A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, December 17.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
From QTC meeting, 13.12.08
Race 1. Jockey B. Pengelly was fined $100 for failing to fulfil his engagement on Grand Corso.
Race 2: Trainer L. Birchley reported that a subsequent veterinary examination of Southport revealed the horse to have a bruised near fore foot.
Race 7: Trainer B. Hill reported that Quizzical Lady had pull up well following the event and was unable to offer any excuse for the poor performance other than what was reported at the race meeting on the day.
Race 1:
Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Tower Bridge; 2nd - Manilla Girl; 3rd - Lee Kova
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Dawson: “This is his first run for me. I trained a horse called Dansamonkey for a fellow up north. He sent me this horse. He bought it down in Melbourne as a tried horse. He gave it a couple of goes up north and it couldn’t win. So he thought he’d let me have a go.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I don’t know how he hasn’t won a race in sixteen starts. Maybe it was the rider. No seriously, I got a lovely run and he did it well. That inside draw is worth its weight in gold, mate. And that was supposed to be my worst ride for the day. We’ll see.”
Tower Bridge was jockey Shane Scriven’s only winner on the day.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tower Bridge): 6.00 out to 8.00.
Favourite (Huss): 2.60 out to 3.00 in to 2.80. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 900m, Huss had to be steadied to avoid the heels of I Sea Magic (C. Eaton), which shifted in. Passing the 700m, Annum Al (W. Clasohm) blundered of its own accord. Near the 50m, Floss ‘N’ Boots (S. Shield) was momentarily tightened for room between Worksforme (J. Taylor) and Huss, which shifted in slightly. Annum Al and Wedding Night raced wide throughout. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that I Sea Magic was found to have bled from one nostril following the event. Trainer N. Hocking was advised that the mare would be required to gallop 1000 metres before stewards prior to its next race start. (AR53A) A post race veterinary examination of Worksforme failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Jockey S. Shield pleaded guilty to a charge under AR87(c) in that he attempted to weigh out in an unapproved vest. Jockey Shield was fined the sum of $1000.
Race 2:
3yo Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - King Corvette; 2nd - Hello Christmas; 3rd - Inanna
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Yeah, he finished a beaten favourite on debut. I’m not sure what went wrong that day, whether it was the going (dead) or if he was just feeling his body weight. He is a big horse. It’s a nice win for the owners. Most of them were involved in Devil Inside who they sold and who is now in foal to Show A Heart. The mother (Toasted Gold) was a useful sort. I think she won about eight or so, mostly in town – so he does rate a fair prospect.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “He jumped well and then along the way I tried to rev him up a bit again and he didn’t know what I was asking of him, so he still has a lot to learn, but it was a good enough win.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (King Corvette): 2.80 in to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
King Corvette (G. Colless) over-raced in the early stages. Mrs Robinson (J. Holder) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Passing the 500m, Attalus (A. Pattillo) had to be steadied when attempting to obtain a run to the outside of Buy’N’Sell (S. Galloway) and to the inside of Munster Province where there was insufficient room. Rounding the home turn, Mrs Robinson shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Buy’N’Sell (S. Galloway) out on to Munster Province, which in turn shifted out and bumped Waterbury. Near the 300m, Squirmy (K. Cunningham) shifted out abruptly to avoid the heels of Fine Style. Inanna (W. Clasohm), Waterbury (C. Reith) and Brits Star (R. Hancock) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Fine Style (T. Pannell) revealed the horse to be striding short in front. Trainer R. Bradshaw was advised he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.
Race 3:
Maiden Plate - 1500m
1st - Ronstadt; 2nd - Damashqui; 3rd - Abindah
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Gary Wheeler (for the Russell Kirwin stable): “She’s not a horse you can chase. You’ve got to cuddle her along so I told the jockey that he was not to get involved in a speed battle early. That’s why he let the other one go and settled in just off the speed. The mare travelled beautifully for the jockey. She’s had no luck in recent starts and deserved the win.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer: “I didn’t really want to lead so when Colless took it up (on Abindah) I was happy to let him go. We’ve travelled easily and then I asked her to step up early in the straight. She still seems to be a little afraid of the other runners, but once she got up alongside the leader she was never going to be beaten. She’s been a bridesmaid so long (the mare finished runner-up in four successive starts prior to this win) so it’s good to get the win on the board. It might have been a long time coming (this was Ronstadt’s twenty-sixth start), but I think there will be more improvement to come.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ronstadt): 5.00 out to 7.00
Favourite (Montaperti): 2.50 in to 2.40 out to 2.80. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Brokacanon (S. Galloway), Manziedear (G. Baker) and Skystep (R. Goltz) over-raced in the early stages. Near the 900m, Ronstadt (M. Hellyer) shifted out off the heels of Abindah (G. Colless) and in doing so inconvenienced Nuclear Lady (Michael Palmer). Passing the 800m, Fu Belle (S. Seamer) shifted out, forcing Montaperti (C. Reith) wider on the track. Near the 200m, Skystep (R. Goltz) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between Fu Belle (S. Seamer) and Clangismydad (A. Spinks), which was laying in. Alamo (R. Wiggins) was inclined to lay out under pressure in the straight. Clangismydad (A. Spinks) raced wide throughout.
