealand). We had to take our time with her, so we always had a plan to do something with her in the Autumn or the Winter. She hasn’t run for six weeks, so whatever she did today she’s going to improve upon. She’ll go to the Doomben Roses now and then hopefully she’ll go on to the Oaks. I don’t think Kerrin (McEvoy) has any other engagement there, but, you know, if you hoping to put Kerrin on, you run the risk of Darley running something.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Petuski and Pawnee Brave were both slow to begin. Shortly after the start Mister Tivoli had to be steadied when tightened for room between Humma and Rezyana. A short distance later Humma shifted out and made contact with Rezyana. Rezyana raced three wide throughout. Hear Ye and Showciti both over-raced in the early stages.
When questioned regarding his riding of Showciti in the straight A. Pattillo stated that shortly after straightening his horse was travelling well and he was disappointed for running between Humma and Hear Ye. As a consequence of missing this run he had to shift out and endeavour to find running between Hear Ye and Prix Du Sang. A. Pattillo stated he was again disappointed when Hear Ye shifted in slightly and in an endeavour to go forward had to shift to the outside of Prix Du Sang to find a run. A. Pattillo expressed the view that because of the problems he had in the straight Showciti was unlucky in the race. The explanations submitted by A. Pattillo concerning his riding in the straight were today recorded.
Subsequent to the race L. Cassidy (Petushki) was afforded an opportunity to explain the poor performance of the horse. L. Cassidy stated that Petushki left the gates awkwardly, as was expected, then took up a nice position in the race behind Sir Coup. He thought that Petushki travelled well until about the 700m, but when put under pressure did not respond, gave ground and generally the run was very disappointing. L. Cassidy stated the horse previously raced in blinkers and it may improve in future if again in blinkers, but in his opinion the run today could not be attributed to the lack of blinkers.
After the race Pawnee Brave was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported no abnormalities. Royal Excess was examined subsequent to the race by the veterinary surgeon who reported the horse was showing signs of lameness in its off side fore-leg. Before Royal Excess races again a veterinary certificate of fitness will have to be produced. After the race Petushki was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported the horse was lame in its near side front leg. Before Petushki again races a veterinary certificate of fitness will have to be produced.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Palace Lover; 2nd - Worth Doing; 3rd - Silvern
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “His run first-up was very good. We came down here today and we were reasonably confident. He had form around all of the horses that were sort of favourite. He just had to improve a bit on his first-up run – and he has. There were no issues with him. We just gave him a long spell (between the end of November and the middle of April). We just happy to win these on the way through. He is just a heady rider Brent (Evans). He hunted him forward, then there was pace on so he took a sit. The Ipswich Cup is his goal. It has always been his goal this time in. The Toowoomba Cup is in July this year. Those are his major two goals. His mother (‘tis Love) won a Toowoomba Cup. I trained her. She’s was a good, handy mare.
“That was great. What a great way to start the day. Hope the luck can continue till later in the day, till about race five. That would be good.”
Nolan was referring to his unbeaten runner Chakvetadze, who would face the starter three races later. The filly was out to try to extend her winning sequence to six and the assignment was going to be by far her biggest test yet.
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (reporting back to Michael Nolan): “I just went to take a sit. He just relaxed under me and when I went for him, he went and I got that run up the inside. I was always sweating on it, but he just kept on grinding.”
Michael Nolan: “I didn’t think you were going to get there.”
Brent Evans: “I think the last bit he really dug deep.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping Deacon was checked when crowded between Silvern, which shifted in rather abruptly, and Chevron Island which was taken out by Bradfield. The occurrence was accidental. Through most of the race Bradfield was obliged to race wide without any cover. Near the 600m Black Morgan got its head on the side when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Chevron Island. In the early part of the straight Black Morgan shifted out in an endeavour to find clear running and was unable to do so. Approaching the winning post Black Morgan shifted in to obtain a clear run and was again unable to do so and was not properly tested in the run to the line. In the run to the line Cool Edition, which was finishing off strongly from a long way back, was unable to obtain clear running. As a consequence the horse was not ridden out to the post as it normally would be.
App O. Turpin the rider of On The Up pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) in that near the 300m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Deacon. As a consequence of this Deacon was crowded onto Bradfield, which shifted out slightly and was checked. When considering penalty stewards took into account the guilty plea from App O. Turpin and also the fact that there had been some contribution from the horse on the inside. Therefore, in the circumstances stewards believed the appropriate penalty in this case was that App Turpin's licence to ride in races be suspended for a period of 6 meetings to commence midnight 3 May 2009 and to expire midnight 13 May 2009.
C. Brown (Limani) was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out near the 300m when not quite clear of Mr Doyle, which had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Limani. C. Brown was reminded that he must exercise more care when shifting ground in future.
After the race Agnes Dream was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported no abnormalities.
Race 3:
Ken Russell Memorial Classic - 1200m.
1st - Facile Tigre; 2nd - Trim; 3rd - Movie
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner Michael Sullivan: “Ah, he went through the sales. The boys ... Yarraman (Yarraman Park Stud) kept him and were very happy to keep him. You know, we’ve always had a bit of an opinion about him. It’s taken a bit of time. Bruce (McLachlan) has been patient with him. And look what happened. Away he went.”
Trainer Bruce McLachlan: “He’s always shown a lot of promise and he’s backed it up today, coming from a very soft race at Coloundra (which he won by 7.50 lengths on debut) and having to race against a good field, bad alley ... done some work to get there. It’s a great win. He doesn’t have to lead either. He had to today. You’ll find he will settle and relax, but when he was committed to lead, he led and he just showed he’s got a lot of quality. I think he has got a great future. He’ll probably go towards the Sires. We’ll have one more run and then we’ll have a break and go from there. It’s a great thrill for me to win this race (the Ken Russell Memorial Classic). I had a great association with Kenny Russell. He was a wonderful jockey and a wonderful person.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “Look, it was only his second start in a race. He’s still new. I did say when I got off that she was the best horse I’ve ridden. In the heat of the moment you say those things. I’ve ridden some lovely horses so I have to clarify that. He’s potentially the best. He feels awesome under you. He just travels sweet. We went forward, not necessarily to lead, but in the end we had no option. You ask him to pick it up, he just picks it up nicely. He just switched off under me when he got to the front. From the 600m on he just went through his gears, you know. I used him a fair bit early. He did it at both ends. I thought I could hear them coming. I had a look and they weren’t there. He’s a lovely horse.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping Trim and Sarge In Charge were crowded for room between Our Moscato, which was taken in by Double Heart and Bella Sirena, which shifted out slightly. No action was taken. Near the 600m Spot On Target, which was inclined to over-race, got its head up when close to the heels of Trim and shifted out abruptly. As a consequence of this incident inconvenience was caused to Movie and also to Double Heart, both of which were obliged to race wide for some distance. K. McEvoy (Trim) explained that the filly, which is still learning as today was only its second run in a race, travelled kindly behind Sarge In Charge, but just after straightening when he would have liked to have shifted out to go forward Catallion shifted in slightly and as a consequence of this he was held up until after the 200m when he was able to obtain clear running. After this Trim closed the race off strongly and in his opinion was most unlucky. The explanation submitted by K. McEvoy was today recorded. After the race the veterinary surgeon reported Double Heart had sustained a small laceration to its off hind leg.
Race 4:
Gold Coast Bracelet - 1800m.
1st - Marveen; 2nd - La Etoile; 3rd - Miss Darcey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Smerdon: “That’s her trademark. She just sort of puts herself in a spot and then she hits the line. Today was a bit of a test to see if she could stretch her distance out a bit (to 1800m) – 1600m being the furthest she’d been. She was racing like she’d get the extra. She’s always been strong to the line, but we were going into new territory, of course. Against that, she’s been carrying a lot of weight against three-year-old fillies in Melbourne and back to the level weights here probably served her well because she is not a big filly. She weighs about 412kg. That’s a small racehorse. Now we’ll just sort of push on and go to the 2000m at Doomben in two weeks. The indicators are there and if she holds up we’ll go to the Oaks.
“She’s going to the broodmare sale – and she will go through too. The people that own her, they race horses all the time. They have just said that she has become too valuable for their hobby way of doing things, you know. She warrants a high profile stallion which is expensive. She’s sort of raced her way past what they are in it for. They’ve still got the dam ... but, yeah, she will go through the sale.”
Jockey Blake Shinn: “We had a bad draw, but we were able to overcome that and get into a nice position behind the one that was hardest to beat, which was Michael Rodd (aboard La Etoile). The pace quickened from about the 500m and that enabled me to get out into clear running. She swopped onto her Melbourne leg at about the 300m and she really found the line good. I was always confident once I got her out she was going to win. She’s a promising horse heading to the Oaks where I’m sure she will be very competitive.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Nothin’ Leica Cat, which was slow to begin, had to be steadied shortly after the start when tightened for room between River Perfume and La Bella Luisa. Jungle Rocket jumped away awkwardly and shifted in making contact with Gracesynd. Jungle Rocket then raced ungenerously for a short distance and had to be steadied from the heels of Tunes Of Gold. When being steadied Jungle Rocket shifted out hampering Seesawing. Jungle Rocket got its head up and again raced ungenerously rounding the first turn. In the middle stages Miss Darcey was obliged to race wide without any cover. River Perfume was also obliged to cover some ground, but was able to find cover.
Jungle Rocket was unable to obtain clear running until near the 150m. Subsequent to the race the veterinary surgeon reported that Nothin’ Leica Cat had sustained a laceration to the near-hind fetlock joint and there were also abrasions to both front pasterns.
Race 5:
Gold Coast Guineas - 1200m.
1st - Chakvetadze; 2nd - Leapfrog; 3rd - Desuetude
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John Hooper: “My heart’s going two-hundred to the minute at the moment. It’s a terrific thrill to win today. It’s just amazing. She was further back than we expected. She was tardy to get away today ... she normally jumps. She never seemed to be travelling until he got her balanced in the straight and got her out and then she finished really, really well. A terrific win. Six from six and to finish with a Group 3 after six months of racing, starting with a Maiden win at Ipswich, it’s just fantastic.”
Trainer Michael Nolan: “Today was a big test for her, but we thought she’d still race good. I wasn’t confident until about the 100m but, this filly, she just doesn’t know how to get beaten. Brent (Evans – a claiming apprentice in a non-claiming race) has had a couple of rides on her now, that’s why we didn’t change the rider. I know he is only a kid, but he has got a great future. He knows her. She’s a bit hard to get in the barriers and different things like that. She’s just a bit fizzy ... a bit silly. Her going into the machines, I don’t know what that is. It’s just here. She’s got a bit of an attitude. We had a lot of pressure regarding what rider we were going to put on ... with a lot of phone calls and everything else. But we stuck with Brent. He’s done nothing wrong. He is a very confident kid and I think in twelve months time he’ll be riding in these races anyway, you know. There was pressure, but no long debate. John (Hooper – the owner) said go with Brent ... stick with Brent. He had her positioned nice from a bad gate and he timed his run well. We are just really thrilled. She’s a real quality filly. Lauries Lottery was the horse that put me on the map. I’d never change and rate one better than ‘Lauries’, but this filly is just top drawer."
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “All credit to the filly. She was back off them a fair way and I had to bring her to the outside. It was unbelievable that she stepped up to the Group 3. I always thought she was going to the Silk Stocking. That’s what we set for her. There was a late change of mind, you know, to go to the Group 3. That’s the best she’s relaxed since I’ve rode her. I rode her quiet a couple of times, but she’s just never relaxed like that before. She’s always been a hard-going horse. It always wants to bowl along, but she relaxed well under me today. It was exciting all the way through, you know, having them next to me - McEvoy and them. All the big names ... yeah, it was good. This is my biggest win – my first Group win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Feline Flyer jumped away awkwardly and blundered, shifting in making contact with Meet George. She’s Meaner jumped in at the start resulting in Express Air being tightened between that horse and Leapfrog. Shortly after the start Whitefriars and Express Air both had to be checked between Chakvetadze and Jazz Heart, which had been taken out by Tears’N’Cheers, which had in turn been taken out by Brettoneux after that horse shifted away from Youthful Jack. Whilst the crowding was of some significance it was decided that no action be taken. As a consequence of Whitefriars being checked shortly after the start it got well back and then in the middle stages over-raced and got its head up. Doonbah Star and Cat D’Antibes made contact on jumping away. Desuetude, She’s Meaner, Meet George and Brettoneux were all wide throughout. R. Thompson (Youthful Jack) stated that he was of the opinion that whilst the horse travelled satisfactorily in the run when Chakvetadze went forward near the 300m his mount was a little flat footed and momentarily lost its position. He added that Youthful Jack however closed the race off, he thought quite well, it may not have been suited by the firm showing signs of lameness in an off-front leg. Before Youthful Jack races again a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced.
Race 6:
A.D. Hollindale Stakes - 1800m.
1st - Fulmonti; 2nd - Izonit; 3rd - Sir Slick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Chris Jordan: “Kerry (Chris’ brother) won two Hollindales, He won with Hunter (in 1990) and Corndale (who denied Rough Habit a hat-trick in the race in 1993). He said to me this morning, it might be your turn – and it was. He’s always been a good horse to me and he is not finished yet by the look of it. He’s always threatened to win one like this. That was his first go at Weight-For-Age today. He drew two. He is the sort of horse you can’t dig him out, but once he gets travelling ... and he travelled beautifully for Joe (Bowditch) today, you know, all the way. That’s the sort of way he has got to race, you know. He’s got a good turn of foot, but he can’t sustain a big, long run on it. He’s not nominated for the Doomben Cup, so I don’t know where we’ll go now. I’ll have to discuss it with the owners and see what’s going down. I didn’t nominate for the Cup, so I’ll probably get a boot up the arse for that now.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “I was looking to sort of get out and give him clear running, but he was going to be held up. So I went back inside and luckily things opened up for me. He attacked the line. Geez, he dug in. He really tried hard today. I had twelve months off because I did a crucial ligament in my knee and got a broken tibia in a fall in September 2007, so it’s nice to be back with a feature win. That’s my biggest win in Queensland since I moved up here about four years ago. I won the Bernborough, but this tops that.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Riva san jumped in the air as the start was effected and lost ground. Stand Tall jumped out at the start and made contact with the hind quarters of Sir Slick. Rags To Riches raced wide in the early stages. Stand Tall and Imvula raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 200m Stand Tall and Mission Critical were forced to race in restricted room between The Sportsman and Izonit, which shifted in under pressure. Leaving the 200m Mission Critical, Stand Tall and The Sportsman were all forced to race in restricted room to the inside of Izonit when that horse shifted in under pressure. App J. McDonald (Izonit) was advised to exercise more care and ensure that he stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he had on this occasion.
Race 7:
Prime Minister's Cup - 1300m.
1st - Mr Hornblower; 2nd - Rightfully Yours; 3rd - El Cambio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Michael Nolan (not the Toowoomba trainer), stable representative for the Mick Price stable (speaking directly after the race): “At this stage we are probably heading for the Stradbroke. We had to probably win today to guarantee a run and now that he is in there, Mick will decide. There may be one or two more runs, but the Stradbroke is his goal. That’s what we came here for.
“This horse is a very underrated horse. When he was a young horse he was a colt and he had a few issues. Now that he is gelded, he is a different horse and he’ll improve. What he did today, you’ll see a lot better horse in a couple of weeks time.”
Glen Colless, the rider of the runner-up (Mr Hornblower) lodged a protest against the winner (Rightfully Yours).
Jockey Glen Colless (giving his grounds for objection): “At about the 200m mark I moved up to make my run outside Corey Brown’s mount (Court Command). At that stage I copped a bump to my hind-quarters and I was turned in slightly. I probably went about another stride and then I copped heavy contact from my inside from Corey Brown’s mount. I think all that interference that I copped was caused by Craig Newitt’s mount angling out for a run behind the leader. In doing so it has just unbalanced my horse on two occasions. With the margin only being a head, the fact that I had to stop, rebalance and come again ... I think if I didn’t cop that bump on the hindquarters I probably would have won the race.”
Jockey Craig Newitt (questioning Glen Colless): “Just one question. You say it was at the 200m. I’d say that from the 150m - do you believe - that you had every chance to run my horse down?”
Glen Colless: “I probably have. In saying that ... at the 200m, when I hadn’t even gone for my horse – I was travelling pretty kindly - once I copped interference, it’s probably put it off his game a touch and I’ve had to really chase hard the last 150m. As I said, if I’d just had a nice clear run without copping that interference and not being turned sideways on two occasions, and the margin only being a head ...
Craig Newitt: “Do you believe my horse was turned sideways?
Glen Colless: “Yeah, but that was only from your own doing. It wasn’t my doing.”
Craig Newitt (making his statement): “I raced very keen behind the leader for the majority of the race and the sprint from the corner where he seemed to be wanting to get off the track a little bit. Once I started to roll in to heels, I established a run outside it, albeit very narrow. I believe there was a run there. I expected to be able to take that run. As I got to just outside its hind-quarters, the leader tended to roll off. Being really committed to that run, which I really felt was mine at the time, I had to come out with it to avoid his heels. I did make contact with Corey Brown’s horse, and he in turn with Glen Colless’s horse. I believe after all that was through ... I believe we came out of it probably pretty much on level terms. Within the last 150m my mount started to draw away.”
Michael Nolan stable representative for the Mick Price stable: “I would agree that the horse got a slight bump, but, jockey Colless never stopped riding him for much more than one stride. He balanced himself up and in the last 150m he had every chance to run our horse down."
The protest was upheld.
Trainer Tracy Green (speaking after the objection had been decided): “Yeah, he took a couple of bumps. We didn’t know who caused it in the rush of the moment. But, yeah, we went in and saw the stewards footage and it showed it clear. That puts him over the half-million in earnings now, so that makes our day. He’ll go for the Darley Sprint in a fortnight – and then the Eye-Liner. He is such a nice-horse. He is just a gentleman. The love-child I call him. He’s my love-child. He can be difficult to ride sometimes, but then, you know, we had Glen Colless. He is a genius. An absolute genius he is. What can you say.”
Jockey Glen Colless (speaking after the objection had been decided): “I had a lovely run in the race, three back the fence. He gave me a great ride and then when I got to the outside I always thought I had them covered, you know. Then I copped that bump on the hind-quarters which turned him in. He sort of half-lost all his momentum. Then I copped another one – a pretty hefty one. That really turned him and sort of half put him off his game a touch. I then had to balance up and chase to the line. You know he only got beat a head, so the two decent bumps he got ... I think it cost him.”
This was Colless’ first meeting back in the saddle since being sidelined with injury for some time. Colless seriously injured his toes in a freak accident at Eagle Farm. After surgery and rehabilitation, how was the foot holding up?
Glen Colless: “The foot is just something I’m going to have to put up with for a few more months. It’s just an ache. I did rush my comeback. The doctors, they said another six weeks, so I wasn’t going to sit around. Given this result, I guess you could say it was the right decision.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
J. Byrne was fined the sum of $100.00 for accepting two rides in this event. Stewards permitted D. Oliver to be substituted as the rider of Rampant Lion.