Race 4:
Class 5 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Magique Mine; 3rd - Three Tenors
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He’s going beautifully. He’s just so relaxed and he’s doing everything asked of him. He’ll step up to Saturday class now ... probably over a mile.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “He’s just at the top of his game at the moment and loving it. He settled real well. I don’t know if it is because there is a bit more speed in the races up here or what it is, but he used to want to pull when he raced in Sydney. He doesn’t do that now ... and he goes when you ask him. He’s racing in his prime.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pyramids): 1.70 out to 2.00 in to 1.90.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Three Tenors (R. Goltz) was slow to begin. A post race veterinary examination of Emergence revealed the gelding to be slightly lame in the off foreleg. Trainer R. Rowley was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Rumba Jack; 2nd - Rotarian; 3rd - Pandemonia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor (who had been doubtful to ride the horse after being injured in an incident in a jump-out on Tuesday): “The incident happened when I was trying to load a horse of Michael’s (trainer Michael Nolan) at a jump-out yesterday. The horse just flipped over and knocked me out cold. That was about ten o’clock in the morning. They took me to hospital and I only woke up properly at about six that night. I was waking up in between times, but then going off again. By that night I was fully awake and they released me during the evening. All I’ve got to show for it is a bump on the back of my noggin and a cut on my forehead. I had to go back this morning for some neurological checks just to make certain I was fine. Then I headed for Eagle Farm. Got a great run through and took home the win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Rumba Jack): 1.80 out to 2.10 in to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pandemonia (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Monashee Dancer (L. Dittman) and Amaizing Royal (B. Evans) came together on jumping away. As a result, Amaizing Royal became unbalanced. Tootsie Zynsky (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Rotarian (L. Rolls) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Near the 150m, Zazz (C. McIver) was impeded by Monashee Dancer (L. Dittman), which shifted out under pressure. Voodoo Brown Magic (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout, and was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. A post race veterinary examination of Tootsie Zynsky revealed the mare to have heart arrhythmia. Trainer Mrs H. Page was advised that she must provide to the stewards the results of an ECG for Tootsie Zynsky, and that the mare must trial satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start.
Race 6:
CG&E Class 4 Handicap - 1300m
1st - Monashee Prince; 2nd - Hesashow; 3rd - Rock The Roses
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kim Anderson: “His got some fair results, but nothing has really gone his way this prep. Two runs back we put the blinkers on and he just got touched off in the last stride over 1030m. I always thought he might be better over a longer trip so we tried the step up in distance here (to 1300m). When he kicked away early in the straight, I thought he might have gone too early because he does have a tendency not to sustain a run for that long, but thankfully he had enough in hand this time.”
Jockey: Garry Baker: “I rode him up with the speed. It was always the plan to set the target and let them try to come and catch him. With a horse that is used to running over 1000m, you can sometimes get away with going over a longer trip by giving him a soft run and then asking him to kick. It doesn’t always work out, but it looks good when it does.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Monashee Prince): 17.00 out to 21.00.
Favourite (Encosta Tszyu): 6.00 in to 4.60. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rock The Roses (Matthew Palmer) blundered on jumping away. Columate (G. Colless) was slow to begin. Near the 1200m, Rocking All Right (J. Taylor) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Rock The Roses, which was taken in by He’s Some Eagle (B. Payne). B. Payne, rider of He’s Some Eagle, was reprimanded. Passing the 500m, Rocking All Right (J. Taylor) shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Encosta Tszyu (S. Galloway). Rock The Roses suffered a bleeding attack during running. Trainer M. Eggleston was advised that Rock The Roses would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 7:
F&M Class 4 Handicap - 1300m
1st - Fuhrnatic; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Guissepino
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “She’s come back strong this prep. She’d had issues. Nothing serious but somehow along the way she’s always managed to do something to herself to disrupt things. For example, last time I had her ready she kicked a wall and hurt her hock. So I had to put her out again. The jockey rode her a treat. We’ll head for the Magic Millions now, all being well. She’ll go to the Class 6 over 1200m on MM day.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “The timing of her run has to be measured carefully. She has a very good turn of foot and her acceleration can leave the opposition behind, but her burst doesn’t last long so they can come back at her if you move too early. She did it exactly the same the last time I won on her.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Fuhrmatic): 15.00 out to 16.00.
Favourite (Guissepino): 2.10 out to 2.15 in to 2.05. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Guiseppino (B. Pengelly) shifted its near-fore plate in the enclosure and required re-shoeing. Patti (S. Galloway) and Miss Twist (K. Wharton) came together on jumping away. Near the 400m, Guiseppino was impeded by Fuhrnatic (D. Griffin), which shifted out slightly. Guiseppino (B. Pengelly) shifted in over the concluding stages under pressure.
When questioned regarding the poor performance of Cicarelli, jockey D. Craven was unable to provide and explanation other than the horse travelled well after it obtained a position early, however the mare was beaten shortly after passing the 600m. Trainer B. Baldwin was also unable to offer any excuse, however undertook to have a full veterinary examination carried out on Cicarelli and to report the results to the stewards. A post race veterinary examination of Cicarelli failed to reveal any significant abnormalities and a swab sample was taken.