Before the declaration of correct weight G. Colless the rider of Mr Hornblower declared second place-getter sought permission to view the official videos as he was of the opinion there may have been grounds to formally lodge a protest. After this viewing G. Colless on behalf of the connections did formally protest against Rightfully Yours (C. Newitt) being declared the winner. G. Colless alleged interference to his mount near the 200m. After all informed parties had provided evidence and viewed all available video footage of the incident, stewards formed the opinion that as a consequence of C. Newitt (Rightfully Yours) shifting out near the 200m and forcing Court Command onto Mr Hornblower on two occasions and unbalancing that horse significantly, it caused interference to it which had exceeded the head margin at the finish. Therefore, the protest was upheld and the placings were amended as follows: 1st Mr Hornblower;2nd Rightfully Yours;3rd El Cambio;4th Rockpecker
At a subsequent inquiry C. Newitt (Rightfully Yours) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a), the careless riding being that at about the 200m he rode his mount outwards when insufficiently clear of Court Command causing that horse to be forced onto Mr Hornblower. As a consequence of this incident both Court Command and Mr Hornblower were severely unbalanced and Court Command lost its running. C. Newitt was suspended from riding in races to commence midnight 3 May 2009 and to expire midnight 21 May 2009. In addition to this penalty he was fined the sum of $2,000.00. C. Newitt was advised that in deciding this penalty the stewards had considered his guilty plea, but they were also of the opinion that the carelessness he displayed on this occasion was at the highest end of the scale and indeed consideration had been given to a more serious charge being levelled against him.
Leaving the 300m Rockpecker shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Daunting Lad, which in turn shifted out onto Helideck, which when tiring then shifted out taking Tellasecret out onto Accardo and Bareena forcing them wider on the track. El Cambio was held up rounding the home turn and unable to obtain clear running until leaving the 200m. Rampant Lion had difficulty obtaining clear running for the entire length of the home straight. Near the 200m El Cambio was disappointed when attempting a narrow run between Daunting Lad and Rockpecker, which was taken out slightly by Mr Slick. After the race Activation was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported no abnormalities were detected.
Race 8:
Silk Stocking - 1200m.
1st - Belong To Many; 2nd Court; 3rd - Russeting
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Travelling foreman for the Gai Waterhouse stable. “She is a lot better, as today, if she is up with the leader or out in the front leading. Last start (when second) she couldn’t get her own way in front ... couldn’t get across. You know Gai’s put a lot of work into her in the last three weeks since we’ve had her. Barbara Joseph had her before. This was her first run for the stable. The syndicate that owned her, they sort of sell out when it gets to a certain stage. She’s a five-year-old mare so they took her to the sales and she was sold and the new owners gave her to Gai to train.”
Jockey Blake Shinn: “First run for Gai. He was very impressive. Got across from a wide draw. Had to do a power of work, especially with 59kg on her back. She travelled well. It was a great win. She exploded when I asked her. So, basically, once we took care of the draw, we had things covered. A long way out I was pretty confident. It was just a matter of pushing the button at the right time. She might win one of these big races over the Winter Carnival.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Russeting, Zero Rock and Insistence (App Michael Palmer) came together on jumping away. Beaming and Court both raced wide for the majority. Near the 600m Hurl improved to the inside of My First Affair where there was doubtful room and had to be steadied, resulting in Tranquility Base, which was following, having to be steadied off that horse's heels. Near the 500m Calchris improved up onto the heels of Quizzical Lady and had to be steadied.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning licensees:
Reprimands:
Race 2. C. Brown - Jockey - Careless riding - AR137(a)
Fines:
Race 7. J. Byrne - Jockey - Dual engagement - $100.00 - LR51(l)
Suspensions:
Race 2. O. Turpin - App Jockey - Careless riding - 6 meetings - AR137(a)
Race 7. C. Newitt - Jockey - Careless riding - 10 meetings + $2,000.00 - AR137(a)
Adjourned Inquiry:
Race 1. D. Oliver - failure to fulfil riding engagement
D. Oliver - failed to seek permission to leave race course
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Pre-Race Horses swabbed:
Activation, Helideck, Spectacular Bird, Rightfully Yours, Beaming, Tranquility Base, Court, Martini Red, Belong to Many, Accardo, Rampant Lion, Izonit, Doug's Mate, Prima Nova, Stand Tall, Scenic Shot, The Sportsman, El Cambio, Mission Critical, Sphenophyta, Imvula, Ready To Venture, La Etoile, Jungle Rocket, Sarge In Charge, Marveen, Nothin' Leica Cat, Miss Darcey, Whitefriars, She's Meaner, Sir Slick, Meet George, Youthful Jack, Our Moscato, Rezyona, Patushki, Limani, Worth Doing, Deacon.
Post- Race Horses swabbed:
All winners plus Humma, Worth Doing, Trim, Leapfrog, Izonit, Rightfully Yours, Court.
Warnings/bars:
Race 1. Royal Excess - Signs of lameness off side fore leg - Vet Cert. - LR36(b)
Race 1. Petushki - Lame near side front leg - Vet Cert. - LR36(b)
Race 5. Youthful Jack - Signs of lameness off front leg - Vet Cert. - LR36(b)
Protests:
Race 7. 2nd against 1st – Upheld.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards intend to question D. Oliver regards to his failure to fulfil his engagement on Sir Coup in Race 1. Stewards also wish to question D. Oliver in regards to his failure to seek permission to leave the race course.
Race 1:
Class 6 Handicap - 1800m.
1st - Prix Du Sang; 2nd - Humma; 3rd - Hear Ye
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Moroney: “She is a light-framed filly, not dissimilar to Eskimo Queen. Always showed us she was pretty good ... and we always had a plan to get her here. But she just had a bit of bad luck. Some things went wrong and she was a bit immature, so we couldn’t make it to the fillies’ races over there (in New Zealand). We had to take our time with her, so we always had a plan to do something with her in the Autumn or the Winter. She hasn’t run for six weeks, so whatever she did today she’s going to improve upon. She’ll go to the Doomben Roses now and then hopefully she’ll go on to the Oaks. I don’t think Kerrin (McEvoy) has any other engagement there, but, you know, if you hoping to put Kerrin on, you run the risk of Darley running something.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Petuski and Pawnee Brave were both slow to begin. Shortly after the start Mister Tivoli had to be steadied when tightened for room between Humma and Rezyana. A short distance later Humma shifted out and made contact with Rezyana. Rezyana raced three wide throughout. Hear Ye and Showciti both over-raced in the early stages.
When questioned regarding his riding of Showciti in the straight A. Pattillo stated that shortly after straightening his horse was travelling well and he was disappointed for running between Humma and Hear Ye. As a consequence of missing this run he had to shift out and endeavour to find running between Hear Ye and Prix Du Sang. A. Pattillo stated he was again disappointed when Hear Ye shifted in slightly and in an endeavour to go forward had to shift to the outside of Prix Du Sang to find a run. A. Pattillo expressed the view that because of the problems he had in the straight Showciti was unlucky in the race. The explanations submitted by A. Pattillo concerning his riding in the straight were today recorded.
Subsequent to the race L. Cassidy (Petushki) was afforded an opportunity to explain the poor performance of the horse. L. Cassidy stated that Petushki left the gates awkwardly, as was expected, then took up a nice position in the race behind Sir Coup. He thought that Petushki travelled well until about the 700m, but when put under pressure did not respond, gave ground and generally the run was very disappointing. L. Cassidy stated the horse previously raced in blinkers and it may improve in future if again in blinkers, but in his opinion the run today could not be attributed to the lack of blinkers.
After the race Pawnee Brave was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported no abnormalities. Royal Excess was examined subsequent to the race by the veterinary surgeon who reported the horse was showing signs of lameness in its off side fore-leg. Before Royal Excess races again a veterinary certificate of fitness will have to be produced. After the race Petushki was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported the horse was lame in its near side front leg. Before Petushki again races a veterinary certificate of fitness will have to be produced.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Palace Lover; 2nd - Worth Doing; 3rd - Silvern
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “His run first-up was very good. We came down here today and we were reasonably confident. He had form around all of the horses that were sort of favourite. He just had to improve a bit on his first-up run – and he has. There were no issues with him. We just gave him a long spell (between the end of November and the middle of April). We just happy to win these on the way through. He is just a heady rider Brent (Evans). He hunted him forward, then there was pace on so he took a sit. The Ipswich Cup is his goal. It has always been his goal this time in. The Toowoomba Cup is in July this year. Those are his major two goals. His mother (‘tis Love) won a Toowoomba Cup. I trained her. She’s was a good, handy mare.
“That was great. What a great way to start the day. Hope the luck can continue till later in the day, till about race five. That would be good.”
Nolan was referring to his unbeaten runner Chakvetadze, who would face the starter three races later. The filly was out to try to extend her winning sequence to six and the assignment was going to be by far her biggest test yet.
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (reporting back to Michael Nolan): “I just went to take a sit. He just relaxed under me and when I went for him, he went and I got that run up the inside. I was always sweating on it, but he just kept on grinding.”
Michael Nolan: “I didn’t think you were going to get there.”
Brent Evans: “I think the last bit he really dug deep.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping Deacon was checked when crowded between Silvern, which shifted in rather abruptly, and Chevron Island which was taken out by Bradfield. The occurrence was accidental. Through most of the race Bradfield was obliged to race wide without any cover. Near the 600m Black Morgan got its head on the side when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Chevron Island. In the early part of the straight Black Morgan shifted out in an endeavour to find clear running and was unable to do so. Approaching the winning post Black Morgan shifted in to obtain a clear run and was again unable to do so and was not properly tested in the run to the line. In the run to the line Cool Edition, which was finishing off strongly from a long way back, was unable to obtain clear running. As a consequence the horse was not ridden out to the post as it normally would be.
App O. Turpin the rider of On The Up pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) in that near the 300m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Deacon. As a consequence of this Deacon was crowded onto Bradfield, which shifted out slightly and was checked. When considering penalty stewards took into account the guilty plea from App O. Turpin and also the fact that there had been some contribution from the horse on the inside. Therefore, in the circumstances stewards believed the appropriate penalty in this case was that App Turpin's licence to ride in races be suspended for a period of 6 meetings to commence midnight 3 May 2009 and to expire midnight 13 May 2009.
C. Brown (Limani) was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out near the 300m when not quite clear of Mr Doyle, which had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Limani. C. Brown was reminded that he must exercise more care when shifting ground in future.
After the race Agnes Dream was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported no abnormalities.
Race 3:
Ken Russell Memorial Classic - 1200m.
1st - Facile Tigre; 2nd - Trim; 3rd - Movie
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner Michael Sullivan: “Ah, he went through the sales. The boys ... Yarraman (Yarraman Park Stud) kept him and were very happy to keep him. You know, we’ve always had a bit of an opinion about him. It’s taken a bit of time. Bruce (McLachlan) has been patient with him. And look what happened. Away he went.”
Trainer Bruce McLachlan: “He’s always shown a lot of promise and he’s backed it up today, coming from a very soft race at Coloundra (which he won by 7.50 lengths on debut) and having to race against a good field, bad alley ... done some work to get there. It’s a great win. He doesn’t have to lead either. He had to today. You’ll find he will settle and relax, but when he was committed to lead, he led and he just showed he’s got a lot of quality. I think he has got a great future. He’ll probably go towards the Sires. We’ll have one more run and then we’ll have a break and go from there. It’s a great thrill for me to win this race (the Ken Russell Memorial Classic). I had a great association with Kenny Russell. He was a wonderful jockey and a wonderful person.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “Look, it was only his second start in a race. He’s still new. I did say when I got off that she was the best horse I’ve ridden. In the heat of the moment you say those things. I’ve ridden some lovely horses so I have to clarify that. He’s potentially the best. He feels awesome under you. He just travels sweet. We went forward, not necessarily to lead, but in the end we had no option. You ask him to pick it up, he just picks it up nicely. He just switched off under me when he got to the front. From the 600m on he just went through his gears, you know. I used him a fair bit early. He did it at both ends. I thought I could hear them coming. I had a look and they weren’t there. He’s a lovely horse.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping Trim and Sarge In Charge were crowded for room between Our Moscato, which was taken in by Double Heart and Bella Sirena, which shifted out slightly. No action was taken. Near the 600m Spot On Target, which was inclined to over-race, got its head up when close to the heels of Trim and shifted out abruptly. As a consequence of this incident inconvenience was caused to Movie and also to Double Heart, both of which were obliged to race wide for some distance. K. McEvoy (Trim) explained that the filly, which is still learning as today was only its second run in a race, travelled kindly behind Sarge In Charge, but just after straightening when he would have liked to have shifted out to go forward Catallion shifted in slightly and as a consequence of this he was held up until after the 200m when he was able to obtain clear running. After this Trim closed the race off strongly and in his opinion was most unlucky. The explanation submitted by K. McEvoy was today recorded. After the race the veterinary surgeon reported Double Heart had sustained a small laceration to its off hind leg.
Race 4:
Gold Coast Bracelet - 1800m.
1st - Marveen; 2nd - La Etoile; 3rd - Miss Darcey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Smerdon: “That’s her trademark. She just sort of puts herself in a spot and then she hits the line. Today was a bit of a test to see if she could stretch her distance out a bit (to 1800m) – 1600m being the furthest she’d been. She was racing like she’d get the extra. She’s always been strong to the line, but we were going into new territory, of course. Against that, she’s been carrying a lot of weight against three-year-old fillies in Melbourne and back to the level weights here probably served her well because she is not a big filly. She weighs about 412kg. That’s a small racehorse. Now we’ll just sort of push on and go to the 2000m at Doomben in two weeks. The indicators are there and if she holds up we’ll go to the Oaks.
“She’s going to the broodmare sale – and she will go through too. The people that own her, they race horses all the time. They have just said that she has become too valuable for their hobby way of doing things, you know. She warrants a high profile stallion which is expensive. She’s sort of raced her way past what they are in it for. They’ve still got the dam ... but, yeah, she will go through the sale.”
Jockey Blake Shinn: “We had a bad draw, but we were able to overcome that and get into a nice position behind the one that was hardest to beat, which was Michael Rodd (aboard La Etoile). The pace quickened from about the 500m and that enabled me to get out into clear running. She swopped onto her Melbourne leg at about the 300m and she really found the line good. I was always confident once I got her out she was going to win. She’s a promising horse heading to the Oaks where I’m sure she will be very competitive.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Nothin’ Leica Cat, which was slow to begin, had to be steadied shortly after the start when tightened for room between River Perfume and La Bella Luisa. Jungle Rocket jumped away awkwardly and shifted in making contact with Gracesynd. Jungle Rocket then raced ungenerously for a short distance and had to be steadied from the heels of Tunes Of Gold. When being steadied Jungle Rocket shifted out hampering Seesawing. Jungle Rocket got its head up and again raced ungenerously rounding the first turn. In the middle stages Miss Darcey was obliged to race wide without any cover. River Perfume was also obliged to cover some ground, but was able to find cover.
Jungle Rocket was unable to obtain clear running until near the 150m. Subsequent to the race the veterinary surgeon reported that Nothin’ Leica Cat had sustained a laceration to the near-hind fetlock joint and there were also abrasions to both front pasterns.
Race 5:
Gold Coast Guineas - 1200m.
1st - Chakvetadze; 2nd - Leapfrog; 3rd - Desuetude
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John Hooper: “My heart’s going two-hundred to the minute at the moment. It’s a terrific thrill to win today. It’s just amazing. She was further back than we expected. She was tardy to get away today ... she normally jumps. She never seemed to be travelling until he got her balanced in the straight and got her out and then she finished really, really well. A terrific win. Six from six and to finish with a Group 3 after six months of racing, starting with a Maiden win at Ipswich, it’s just fantastic.”
Trainer Michael Nolan: “Today was a big test for her, but we thought she’d still race good. I wasn’t confident until about the 100m but, this filly, she just doesn’t know how to get beaten. Brent (Evans – a claiming apprentice in a non-claiming race) has had a couple of rides on her now, that’s why we didn’t change the rider. I know he is only a kid, but he has got a great future. He knows her. She’s a bit hard to get in the barriers and different things like that. She’s just a bit fizzy ... a bit silly. Her going into the machines, I don’t know what that is. It’s just here. She’s got a bit of an attitude. We had a lot of pressure regarding what rider we were going to put on ... with a lot of phone calls and everything else. But we stuck with Brent. He’s done nothing wrong. He is a very confident kid and I think in twelve months time he’ll be riding in these races anyway, you know. There was pressure, but no long debate. John (Hooper – the owner) said go with Brent ... stick with Brent. He had her positioned nice from a bad gate and he timed his run well. We are just really thrilled. She’s a real quality filly. Lauries Lottery was the horse that put me on the map. I’d never change and rate one better than ‘Lauries’, but this filly is just top drawer."
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “All credit to the filly. She was back off them a fair way and I had to bring her to the outside. It was unbelievable that she stepped up to the Group 3. I always thought she was going to the Silk Stocking. That’s what we set for her. There was a late change of mind, you know, to go to the Group 3. That’s the best she’s relaxed since I’ve rode her. I rode her quiet a couple of times, but she’s just never relaxed like that before. She’s always been a hard-going horse. It always wants to bowl along, but she relaxed well under me today. It was exciting all the way through, you know, having them next to me - McEvoy and them. All the big names ... yeah, it was good. This is my biggest win – my first Group win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Feline Flyer jumped away awkwardly and blundered, shifting in making contact with Meet George. She’s Meaner jumped in at the start resulting in Express Air being tightened between that horse and Leapfrog. Shortly after the start Whitefriars and Express Air both had to be checked between Chakvetadze and Jazz Heart, which had been taken out by Tears’N’Cheers, which had in turn been taken out by Brettoneux after that horse shifted away from Youthful Jack. Whilst the crowding was of some significance it was decided that no action be taken. As a consequence of Whitefriars being checked shortly after the start it got well back and then in the middle stages over-raced and got its head up. Doonbah Star and Cat D’Antibes made contact on jumping away. Desuetude, She’s Meaner, Meet George and Brettoneux were all wide throughout. R. Thompson (Youthful Jack) stated that he was of the opinion that whilst the horse travelled satisfactorily in the run when Chakvetadze went forward near the 300m his mount was a little flat footed and momentarily lost its position. He added that Youthful Jack however closed the race off, he thought quite well, it may not have been suited by the firm showing signs of lameness in an off-front leg. Before Youthful Jack races again a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced.
Race 6:
A.D. Hollindale Stakes - 1800m.