Race 8:
Class 3 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Costa Mucho; 2nd - Albuquerque; 3rd - Unapred
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy (who horses ran the quinella): “That’s exactly how we discussed it before the race. If they walked, we’d go. Ric (McMahon) tried to hold them up mid-term (on Albuquerque). He said if nobody went around him he would have kicked and won by three. (Then, turning to winning rider Scott Galloway). Ric’s dirty with you that you took off so soon.” Galloway had made a swift forward move around runners approaching the turn.
“That’s because I’m older and wiser,” responded Galloway.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Costa Mucho) 17.00 out to 18.00.
Favourite (Unapred): 2.80 out to 3.40. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer B. Baldwin was fined $50 for presenting I’m So Stunning to the enclosure with incorrect gear. I’m So Stunning (M. Palmer) and Eye Eye Silver (K. Cunningham), which were a little slow to begin, were then tightened for room between Sweet Opinion (R. Wiggins) and Costa Mucho (S. Galloway), which after jumping away awkwardly, shifted in. Octahedron (S. Scriven) over-raced in the early stages. Near the 1400m, I’m So Stunning improved on to the heels of Intertheblack (B. Pengelly) and had to be steadied. Passing the 1200m, Intertheblack and I’m So Stunning commenced to over-race. Near the 800m, Sweet Opinion (R. Wiggins), which had been over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Dawns Queen (K. Pope). Near the 300m, Napper Tandy (L. Dittman) had to be checked when tightened for room between Intertheblack, which shifted in, and Unapred (J. Taylor), which after initially shifting out, was further taken out by Albuquerque, which also shifted out. B. Pengelly, rider of Interthebalck, J. Taylor, rider of Unapred, and R. McMahon, rider of Albuquerque, were all severely reprimanded for this incident as stewards believed they all equally contributed to the interference suffered by Napper Tandy. Passing the 300m, Unapred (J. Taylor) shifted in and bumped Intertheblack. At the 150m, Intertheblack shifted in abruptly of its own accord.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
BENTLEY CLARIFIES MUNCE ISSUE
Jockey Chris Munce doesn’t have to read the tea-leaves this time. Queensland Racing has spelt it out for him.
The spin from the Munce camp is that the rider decided to withdraw his application for a licence to ride in Queensland to concentrate on re-establishing in Sydney racing.
Munce is reported as saying he thinks he should ‘stay in Sydney for the time being’ in order to further ‘build momentum’ after his positive return to competitive riding at the weekend.
Withdrawing his application for a licence to ride in Queensland was Munce’s prerogative – but it was hardly a choice in the real sense of the word.
A media release by Queensland Racing left no doubt about how it views Munce’s presence on the local scene.
The release of Tuesday, December 16 reads:
‘QRL Chairman Mr Bob Bentley has stated it is necessary to put on public record QRL’s ongoing position should a further application be received.
Applicants for visiting jockey licences in Queensland are required by the rules of racing and licensing procedures to satisfy several conditions. In particular, an applicant must be free of any penalty from a racing authority in Australia or overseas.
QRL received the full details of the circumstances surrounding Chris Munce’s disqualification on December 5, 2008.
On December 5, 2008, QRL received an application from Mr Chris Munce for a Visiting Jockey Licence.
The QRL’s Licensing Committee was to consider the application at its meeting scheduled for 8:45am Tuesday, December 16, 2008.
At 4.45pm Monday, December 15 2008, Mr Munce phoned QRL to announce that he did not want to continue with his application.
Mr Munce is currently the subject of a disqualification imposed by the racing stewards of the Hong Kong Jockey Club on December 1, 2008.
Mr Munce, after pleading guilty for breaching Hong Kong (HK) Racing Rules 150 and 151(9) was disqualified for a period of thirty months backdated until March 2007.
This means that he is not free of disqualification in Hong Kong until September 1, 2009.
Mr Bentley said Mr Munce was advised of his rights of appeal against the decisions of the Hong Kong Racing stewards. “When he did not appeal, he gave away the right to dispute the Hong Kong disqualification,” said Mr Bentley.
“We operate in an era where the future prosperity of the industry largely depends on international competition and global wagering. This requires cooperation with all racing jurisdictions and consistent application of racing rules,” said Mr Bentley.
Under that explicit ruling, Munce’s application for a licence to ride in Queensland would have been denied, which would have further embarrassed Racing NSW, who granted the rider a licence contrary to the generally accepted international practice, where racing authorities around the world abide by disqualifications imposed in other jurisdictions.
The spin from the Munce camp is that the rider decided to withdraw his application for a licence to ride in Queensland to concentrate on re-establishing in Sydney racing.
Munce is reported as saying he thinks he should ‘stay in Sydney for the time being’ in order to further ‘build momentum’ after his positive return to competitive riding at the weekend.
Withdrawing his application for a licence to ride in Queensland was Munce’s prerogative – but it was hardly a choice in the real sense of the word.
A media release by Queensland Racing left no doubt about how it views Munce’s presence on the local scene.
The release of Tuesday, December 16 reads:
‘QRL Chairman Mr Bob Bentley has stated it is necessary to put on public record QRL’s ongoing position should a further application be received.
Applicants for visiting jockey licences in Queensland are required by the rules of racing and licensing procedures to satisfy several conditions. In particular, an applicant must be free of any penalty from a racing authority in Australia or overseas.