1st - Fulmonti; 2nd - Izonit; 3rd - Sir Slick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Chris Jordan: “Kerry (Chris’ brother) won two Hollindales, He won with Hunter (in 1990) and Corndale (who denied Rough Habit a hat-trick in the race in 1993). He said to me this morning, it might be your turn – and it was. He’s always been a good horse to me and he is not finished yet by the look of it. He’s always threatened to win one like this. That was his first go at Weight-For-Age today. He drew two. He is the sort of horse you can’t dig him out, but once he gets travelling ... and he travelled beautifully for Joe (Bowditch) today, you know, all the way. That’s the sort of way he has got to race, you know. He’s got a good turn of foot, but he can’t sustain a big, long run on it. He’s not nominated for the Doomben Cup, so I don’t know where we’ll go now. I’ll have to discuss it with the owners and see what’s going down. I didn’t nominate for the Cup, so I’ll probably get a boot up the arse for that now.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “I was looking to sort of get out and give him clear running, but he was going to be held up. So I went back inside and luckily things opened up for me. He attacked the line. Geez, he dug in. He really tried hard today. I had twelve months off because I did a crucial ligament in my knee and got a broken tibia in a fall in September 2007, so it’s nice to be back with a feature win. That’s my biggest win in Queensland since I moved up here about four years ago. I won the Bernborough, but this tops that.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Riva san jumped in the air as the start was effected and lost ground. Stand Tall jumped out at the start and made contact with the hind quarters of Sir Slick. Rags To Riches raced wide in the early stages. Stand Tall and Imvula raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 200m Stand Tall and Mission Critical were forced to race in restricted room between The Sportsman and Izonit, which shifted in under pressure. Leaving the 200m Mission Critical, Stand Tall and The Sportsman were all forced to race in restricted room to the inside of Izonit when that horse shifted in under pressure. App J. McDonald (Izonit) was advised to exercise more care and ensure that he stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he had on this occasion.
Race 7:
Prime Minister's Cup - 1300m.
1st - Mr Hornblower; 2nd - Rightfully Yours; 3rd - El Cambio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Michael Nolan (not the Toowoomba trainer), stable representative for the Mick Price stable (speaking directly after the race): “At this stage we are probably heading for the Stradbroke. We had to probably win today to guarantee a run and now that he is in there, Mick will decide. There may be one or two more runs, but the Stradbroke is his goal. That’s what we came here for.
“This horse is a very underrated horse. When he was a young horse he was a colt and he had a few issues. Now that he is gelded, he is a different horse and he’ll improve. What he did today, you’ll see a lot better horse in a couple of weeks time.”
Glen Colless, the rider of the runner-up (Mr Hornblower) lodged a protest against the winner (Rightfully Yours).
Jockey Glen Colless (giving his grounds for objection): “At about the 200m mark I moved up to make my run outside Corey Brown’s mount (Court Command). At that stage I copped a bump to my hind-quarters and I was turned in slightly. I probably went about another stride and then I copped heavy contact from my inside from Corey Brown’s mount. I think all that interference that I copped was caused by Craig Newitt’s mount angling out for a run behind the leader. In doing so it has just unbalanced my horse on two occasions. With the margin only being a head, the fact that I had to stop, rebalance and come again ... I think if I didn’t cop that bump on the hindquarters I probably would have won the race.”
Jockey Craig Newitt (questioning Glen Colless): “Just one question. You say it was at the 200m. I’d say that from the 150m - do you believe - that you had every chance to run my horse down?”
Glen Colless: “I probably have. In saying that ... at the 200m, when I hadn’t even gone for my horse – I was travelling pretty kindly - once I copped interference, it’s probably put it off his game a touch and I’ve had to really chase hard the last 150m. As I said, if I’d just had a nice clear run without copping that interference and not being turned sideways on two occasions, and the margin only being a head ...
Craig Newitt: “Do you believe my horse was turned sideways?
Glen Colless: “Yeah, but that was only from your own doing. It wasn’t my doing.”
Craig Newitt (making his statement): “I raced very keen behind the leader for the majority of the race and the sprint from the corner where he seemed to be wanting to get off the track a little bit. Once I started to roll in to heels, I established a run outside it, albeit very narrow. I believe there was a run there. I expected to be able to take that run. As I got to just outside its hind-quarters, the leader tended to roll off. Being really committed to that run, which I really felt was mine at the time, I had to come out with it to avoid his heels. I did make contact with Corey Brown’s horse, and he in turn with Glen Colless’s horse. I believe after all that was through ... I believe we came out of it probably pretty much on level terms. Within the last 150m my mount started to draw away.”
Michael Nolan stable representative for the Mick Price stable: “I would agree that the horse got a slight bump, but, jockey Colless never stopped riding him for much more than one stride. He balanced himself up and in the last 150m he had every chance to run our horse down."
The protest was upheld.
Trainer Tracy Green (speaking after the objection had been decided): “Yeah, he took a couple of bumps. We didn’t know who caused it in the rush of the moment. But, yeah, we went in and saw the stewards footage and it showed it clear. That puts him over the half-million in earnings now, so that makes our day. He’ll go for the Darley Sprint in a fortnight – and then the Eye-Liner. He is such a nice-horse. He is just a gentleman. The love-child I call him. He’s my love-child. He can be difficult to ride sometimes, but then, you know, we had Glen Colless. He is a genius. An absolute genius he is. What can you say.”
Jockey Glen Colless (speaking after the objection had been decided): “I had a lovely run in the race, three back the fence. He gave me a great ride and then when I got to the outside I always thought I had them covered, you know. Then I copped that bump on the hind-quarters which turned him in. He sort of half-lost all his momentum. Then I copped another one – a pretty hefty one. That really turned him and sort of half put him off his game a touch. I then had to balance up and chase to the line. You know he only got beat a head, so the two decent bumps he got ... I think it cost him.”
This was Colless’ first meeting back in the saddle since being sidelined with injury for some time. Colless seriously injured his toes in a freak accident at Eagle Farm. After surgery and rehabilitation, how was the foot holding up?
Glen Colless: “The foot is just something I’m going to have to put up with for a few more months. It’s just an ache. I did rush my comeback. The doctors, they said another six weeks, so I wasn’t going to sit around. Given this result, I guess you could say it was the right decision.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
J. Byrne was fined the sum of $100.00 for accepting two rides in this event. Stewards permitted D. Oliver to be substituted as the rider of Rampant Lion.
Before the declaration of correct weight G. Colless the rider of Mr Hornblower declared second place-getter sought permission to view the official videos as he was of the opinion there may have been grounds to formally lodge a protest. After this viewing G. Colless on behalf of the connections did formally protest against Rightfully Yours (C. Newitt) being declared the winner. G. Colless alleged interference to his mount near the 200m. After all informed parties had provided evidence and viewed all available video footage of the incident, stewards formed the opinion that as a consequence of C. Newitt (Rightfully Yours) shifting out near the 200m and forcing Court Command onto Mr Hornblower on two occasions and unbalancing that horse significantly, it caused interference to it which had exceeded the head margin at the finish. Therefore, the protest was upheld and the placings were amended as follows: 1st Mr Hornblower;2nd Rightfully Yours;3rd El Cambio;4th Rockpecker
At a subsequent inquiry C. Newitt (Rightfully Yours) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a), the careless riding being that at about the 200m he rode his mount outwards when insufficiently clear of Court Command causing that horse to be forced onto Mr Hornblower. As a consequence of this incident both Court Command and Mr Hornblower were severely unbalanced and Court Command lost its running. C. Newitt was suspended from riding in races to commence midnight 3 May 2009 and to expire midnight 21 May 2009. In addition to this penalty he was fined the sum of $2,000.00. C. Newitt was advised that in deciding this penalty the stewards had considered his guilty plea, but they were also of the opinion that the carelessness he displayed on this occasion was at the highest end of the scale and indeed consideration had been given to a more serious charge being levelled against him.
Leaving the 300m Rockpecker shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Daunting Lad, which in turn shifted out onto Helideck, which when tiring then shifted out taking Tellasecret out onto Accardo and Bareena forcing them wider on the track. El Cambio was held up rounding the home turn and unable to obtain clear running until leaving the 200m. Rampant Lion had difficulty obtaining clear running for the entire length of the home straight. Near the 200m El Cambio was disappointed when attempting a narrow run between Daunting Lad and Rockpecker, which was taken out slightly by Mr Slick. After the race Activation was examined by the veterinary surgeon who reported no abnormalities were detected.
Race 8:
Silk Stocking - 1200m.
1st - Belong To Many; 2nd Court; 3rd - Russeting
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Travelling foreman for the Gai Waterhouse stable. “She is a lot better, as today, if she is up with the leader or out in the front leading. Last start (when second) she couldn’t get her own way in front ... couldn’t get across. You know Gai’s put a lot of work into her in the last three weeks since we’ve had her. Barbara Joseph had her before. This was her first run for the stable. The syndicate that owned her, they sort of sell out when it gets to a certain stage. She’s a five-year-old mare so they took her to the sales and she was sold and the new owners gave her to Gai to train.”
Jockey Blake Shinn: “First run for Gai. He was very impressive. Got across from a wide draw. Had to do a power of work, especially with 59kg on her back. She travelled well. It was a great win. She exploded when I asked her. So, basically, once we took care of the draw, we had things covered. A long way out I was pretty confident. It was just a matter of pushing the button at the right time. She might win one of these big races over the Winter Carnival.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Russeting, Zero Rock and Insistence (App Michael Palmer) came together on jumping away. Beaming and Court both raced wide for the majority. Near the 600m Hurl improved to the inside of My First Affair where there was doubtful room and had to be steadied, resulting in Tranquility Base, which was following, having to be steadied off that horse's heels. Near the 500m Calchris improved up onto the heels of Quizzical Lady and had to be steadied.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning licensees:
Reprimands:
Race 2. C. Brown - Jockey - Careless riding - AR137(a)
Fines:
Race 7. J. Byrne - Jockey - Dual engagement - $100.00 - LR51(l)
Suspensions:
Race 2. O. Turpin - App Jockey - Careless riding - 6 meetings - AR137(a)
Race 7. C. Newitt - Jockey - Careless riding - 10 meetings + $2,000.00 - AR137(a)
Adjourned Inquiry:
Race 1. D. Oliver - failure to fulfil riding engagement
D. Oliver - failed to seek permission to leave race course
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Pre-Race Horses swabbed:
Activation, Helideck, Spectacular Bird, Rightfully Yours, Beaming, Tranquility Base, Court, Martini Red, Belong to Many, Accardo, Rampant Lion, Izonit, Doug's Mate, Prima Nova, Stand Tall, Scenic Shot, The Sportsman, El Cambio, Mission Critical, Sphenophyta, Imvula, Ready To Venture, La Etoile, Jungle Rocket, Sarge In Charge, Marveen, Nothin' Leica Cat, Miss Darcey, Whitefriars, She's Meaner, Sir Slick, Meet George, Youthful Jack, Our Moscato, Rezyona, Patushki, Limani, Worth Doing, Deacon.