QRL received the full details of the circumstances surrounding Chris Munce’s disqualification on December 5, 2008.
On December 5, 2008, QRL received an application from Mr Chris Munce for a Visiting Jockey Licence.
The QRL’s Licensing Committee was to consider the application at its meeting scheduled for 8:45am Tuesday, December 16, 2008.
At 4.45pm Monday, December 15 2008, Mr Munce phoned QRL to announce that he did not want to continue with his application.
Mr Munce is currently the subject of a disqualification imposed by the racing stewards of the Hong Kong Jockey Club on December 1, 2008.
Mr Munce, after pleading guilty for breaching Hong Kong (HK) Racing Rules 150 and 151(9) was disqualified for a period of thirty months backdated until March 2007.
This means that he is not free of disqualification in Hong Kong until September 1, 2009.
Mr Bentley said Mr Munce was advised of his rights of appeal against the decisions of the Hong Kong Racing stewards. “When he did not appeal, he gave away the right to dispute the Hong Kong disqualification,” said Mr Bentley.
“We operate in an era where the future prosperity of the industry largely depends on international competition and global wagering. This requires cooperation with all racing jurisdictions and consistent application of racing rules,” said Mr Bentley.
Under that explicit ruling, Munce’s application for a licence to ride in Queensland would have been denied, which would have further embarrassed Racing NSW, who granted the rider a licence contrary to the generally accepted international practice, where racing authorities around the world abide by disqualifications imposed in other jurisdictions.
NO PLACE FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED
There is the glory side to race-riding ... success, wealth, celebrity status. Then there is the down side, when a horse crashes to the ground and the rider hasn’t even got a split second to offer up a prayer for a safe landing.
The worst looking fall can often see the jockey emerge unscathed. The most innocuous looking incident can leave a jockey paralysed or with severe head injuries. Death is not out of the equation.
A saving grace is that nobody is forced to be in harm’s way. Those who take up the career of a jockey choose to be there, understand the danger and thus they normally show great character in accepting the good with the bad, as is racing’s way.
But when a series of falls come in a rush, as they have since last Wednesday, it provokes a sober reflection of the risks involved.
At Rosehill last Wednesday, four horses fell in two separate incidents sending jockeys, Kathy O’Hara, Peter Robl, Blake Shinn and Jeff Lloyd flying into the arms of the Gods.
On Thursday at Ipswich, apprentice jockey Steve Wright hit the ground hard when Regal Mountain fell just some 200m after the start and then, on Monday, apprentice jockey Laughlan Fyfe suffered a similar fall when his mount Mealtime snapped a leg in the final trial at Hawksbury.
There were different outcomes for the different jockeys, the six falls provided an unwelcome offering from the wide range of injuries that can await a rider involved in a fall.
Kathy O’Hara thankfully emerged from her fall with only a sore left shoulder. O’Hara has subsequently resumed riding. Blake Shinn injured his wrist.
Jeff Lloyd suffered severe concussion, so he was not aware of how fortunate he was at the time.
Trainer David Payne put Lloyd’s position in context as he came back after checking on his fallen rider, “Jeff is badly concussed, he's in another world at the moment,” Payne said.
“I had a look at his skull cap and there is a massive crack down the centre where a horse's hoof must have struck it. The skull cap has saved his life. I'd say he would have been dead without it.”
Lloyd, who is sporting a black eye, cuts to his face and a swollen hand, is hoping to resume riding on Boxing Day.
Peter Robl suffered a fractured vertebra in his neck. He is expected to be out of the saddle for up to eight weeks.
The Patinack retained jockey had several anxious moments on the turf, where he lay fearing the worst.
“I honestly thought I was gone,” Robl said. “When I first hit the deck I couldn't feel my arms or legs. I had pins and needles all the way through my body. It felt like I was lying on the track for hours and hours - it was scary.”
“I thought I was f---ed,” he said. “As you get the sensation back in your arms and your legs you think, ‘Thank f--- for that’,” he said.
Given the possible alternative, a fractured vertebra was a happy ending.
For Steve Wright, the fall at Ipswich on Thursday was a case of lightning striking twice in the same place.
In 2003 Wright suffered a fall at Goondiwindi which left him stricken with severe brain trauma which kept him in hospital under neurological care for many months.
After a long period of convalescence and rehabilitation, Wright was given the green light to return to race-riding. On Thursday, another fall cut him down again.
Wright’s injuries include two fractured vertebra, two fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, black eyes and missing teeth. Wright is currently in the high dependency trauma unit of the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
There is no thought of how long he will be out of action, or whether he will ever return to the track. The only focus is on his recovery.
On top of all these racing incidents, getting the news of Laughlan Fyfe coming to grief in a fall in a trial at Hawksbury on Monday was equally as shocking.
Fyfe was knocked unconscious when his mount fell and rolled over him. He was rushed to Nepean Hospital where doctors have placed him in an induced coma. It has been reported that scans did not reveal any brain injuries. Fyfe’s condition is still listed as ‘serious.’
So the word ‘fall’ can have a whole range of consequences and those consequences can have a dramatic impact the lives of the riders involved(and their families).
In a meeting (on Friday) which was arranged prior to these unfortunate series of incidents, the Australian Racing Board agreed to establish a national scheme by July 2009, which would be set up to help fund personal insurance and compulsory public liability premiums for the country’s 860 jockeys.
The Australian Jockey’s Association has pushed for one percent of prize-money to be directed into the scheme, which is expected to equate to about $3.7 million annually.
For all that though, race-riding remains the domain of a special type of sportsman.
Peter Robl, his movements restricted by a neck brace, perhaps spoke for all of his fallen colleagues when he said, “"I'd do the same thing 100 times. It's all part-and-parcel of racing.
"What do they say? Go hard or go home. You're racing very tight - there's only centimetres in it at times and you're out there to win. It's a very competitive sport and you're going to have casualties along the way."
The track, in the heat of battle, is clearly no place for the faint-hearted.
**Jockey Ben Looker was the latest to add his name to the list of jockeys injured in falls in the last seven days. Looker broke his collar-bone in a fall at Port Macquarie on Monday.
The worst looking fall can often see the jockey emerge unscathed. The most innocuous looking incident can leave a jockey paralysed or with severe head injuries. Death is not out of the equation.
A saving grace is that nobody is forced to be in harm’s way. Those who take up the career of a jockey choose to be there, understand the danger and thus they normally show great character in accepting the good with the bad, as is racing’s way.
But when a series of falls come in a rush, as they have since last Wednesday, it provokes a sober reflection of the risks involved.
At Rosehill last Wednesday, four horses fell in two separate incidents sending jockeys, Kathy O’Hara, Peter Robl, Blake Shinn and Jeff Lloyd flying into the arms of the Gods.
On Thursday at Ipswich, apprentice jockey Steve Wright hit the ground hard when Regal Mountain fell just some 200m after the start and then, on Monday, apprentice jockey Laughlan Fyfe suffered a similar fall when his mount Mealtime snapped a leg in the final trial at Hawksbury.
There were different outcomes for the different jockeys, the six falls provided an unwelcome offering from the wide range of injuries that can await a rider involved in a fall.
Kathy O’Hara thankfully emerged from her fall with only a sore left shoulder. O’Hara has subsequently resumed riding. Blake Shinn injured his wrist.
Jeff Lloyd suffered severe concussion, so he was not aware of how fortunate he was at the time.
Trainer David Payne put Lloyd’s position in context as he came back after checking on his fallen rider, “Jeff is badly concussed, he's in another world at the moment,” Payne said.
“I had a look at his skull cap and there is a massive crack down the centre where a horse's hoof must have struck it. The skull cap has saved his life. I'd say he would have been dead without it.”
Lloyd, who is sporting a black eye, cuts to his face and a swollen hand, is hoping to resume riding on Boxing Day.
Peter Robl suffered a fractured vertebra in his neck. He is expected to be out of the saddle for up to eight weeks.
The Patinack retained jockey had several anxious moments on the turf, where he lay fearing the worst.
“I honestly thought I was gone,” Robl said. “When I first hit the deck I couldn't feel my arms or legs. I had pins and needles all the way through my body. It felt like I was lying on the track for hours and hours - it was scary.”
“I thought I was f---ed,” he said. “As you get the sensation back in your arms and your legs you think, ‘Thank f--- for that’,” he said.
Given the possible alternative, a fractured vertebra was a happy ending.
For Steve Wright, the fall at Ipswich on Thursday was a case of lightning striking twice in the same place.
In 2003 Wright suffered a fall at Goondiwindi which left him stricken with severe brain trauma which kept him in hospital under neurological care for many months.
After a long period of convalescence and rehabilitation, Wright was given the green light to return to race-riding. On Thursday, another fall cut him down again.
Wright’s injuries include two fractured vertebra, two fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, black eyes and missing teeth. Wright is currently in the high dependency trauma unit of the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
There is no thought of how long he will be out of action, or whether he will ever return to the track. The only focus is on his recovery.
On top of all these racing incidents, getting the news of Laughlan Fyfe coming to grief in a fall in a trial at Hawksbury on Monday was equally as shocking.
Fyfe was knocked unconscious when his mount fell and rolled over him. He was rushed to Nepean Hospital where doctors have placed him in an induced coma. It has been reported that scans did not reveal any brain injuries. Fyfe’s condition is still listed as ‘serious.’
So the word ‘fall’ can have a whole range of consequences and those consequences can have a dramatic impact the lives of the riders involved(and their families).
In a meeting (on Friday) which was arranged prior to these unfortunate series of incidents, the Australian Racing Board agreed to establish a national scheme by July 2009, which would be set up to help fund personal insurance and compulsory public liability premiums for the country’s 860 jockeys.
The Australian Jockey’s Association has pushed for one percent of prize-money to be directed into the scheme, which is expected to equate to about $3.7 million annually.
For all that though, race-riding remains the domain of a special type of sportsman.
Peter Robl, his movements restricted by a neck brace, perhaps spoke for all of his fallen colleagues when he said, “"I'd do the same thing 100 times. It's all part-and-parcel of racing.
"What do they say? Go hard or go home. You're racing very tight - there's only centimetres in it at times and you're out there to win. It's a very competitive sport and you're going to have casualties along the way."
The track, in the heat of battle, is clearly no place for the faint-hearted.