Post- Race Horses swabbed:
All winners plus Humma, Worth Doing, Trim, Leapfrog, Izonit, Rightfully Yours, Court.
Warnings/bars:
Race 1. Royal Excess - Signs of lameness off side fore leg - Vet Cert. - LR36(b)
Race 1. Petushki - Lame near side front leg - Vet Cert. - LR36(b)
Race 5. Youthful Jack - Signs of lameness off front leg - Vet Cert. - LR36(b)
Protests:
Race 7. 2nd against 1st – Upheld.
DOOMBEN REVIEW (FRI, MAY 1)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Friday, May 1.
Track - Good 3. Rail - out 11.5m.
Race 1:
3yo F&M Plate - 1350m
1st - Ella Maree; 2nd - Ms Mickdandee; 3rd - Shocking Blue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “The mother was a good sprinter, but she seems to want ground. That’s why I started her at 1350m here first-up. I’ll robably step her up from here and see if she has got some sort of future over ground. She hasn’t got that really good turn of foot, but she hit the line well. She is a real momentum horse and hopefully the extra distance will suit. She might be an Oaks type of horse, but she just won’t be ready in time. She’s probably got that type of potential, but she would need to be up to about 1800m or 2000m now for that to be a consideration. There’s just not enough time left.”
Jockey Michael Cahill: “I didn’t really want to be where I was in the run, but I didn’t really have a lot of option. At least I was tracking the favourite and that brought me into the race. She was always going to be in the finish if she got a bit of luck. She was determined to go to the line. She just needed the breaks. When they came she was able to capitalise on them. She didn’t shrink from the gap when it came. She’s a nice filly in the making and she’s got a good temperament.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ella Maree): 3.60 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Ms Mickdandee): 1.60 out to 2.25. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ella Marie (M. Cahill) was crowded on jumping away by Flower Chariot (P. Wolfgram), which shifted in. As a result, Ella Marie shifted in, resulting in Rosslyn Chappel (C. Reith) and Ms Mickdandee (L. Cassidy) being tightened for racing room. Flower Chariot (P. Wolfgram) over-raced in the early stages. Joyful Lady (C. Dixon) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 2:
3yo C&G Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Kalakua; 2nd - Carigano; 3rd - Razzled
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (who completed a quick race-to-race double): “I bought him at the Ready-To-Run Sale for $36000. I just really liked him as a sort of a staying type of horse. He’s been working with the first race winner (Ella Maree) so I knew he would be competitive. He was still a little bit behind her in fitness. All I said to Brad (Stewart) – I didn’t give him any instructions – I just said to Brad, if he gets any sort of run I think he will win, but I’ll leave it up to you what you do. He was confident enough to go quite early. He is a promising horse. Again, just like with the first race winner, I’m a bit behind the eight-ball as far as the up-coming feature races are concerned. He was a slow maturing horse and he is just not forward enough to go to the Derby. So, maybe we’ll look at something like the Grand Prix, you know. He’ll probably go up to 1500m or 1600m next. Probably just go through his classes. We’ll just keep his confidence up. Like I say, he has been a bit slow maturing. It’s not the end of the world. If they ask you for time, you’ve got to give it to them, you know. Then they’ll reward you. If I could get him to the Grand Prix I would be more than happy.”
Jockey Brad Stewart: “He’s got lots of ability. I reckon there was five or six times though when he just kept switching on and off, you know. That’s why I sort of woke him up a little bit earlier than I wanted, because I didn’t want to get to him when he was still flat-footed. It was pretty good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kalakua): 2.50 out to 3.00 in to 2.80.
Favourite (Razzled): 2.50 in to 2.20.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Lander and Silver Spike (S. Seamer) proving difficult to load. Lander (L. Cassidy) was tightened for room on jumping away between Nonethewiser (N. Thomas) and Razzled (M. Cahill), both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, Silver Spike (S. Seamer) was crowded for room when racing between Royal Page Boy (Matthew Palmer) and Kalakua (B. Stewart). Near the 1000m, when the pace of the race steadied, Royal Page Boy over-raced at the heels of Kalakua and shifted out. As a consequence, Royal Page Boy was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Razzled shifted out to improve and in doing so brushed Royal Page Boy.
Race 3:
F&M Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Daytime Drama; 2nd - Sugar Cube; 3rd - Acting Up
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “The horse has been a handful from day one - very, very highly strung. Our apprentice, Alexandra Kitson probably gets on best with her. She rides her a lot and gets on really well with her. She was a real handful as a baby. She sort of wanted to drop her head and clear out all the time. It’s thrown everyone. I wouldn’t say it is a buck-jumper. She just takes fright and tips you off. It hasn’t been easy, but she’s a winner now.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “I was very confident. I just bounced out. I wanted to cross to the paint in front. They wanted to make me do a bit of work, so I just relaxed and stayed out three deep for a while. I mean I had the whole back straight to get there. Then I crossed and she relaxed under me. When I asked for her effort, she just took off. Yeah, it was a nice win. She was just too good for them.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Daytime Drama): 2.20 out top 2.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Eurostorm (M. Cahill) and Sugar Cube (K. Banks) were slow to begin. Cheryl The Feral (O. Turpin) and Daytime Drama (B. Evans) came together on jumping away. Near the 150m, E. Wilkinson, rider of A Pair Of Diamonds, had his whip knocked from his grasp by J. Byrne, rider of My Fallacy. Choose A Star (M. Radecker) and Hidden Heart (M. Hughes) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Northern Praise; 2nd - Bootooloo; 3rd - Sir Mossman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (having now saddled a treble on the day): “They just handed it to him on a plate. The rest just sort of backed off and let him do what he wanted to. He dictated and they just let him dictate. He had no choice but to win. He is a reasonable horse. I think he will handle a bit more ground. He has been a little bit slow to work things out. Like the one gate today and the blinkers really made the difference. He probably needed the blinkers first-up last time (on debut). He struck a slow track though, so first-up on that he did a good job without winning, you know.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (who completed a race-to-race double on the day): “Oh mate, the lead that I got was just unbelievable. The last two races was a bit of daylight robbery – particularly this one. The way the race was run there was no way he could get beat.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Northern Praise): 1.50 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Quite Stylish (D. Gill) was slow to begin. Near the 700m, when the pace of the race steadied, Three Mile Island (J. Byrne) over-raced at the heels of Northern Praise (B. Evans). Crackinghorseluck (M. Cahill), which was trailing, had to be steadied, and as a result Quite Stylish improved up onto the heels of Crackinghorseluck and also had to be steadied. Rounding the home turn, Tabooba (M. Heagney) and Bootooloo (B. Stewart) came together and brushed. Sam’s Crossing (Michael Palmer) and Tabooba (M. Heagney) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
Brisbane Bloodstock 2yo Maiden Bonus Handicap - 1200m
1st - False Accusation; 2nd - Game Power; 3rd - Golden Success
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “He’s not a bad horse. He ran fourth in the Consolation race at the Magic Millions. He let them all up inside him in the Magic Millions. I reckon if he stayed on the fence he’d probably win. The jockey thought the going was better away from the rail that day so he swung out and the first three place-getters went up along the inside. Anyway, he’s done a good job here. He’s first-up from an outside barrier carrying top weight. He couldn’t do any more. He was gelded while he was out and the gelding has improved him out of sight. The best thing was the way he hit the line. He wasn’t doing that as a colt.”
Jockey Jim Byrne: “Yeah, they made us work a bit. I was going to try and settle in behind them, but the fact is, as soon as I started to try to lock him away, the pace slackens and I’m three deep you know. So I just had to keep pressing forward. He did a good job in the straight.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (False Accusation): 2.20 out to 2.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The connections of Iglesia Caret were advised that they would be required to produce a further barrier certificate for the filly, which proved difficult to load. The start of the race was further delayed as a result of Fiesta Gal, which was fractious, becoming cast in the barriers. Fiesta Gal was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to start. Iglesia Caret (E. Wilkinson) was tightened for room on jumping away between Dubai Girl (P. Wolfgram) and Huckleberry Dane (M. Cahill), both of which shifted ground. Regal Glance (B. El-Issa) and Turn The Tide (C. Reith) were slow to begin. Near the 250m, T. Treichel, rider of Game Power, accidentally dropped his whip. Flashcity (D. Griffin) was caught racing wide for the majority of the event.
Race 6:
Class 2 Handicap - 1660m
1st - Big Girls Don't Cry; 2nd - Strawberry Ripple; 3rd - Papal Joy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “We are trying to get her into the Oaks and the Doomben Roses and we just hope to pick up enough prize-money, you know. One of them fell right back in her face over there and put her back. At that stage I didn’t think she could win ... but she did ... and it doesn’t matter how far you win by. That’s the best they can do. They can only win and she’s doing that. She had the heavy track to contend with at the Coast. She’s gone to a mile at only her third start. So we can’t complain.”