**Jockey Ben Looker was the latest to add his name to the list of jockeys injured in falls in the last seven days. Looker broke his collar-bone in a fall at Port Macquarie on Monday.
Monday, December 15, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, DEC 14)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, December 14.
Race 1:
2yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Maroon Bells; 2nd - Ponchito; 3rd - Princess Priscilla
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “I trained her mother and I think she is a going to be a nice sort. She didn’t feature in town on her debut in a strong line-up, but she also had no luck there at all. Knowing what she is capable of and looking at this field, yeah, I thought she would be hard to beat.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “She wasn’t that well away and I had to push her out for the first 100m, but then she really got into it. She had her race won a long way out, but she was still green so I had to keep at her in the closing stages to keep her mind on the job.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Maroon Bells): 1.70 out to 1.90.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hopeful Hornet (T. Chambers) was slow to begin. Princess Priscilla jumped away awkwardly. Ponchito (G. Butler) improved up on to the heels of Gandy May (R. McMahon) near the 600m and had to be steadied. Ponchito was held up for clear running from passing the 400m until approaching the 200m.
Race 2:
3yo & Up CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Larry's Boy; 2nd - Citiwyse; 3rd -Canefly
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Tasha Chambers: “I got a very clean start while I think the favourite (Citiwyse) didn’t get away as well. He did track me to the turn and put in an early challenge, which had me worried for a while, but my horse is very, very fit and he strode out strongly when I asked him to go and the other one couldn’t match him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Larry’s Boy): 2.50 out to 2.70.
Favourite (Citiwyse): 1.60 out to 1.90. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bungalien (J. Bowditch) blundered badly at the start and lost considerable ground, and was then inclined to over-race in the early stages. Citiwyse (G. Geran) had to be steadied away from the heels of Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) near the 700m. Near the 500m, Saint Crusader (D. Gill), which was inclined to lay in, shifted in and struck the heels of Canefly (K. Pope) and blundered. Saint Crusader (D. Gill) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
Maiden F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Howgoodsthat; 2nd - Legal Perfume; 3rd - Go Rainey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Jon Walk: “She’s shown fair form before. The last run at the coast came at the end of the preparation and it turned out she’d probably had enough. Going into it, it was a QTIS race and worth a shot. She won a jump-out since then and all of the smarties saw it, that’s why I got a $2,00 dividend for my trouble.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Howgoodisthat): 2.40 out to 2.50 in to 2.20.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Brianshillsidelane, which broke through the barriers and galloped for a considerable distance, was declared a late scratching at 1.23 pm. Legal Perfume (J. Piper) was slow to begin. Falvita (J. Taylor) shifted out at the start and bumped Gold Gleam (A. Spinks). Punto Vista (S. Drake) hung in under pressure in the straight. Viking Queen (J. Warrington) raced ungenerously throughout and was inclined to hang out prior to the 800m and continued to do so for the remainder of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Viking Queen revealed the mare to have a slow recovery rate. Trainer P. Sexton's representative was advised that Viking Queen trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Castagnola; 2nd - Left Hook; 3rd - Arizona Sunset
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “Mate, I’ve been getting this horse ready to race for so long. He’s been shin-sore three times. He is such a good horse. I’ll take him to town and he’ll win. He’ll go through his grades well, mark my words. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wins a big three-year-old race this season. I mean he’s actually a Magic Millions horse. I’ll be taking him to town now to see if he can earn enough in stakes to get into the race.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Castagnola): 5.50 steady.
Favourite (Flybefree): 2.80 in to 2.60. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Outback Now (S. Scriven) bucked shortly after the start. Trainer J. Hunter was advised that the gelding must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Classic Force (J. Taylor) was held up rounding the home turn. Shortly after entering the straight, Arizona Sunset (M. Radecker) shifted out and crowded Left Hook onto Dane Raider (B. Agland). Flybefree (J. Bowditch) was inclined to shift out under pressure over the concluding stages. Classic Force (J. Taylor) had to be steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Flybefree (J. Bowditch), which shifted out under pressure leaving the 200m. Dane Raider (B. Agland) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages. Castagnola (R. McMahon) was inclined to lay out in the straight. Kellina’s Shadow (K. Pope) raced wide throughout. Castagnola lost its off-fore plate in running. Top Resource (Michael Palmer) lost its off-hind plate in running.
Race 5:
QTIS 3yo Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Irish Singa; 2nd - Tambo Tiger; 3rd - Pea Eye Cee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He won his first start over 1000m and I thought we were going to have a very nice horse, but when he came back after a spell he seemed to have lost his dash. His breeding suggested he would go well over more ground so we stepped him up to 1600m to see how he would go. He came through the test very well.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “He would go ... and then go to sleep. He would go again ... and then go to sleep again. Go ... go to sleep, that’s how he went virtually the whole trip until towards the end I said to him, OK, this time you are not going to sleep and I pushed him out to the line. He was always going to win, but gee he makes the jockey work hard.”
Irish Singa stopped the clock in 1.38.40, smashing the ten-year-old class record of Buni Brown by almost two seconds.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Irish Singa): 11 out to 13.
Favourite (Pea Eye Cee): 2.00 out to 2.10 in to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Upi Bay (K. Pope) began awkwardly and shifted out and bumped Pea Eye Cee (R. McMahon). Passing the 1400m, Shot Bar (G. Baker), which was over-racing, had to be steadied away from the heels of Pea Eye Cee (R. McMahon). Near the 900m, Tambo Tiger (K. Cunningham) had to be steadied away from the heels of Shot Bar (G. Baker), which shifted in. G. Baker, rider of Shot Bar, was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. Upi Bay was inclined to lay out throughout.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Blow The Bugle; 2nd - Yuketan; 3rd - Sir Kingsford
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “That’s his best win so far. He got back a bit this time and he had to fight off the interference at the top of the straight and he had to fight mid-straight to assert his authority. He’s won three in a row now. He’s only had four starts for me, and he only just got beaten the other time.
“No the plan wasn’t to get back. I just left it to Shane (Scriven). He is a speed horse and wants to be up there, but when three of them chased for the lead, Shane, being the experienced jockey he is, took him back and settled just off them. He got involved in a bumping match with Yuketan early in the straight, but Shane was not going to let that one out and he was also never going to be intimidated by the incident. He’s been riding far too long for that. Then the horse did what was required in the run to the line. Like I said, I think it was his best win so far.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blow The Bugle): 2.00 out to 2.50 in to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Another Takeover was declared a late scratching at 8.55 am. Trainer D. Kelly will be interviewed regarding this matter. Fiesty Manner (J. Bowditch) and Blow The Bugle (S. Scriven) came together and bumped near the 900m. Rounding the 800m turn when the pace slackened, Sir Kingsford had to be steadied off the heels of Blow The Bugle. On straightening, Yuketan (K. Pope) was held up when attempting to take a narrow run between BlowThe Bugle and Fiesty Manner, which shifted out slightly, and was then obliged to shift to the inside of Fiesty Manner to obtain clear running.
Race 7:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Iluva Queenslander; 2nd - Frisco's In Charge; 3rd - Riseupsinging
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Doughty: “He had to do it hard at both ends. He was caught out wide for all of 800m and I thought go forward and get him across and Jason (Holder) eventually managed to get him into a reasonable position. Then it was a real fight in the straight. He’ll go to another 1600m race later this month. If he gets through that he’ll be heading to the 1800m race on Magic Millions day. That’s the aim and so far he is on target.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “He was caught wide and it was a struggle to get in. Twice in the straight I thought I was beaten. He’s a bit of a grinder, a bit of a one-paced horse and twice when they came up to him I thought they would go past. To his credit, he fought on and got the result. I think his record has a lot to do with how well the trainer (Kelly Doughty) has placed the horse. I think he might have some limitations, but he’ll go to town again and we’ll see how it goes. He’s got the results on the board so he deserves his chance.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Iluva Queenslander): 2.00 in to 1.90.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
One For None (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. Frisco’s In Charge (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early stages.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of One For None, A. Pattillo stated that the gelding was not suited by the slow pace of the race, and when placed under pressure inside the 500m, the gelding failed to run on. The trainer's representative could offer no excuse for the performance and undertook to report to stewards any abnormality that becomes apparent with the gelding that may have had a bearing on the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of One For None failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Race 8:
3yo & Up Mares Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Linear; 2nd - Rapid Tricia; 3rd - Tamilda
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith added to his already impressive strike rate when Linear (Micheal Hughes) stormed up late to win first-time out for the Eagle Farm based trainer. The winner had to survive a protest by the second place-getter before the result (as past the post) was confirmed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by M. Palmer, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Rapid Tricia, against Linear (M. Hughes) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the official video, stewards dismissed the objection .
Miss Blackwood (J. Holder) was inclined to race greenly when tiring in the straight, and near the 200m, shifted out despite the efforts of its rider, hampering Hayil And Hearty (D. Gill). Hayil And Hearty then shifted out, making contact with Machi (G. Butler). Most Unique (J. Warrington) was inclined to hang in under pressure in the straight. Nutuzzi (J. Taylor) and Linear (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the poor performance of Miss Blackwood, J. Holder stated the filly weakened badly in the straight and proved very disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of Miss Blackwood revealed the filly to be slightly distressed. Trainer Mr D. Peoples could offer no excuse for the performance, indicating he would report to stewards any abnormality which becomes apparent which may have had a bearing on the performance.
A post-race veterinary examination of Nutuzzi failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that We’ve Got Issues was found to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer D. Bell was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for We’ve Got Issues prior to its next race start.
Race 1:
2yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Maroon Bells; 2nd - Ponchito; 3rd - Princess Priscilla
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “I trained her mother and I think she is a going to be a nice sort. She didn’t feature in town on her debut in a strong line-up, but she also had no luck there at all. Knowing what she is capable of and looking at this field, yeah, I thought she would be hard to beat.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “She wasn’t that well away and I had to push her out for the first 100m, but then she really got into it. She had her race won a long way out, but she was still green so I had to keep at her in the closing stages to keep her mind on the job.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Maroon Bells): 1.70 out to 1.90.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hopeful Hornet (T. Chambers) was slow to begin. Princess Priscilla jumped away awkwardly. Ponchito (G. Butler) improved up on to the heels of Gandy May (R. McMahon) near the 600m and had to be steadied. Ponchito was held up for clear running from passing the 400m until approaching the 200m.