Jockey Dan Griffin: “We took up a nice position. They are setting her for the Oaks. I wanted to see if she’d get the distance, so I just wanted to give her a nice clean run. They kept coming back on me and it was hard to get a guide whether she was going to see it out, because I kept stop-starting her, you know. In the end, like the win was probably a bit better than it looked. I took off at the 700m mark. Michael Cahill (on More Than Primed ) stepped up his momentum. He had the same idea. He had his rolling quicker than I was and he gave me no real room and went around me. You allow for her being held up there and the win just gets better and better. Then she’s come right down the outside, stayed true and fought on to the last stride. When she stretched I thought we might have got it, but I knew it was the bob of a head. She’s gutsy alright.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Big Girls Don’t Cry).
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kaycee’s Bid (S. Bogenhuber) and Strawberry Ripple (E. Wilkinson) were slow to begin. Papal Joy (S. Seamer) threw its head in the air and raced ungenerously near the 1200m. Shockie (J. Jones) was caught racing wide in the early stages. Nearing the 100m, Kaycee’s Bid improved up on to the heels of the tiring Mean Machine (L. Cassidy) and as a result had to alter course. Kaycee’s Bid was then unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the event. Approaching the finish of the race, More Than Primed (M. Cahill) was tightened for room between Shockie (J. Jones) and Strawberry Ripple (E. Wilkinson), which shifted in. E. Wilkinson, rider of Strawberry Ripple, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Gundy Son; 2nd - Downsize; 3rd - Pea Eye Cee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “The big difference with him this preparation is he has been gelded. He was a real handful last prep ... remember the day he did a bolter around Eagle Farm. The thing that pleased me today was he relaxed, he did everything right, he sprinted to the line hard. Joe (Bowditch) pressed the button and he just went. I think he’s a horse who could measure up to a Saturday, city class, three-year-old Carnival race. We haven’t got rid of all of his nonsense with the gelding. He is still a bit of a lad. I give a bit of credit to Peter Spargo. He is the only track-work rider who sits on him. He does an excellent job with him. He just knows what the horse needs. Oh, he can be a real challenge. There are a lot of people who could not ride this horse in track-work, I can tell you that. So, yeah, it was very pleasing. Even his run the other day in town was good on that wet track. He’s a Falvelon and they don’t handle it. So that was also a good effort.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He showed a good turn of foot. He surprised me how quick he let down when I asked him. I just popped him out to work around the leaders and the next thing he’d got there easy enough. He kicked on good. The horse is only second-up so there is still a bit of improvement in him. We just had a beautiful run. You couldn’t ask for things to work out any better.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Gundy Son): 3.60 out to 4.60.
Favourite: (Surrounded By Sin): 4.20 in to 3.30. Finished tenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of farrier attention required for The Sixties after the horse sprung its off-side front shoe. The Sixties (A. Merritt) and Brookie Babe (J. Jones) came together and made contact on jumping away. Our Ojay (D. Griffin) was slow to begin. Night Rogues (B. Evans) began awkwardly. The Sixties (A. Merritt) raced ungenerously in the early stages of the event. Near the 500m, John’s Gem (T. Treichel) and Monaleah (S. Bogenhuber) were both tightened for room when racing between Pea Eye Cee (Matthew Palmer) and The Sixties (A. Merritt), which shifted in. Lots Of Success (M. Hellyer) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Night Rouges (B. Evans) was caught wide for the majority of the event. It was noted that whilst racing wide the horse was inclined to hang out between the 700m and 400m section of the race. Leaving the 200m, Surrounded By Sin (L. Rolls) was disappointed for a run between Monaleah (S. Bogenhuber) and The Sixties (A. Merritt), which was taken out by Pea Eye Cee.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Brookie Babe, apprentice J. Jones was of the opinion that the performance was affected by the fact that the filly was obliged to work hard in the early stages of the event to obtain a forward position.
Stewards questioned apprentice L. Rolls regarding the tactics adopted on Surrounded By Sin today as compared to its previous racing pattern of the gelding. Apprentice Rolls advised stewards that the instructions from the trainer today were to allow the horse to settle in a mid to rearward position as a result of the wide barrier. He stated after being unable to obtain a midfield position he elected to restrain the horse to a position at the rear of the field. The explanation was noted. A post-race veterinary examination of Surrounded By Sin after the event revealed the horse to be sore in the off foreleg. Connections were advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be presented prior to the gelding racing again.
Race 8:
Class 5 Handicap - 1110m
1st - Overanxious; 2nd - Equates; 3rd - Rockem
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jim Byrne (who completed a double on the day): “Yeah, we had a bad barrier but, you know what, they went that fast anyway. That helped us out a lot. He is a horse that can relax too, so it worked out well. We just pushed out wide for a run in the straight and he turned it into a good win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Overanxious): 7.00 out to 8.00.
Favourite (The Boxer): 4.00 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of veterinary examination of Hail Free after the horse was kicked by another runner at the barriers. After a veterinary examination, the gelding was cleared to race. Equates (S. Seamer) Rockem (L. Cassidy) began awkwardly. Near the 300m, Nostrum (R. Wiggins) was tightened for room when racing between Jad (M. Palmer) and Hail Free (M. Hellyer), which was taken out by The Boxer (O. Turpin). Whilst acknowledging contributing movement from the The Boxer, the stewards nonetheless reprimanded apprentice M. Hellyer, rider of Hail Free, for attempting to force a passage where doubtful racing room existed. Jad (Michael Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning licensees:
Reprimands:
Race 8. Michael Helyer - A/jockey - C/riding - AR137(a)*
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Ms Mickdandee, Sugar Cube, Game Power,
Warnings/bars
Race 7. Surrounded By Sin - Sore off-fore - Vet. clearance - LR36(b)
Track - Good 3. Rail - out 11.5m.
Race 1:
3yo F&M Plate - 1350m
1st - Ella Maree; 2nd - Ms Mickdandee; 3rd - Shocking Blue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “The mother was a good sprinter, but she seems to want ground. That’s why I started her at 1350m here first-up. I’ll robably step her up from here and see if she has got some sort of future over ground. She hasn’t got that really good turn of foot, but she hit the line well. She is a real momentum horse and hopefully the extra distance will suit. She might be an Oaks type of horse, but she just won’t be ready in time. She’s probably got that type of potential, but she would need to be up to about 1800m or 2000m now for that to be a consideration. There’s just not enough time left.”
Jockey Michael Cahill: “I didn’t really want to be where I was in the run, but I didn’t really have a lot of option. At least I was tracking the favourite and that brought me into the race. She was always going to be in the finish if she got a bit of luck. She was determined to go to the line. She just needed the breaks. When they came she was able to capitalise on them. She didn’t shrink from the gap when it came. She’s a nice filly in the making and she’s got a good temperament.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ella Maree): 3.60 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Ms Mickdandee): 1.60 out to 2.25. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ella Marie (M. Cahill) was crowded on jumping away by Flower Chariot (P. Wolfgram), which shifted in. As a result, Ella Marie shifted in, resulting in Rosslyn Chappel (C. Reith) and Ms Mickdandee (L. Cassidy) being tightened for racing room. Flower Chariot (P. Wolfgram) over-raced in the early stages. Joyful Lady (C. Dixon) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 2:
3yo C&G Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Kalakua; 2nd - Carigano; 3rd - Razzled
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (who completed a quick race-to-race double): “I bought him at the Ready-To-Run Sale for $36000. I just really liked him as a sort of a staying type of horse. He’s been working with the first race winner (Ella Maree) so I knew he would be competitive. He was still a little bit behind her in fitness. All I said to Brad (Stewart) – I didn’t give him any instructions – I just said to Brad, if he gets any sort of run I think he will win, but I’ll leave it up to you what you do. He was confident enough to go quite early. He is a promising horse. Again, just like with the first race winner, I’m a bit behind the eight-ball as far as the up-coming feature races are concerned. He was a slow maturing horse and he is just not forward enough to go to the Derby. So, maybe we’ll look at something like the Grand Prix, you know. He’ll probably go up to 1500m or 1600m next. Probably just go through his classes. We’ll just keep his confidence up. Like I say, he has been a bit slow maturing. It’s not the end of the world. If they ask you for time, you’ve got to give it to them, you know. Then they’ll reward you. If I could get him to the Grand Prix I would be more than happy.”
Jockey Brad Stewart: “He’s got lots of ability. I reckon there was five or six times though when he just kept switching on and off, you know. That’s why I sort of woke him up a little bit earlier than I wanted, because I didn’t want to get to him when he was still flat-footed. It was pretty good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kalakua): 2.50 out to 3.00 in to 2.80.
Favourite (Razzled): 2.50 in to 2.20.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Lander and Silver Spike (S. Seamer) proving difficult to load. Lander (L. Cassidy) was tightened for room on jumping away between Nonethewiser (N. Thomas) and Razzled (M. Cahill), both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, Silver Spike (S. Seamer) was crowded for room when racing between Royal Page Boy (Matthew Palmer) and Kalakua (B. Stewart). Near the 1000m, when the pace of the race steadied, Royal Page Boy over-raced at the heels of Kalakua and shifted out. As a consequence, Royal Page Boy was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Razzled shifted out to improve and in doing so brushed Royal Page Boy.
Race 3:
F&M Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Daytime Drama; 2nd - Sugar Cube; 3rd - Acting Up
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “The horse has been a handful from day one - very, very highly strung. Our apprentice, Alexandra Kitson probably gets on best with her. She rides her a lot and gets on really well with her. She was a real handful as a baby. She sort of wanted to drop her head and clear out all the time. It’s thrown everyone. I wouldn’t say it is a buck-jumper. She just takes fright and tips you off. It hasn’t been easy, but she’s a winner now.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “I was very confident. I just bounced out. I wanted to cross to the paint in front. They wanted to make me do a bit of work, so I just relaxed and stayed out three deep for a while. I mean I had the whole back straight to get there. Then I crossed and she relaxed under me. When I asked for her effort, she just took off. Yeah, it was a nice win. She was just too good for them.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Daytime Drama): 2.20 out top 2.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Eurostorm (M. Cahill) and Sugar Cube (K. Banks) were slow to begin. Cheryl The Feral (O. Turpin) and Daytime Drama (B. Evans) came together on jumping away. Near the 150m, E. Wilkinson, rider of A Pair Of Diamonds, had his whip knocked from his grasp by J. Byrne, rider of My Fallacy. Choose A Star (M. Radecker) and Hidden Heart (M. Hughes) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Northern Praise; 2nd - Bootooloo; 3rd - Sir Mossman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (having now saddled a treble on the day): “They just handed it to him on a plate. The rest just sort of backed off and let him do what he wanted to. He dictated and they just let him dictate. He had no choice but to win. He is a reasonable horse. I think he will handle a bit more ground. He has been a little bit slow to work things out. Like the one gate today and the blinkers really made the difference. He probably needed the blinkers first-up last time (on debut). He struck a slow track though, so first-up on that he did a good job without winning, you know.”
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (who completed a race-to-race double on the day): “Oh mate, the lead that I got was just unbelievable. The last two races was a bit of daylight robbery – particularly this one. The way the race was run there was no way he could get beat.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Northern Praise): 1.50 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Quite Stylish (D. Gill) was slow to begin. Near the 700m, when the pace of the race steadied, Three Mile Island (J. Byrne) over-raced at the heels of Northern Praise (B. Evans). Crackinghorseluck (M. Cahill), which was trailing, had to be steadied, and as a result Quite Stylish improved up onto the heels of Crackinghorseluck and also had to be steadied. Rounding the home turn, Tabooba (M. Heagney) and Bootooloo (B. Stewart) came together and brushed. Sam’s Crossing (Michael Palmer) and Tabooba (M. Heagney) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
Brisbane Bloodstock 2yo Maiden Bonus Handicap - 1200m
1st - False Accusation; 2nd - Game Power; 3rd - Golden Success
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “He’s not a bad horse. He ran fourth in the Consolation race at the Magic Millions. He let them all up inside him in the Magic Millions. I reckon if he stayed on the fence he’d probably win. The jockey thought the going was better away from the rail that day so he swung out and the first three place-getters went up along the inside. Anyway, he’s done a good job here. He’s first-up from an outside barrier carrying top weight. He couldn’t do any more. He was gelded while he was out and the gelding has improved him out of sight. The best thing was the way he hit the line. He wasn’t doing that as a colt.”
Jockey Jim Byrne: “Yeah, they made us work a bit. I was going to try and settle in behind them, but the fact is, as soon as I started to try to lock him away, the pace slackens and I’m three deep you know. So I just had to keep pressing forward. He did a good job in the straight.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (False Accusation): 2.20 out to 2.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The connections of Iglesia Caret were advised that they would be required to produce a further barrier certificate for the filly, which proved difficult to load. The start of the race was further delayed as a result of Fiesta Gal, which was fractious, becoming cast in the barriers. Fiesta Gal was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to start. Iglesia Caret (E. Wilkinson) was tightened for room on jumping away between Dubai Girl (P. Wolfgram) and Huckleberry Dane (M. Cahill), both of which shifted ground. Regal Glance (B. El-Issa) and Turn The Tide (C. Reith) were slow to begin. Near the 250m, T. Treichel, rider of Game Power, accidentally dropped his whip. Flashcity (D. Griffin) was caught racing wide for the majority of the event.
Race 6:
Class 2 Handicap - 1660m
1st - Big Girls Don't Cry; 2nd - Strawberry Ripple; 3rd - Papal Joy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “We are trying to get her into the Oaks and the Doomben Roses and we just hope to pick up enough prize-money, you know. One of them fell right back in her face over there and put her back. At that stage I didn’t think she could win ... but she did ... and it doesn’t matter how far you win by. That’s the best they can do. They can only win and she’s doing that. She had the heavy track to contend with at the Coast. She’s gone to a mile at only her third start. So we can’t complain.”
Jockey Dan Griffin: “We took up a nice position. They are setting her for the Oaks. I wanted to see if she’d get the distance, so I just wanted to give her a nice clean run. They kept coming back on me and it was hard to get a guide whether she was going to see it out, because I kept stop-starting her, you know. In the end, like the win was probably a bit better than it looked. I took off at the 700m mark. Michael Cahill (on More Than Primed ) stepped up his momentum. He had the same idea. He had his rolling quicker than I was and he gave me no real room and went around me. You allow for her being held up there and the win just gets better and better. Then she’s come right down the outside, stayed true and fought on to the last stride. When she stretched I thought we might have got it, but I knew it was the bob of a head. She’s gutsy alright.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Big Girls Don’t Cry).
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kaycee’s Bid (S. Bogenhuber) and Strawberry Ripple (E. Wilkinson) were slow to begin. Papal Joy (S. Seamer) threw its head in the air and raced ungenerously near the 1200m. Shockie (J. Jones) was caught racing wide in the early stages. Nearing the 100m, Kaycee’s Bid improved up on to the heels of the tiring Mean Machine (L. Cassidy) and as a result had to alter course. Kaycee’s Bid was then unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the event. Approaching the finish of the race, More Than Primed (M. Cahill) was tightened for room between Shockie (J. Jones) and Strawberry Ripple (E. Wilkinson), which shifted in. E. Wilkinson, rider of Strawberry Ripple, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Gundy Son; 2nd - Downsize; 3rd - Pea Eye Cee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “The big difference with him this preparation is he has been gelded. He was a real handful last prep ... remember the day he did a bolter around Eagle Farm. The thing that pleased me today was he relaxed, he did everything right, he sprinted to the line hard. Joe (Bowditch) pressed the button and he just went. I think he’s a horse who could measure up to a Saturday, city class, three-year-old Carnival race. We haven’t got rid of all of his nonsense with the gelding. He is still a bit of a lad. I give a bit of credit to Peter Spargo. He is the only track-work rider who sits on him. He does an excellent job with him. He just knows what the horse needs. Oh, he can be a real challenge. There are a lot of people who could not ride this horse in track-work, I can tell you that. So, yeah, it was very pleasing. Even his run the other day in town was good on that wet track. He’s a Falvelon and they don’t handle it. So that was also a good effort.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He showed a good turn of foot. He surprised me how quick he let down when I asked him. I just popped him out to work around the leaders and the next thing he’d got there easy enough. He kicked on good. The horse is only second-up so there is still a bit of improvement in him. We just had a beautiful run. You couldn’t ask for things to work out any better.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Gundy Son): 3.60 out to 4.60.
Favourite: (Surrounded By Sin): 4.20 in to 3.30. Finished tenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of farrier attention required for The Sixties after the horse sprung its off-side front shoe. The Sixties (A. Merritt) and Brookie Babe (J. Jones) came together and made contact on jumping away. Our Ojay (D. Griffin) was slow to begin. Night Rogues (B. Evans) began awkwardly. The Sixties (A. Merritt) raced ungenerously in the early stages of the event. Near the 500m, John’s Gem (T. Treichel) and Monaleah (S. Bogenhuber) were both tightened for room when racing between Pea Eye Cee (Matthew Palmer) and The Sixties (A. Merritt), which shifted in. Lots Of Success (M. Hellyer) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Night Rouges (B. Evans) was caught wide for the majority of the event. It was noted that whilst racing wide the horse was inclined to hang out between the 700m and 400m section of the race. Leaving the 200m, Surrounded By Sin (L. Rolls) was disappointed for a run between Monaleah (S. Bogenhuber) and The Sixties (A. Merritt), which was taken out by Pea Eye Cee.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Brookie Babe, apprentice J. Jones was of the opinion that the performance was affected by the fact that the filly was obliged to work hard in the early stages of the event to obtain a forward position.
Stewards questioned apprentice L. Rolls regarding the tactics adopted on Surrounded By Sin today as compared to its previous racing pattern of the gelding. Apprentice Rolls advised stewards that the instructions from the trainer today were to allow the horse to settle in a mid to rearward position as a result of the wide barrier. He stated after being unable to obtain a midfield position he elected to restrain the horse to a position at the rear of the field. The explanation was noted. A post-race veterinary examination of Surrounded By Sin after the event revealed the horse to be sore in the off foreleg. Connections were advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be presented prior to the gelding racing again.
Race 8:
Class 5 Handicap - 1110m
1st - Overanxious; 2nd - Equates; 3rd - Rockem
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jim Byrne (who completed a double on the day): “Yeah, we had a bad barrier but, you know what, they went that fast anyway. That helped us out a lot. He is a horse that can relax too, so it worked out well. We just pushed out wide for a run in the straight and he turned it into a good win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Overanxious): 7.00 out to 8.00.
Favourite (The Boxer): 4.00 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of veterinary examination of Hail Free after the horse was kicked by another runner at the barriers. After a veterinary examination, the gelding was cleared to race. Equates (S. Seamer) Rockem (L. Cassidy) began awkwardly. Near the 300m, Nostrum (R. Wiggins) was tightened for room when racing between Jad (M. Palmer) and Hail Free (M. Hellyer), which was taken out by The Boxer (O. Turpin). Whilst acknowledging contributing movement from the The Boxer, the stewards nonetheless reprimanded apprentice M. Hellyer, rider of Hail Free, for attempting to force a passage where doubtful racing room existed. Jad (Michael Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning licensees:
Reprimands:
Race 8. Michael Helyer - A/jockey - C/riding - AR137(a)*
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Ms Mickdandee, Sugar Cube, Game Power,
Warnings/bars
Race 7. Surrounded By Sin - Sore off-fore - Vet. clearance - LR36(b)
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