Race 2:
3yo & Up CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Larry's Boy; 2nd - Citiwyse; 3rd -Canefly
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Tasha Chambers: “I got a very clean start while I think the favourite (Citiwyse) didn’t get away as well. He did track me to the turn and put in an early challenge, which had me worried for a while, but my horse is very, very fit and he strode out strongly when I asked him to go and the other one couldn’t match him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Larry’s Boy): 2.50 out to 2.70.
Favourite (Citiwyse): 1.60 out to 1.90. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bungalien (J. Bowditch) blundered badly at the start and lost considerable ground, and was then inclined to over-race in the early stages. Citiwyse (G. Geran) had to be steadied away from the heels of Larry’s Boy (T. Chambers) near the 700m. Near the 500m, Saint Crusader (D. Gill), which was inclined to lay in, shifted in and struck the heels of Canefly (K. Pope) and blundered. Saint Crusader (D. Gill) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
Maiden F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Howgoodsthat; 2nd - Legal Perfume; 3rd - Go Rainey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Jon Walk: “She’s shown fair form before. The last run at the coast came at the end of the preparation and it turned out she’d probably had enough. Going into it, it was a QTIS race and worth a shot. She won a jump-out since then and all of the smarties saw it, that’s why I got a $2,00 dividend for my trouble.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Howgoodisthat): 2.40 out to 2.50 in to 2.20.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Brianshillsidelane, which broke through the barriers and galloped for a considerable distance, was declared a late scratching at 1.23 pm. Legal Perfume (J. Piper) was slow to begin. Falvita (J. Taylor) shifted out at the start and bumped Gold Gleam (A. Spinks). Punto Vista (S. Drake) hung in under pressure in the straight. Viking Queen (J. Warrington) raced ungenerously throughout and was inclined to hang out prior to the 800m and continued to do so for the remainder of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Viking Queen revealed the mare to have a slow recovery rate. Trainer P. Sexton's representative was advised that Viking Queen trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Castagnola; 2nd - Left Hook; 3rd - Arizona Sunset
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “Mate, I’ve been getting this horse ready to race for so long. He’s been shin-sore three times. He is such a good horse. I’ll take him to town and he’ll win. He’ll go through his grades well, mark my words. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wins a big three-year-old race this season. I mean he’s actually a Magic Millions horse. I’ll be taking him to town now to see if he can earn enough in stakes to get into the race.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Castagnola): 5.50 steady.
Favourite (Flybefree): 2.80 in to 2.60. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Outback Now (S. Scriven) bucked shortly after the start. Trainer J. Hunter was advised that the gelding must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Classic Force (J. Taylor) was held up rounding the home turn. Shortly after entering the straight, Arizona Sunset (M. Radecker) shifted out and crowded Left Hook onto Dane Raider (B. Agland). Flybefree (J. Bowditch) was inclined to shift out under pressure over the concluding stages. Classic Force (J. Taylor) had to be steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of Flybefree (J. Bowditch), which shifted out under pressure leaving the 200m. Dane Raider (B. Agland) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages. Castagnola (R. McMahon) was inclined to lay out in the straight. Kellina’s Shadow (K. Pope) raced wide throughout. Castagnola lost its off-fore plate in running. Top Resource (Michael Palmer) lost its off-hind plate in running.
Race 5:
QTIS 3yo Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Irish Singa; 2nd - Tambo Tiger; 3rd - Pea Eye Cee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He won his first start over 1000m and I thought we were going to have a very nice horse, but when he came back after a spell he seemed to have lost his dash. His breeding suggested he would go well over more ground so we stepped him up to 1600m to see how he would go. He came through the test very well.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “He would go ... and then go to sleep. He would go again ... and then go to sleep again. Go ... go to sleep, that’s how he went virtually the whole trip until towards the end I said to him, OK, this time you are not going to sleep and I pushed him out to the line. He was always going to win, but gee he makes the jockey work hard.”
Irish Singa stopped the clock in 1.38.40, smashing the ten-year-old class record of Buni Brown by almost two seconds.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Irish Singa): 11 out to 13.
Favourite (Pea Eye Cee): 2.00 out to 2.10 in to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Upi Bay (K. Pope) began awkwardly and shifted out and bumped Pea Eye Cee (R. McMahon). Passing the 1400m, Shot Bar (G. Baker), which was over-racing, had to be steadied away from the heels of Pea Eye Cee (R. McMahon). Near the 900m, Tambo Tiger (K. Cunningham) had to be steadied away from the heels of Shot Bar (G. Baker), which shifted in. G. Baker, rider of Shot Bar, was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. Upi Bay was inclined to lay out throughout.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Blow The Bugle; 2nd - Yuketan; 3rd - Sir Kingsford
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “That’s his best win so far. He got back a bit this time and he had to fight off the interference at the top of the straight and he had to fight mid-straight to assert his authority. He’s won three in a row now. He’s only had four starts for me, and he only just got beaten the other time.
“No the plan wasn’t to get back. I just left it to Shane (Scriven). He is a speed horse and wants to be up there, but when three of them chased for the lead, Shane, being the experienced jockey he is, took him back and settled just off them. He got involved in a bumping match with Yuketan early in the straight, but Shane was not going to let that one out and he was also never going to be intimidated by the incident. He’s been riding far too long for that. Then the horse did what was required in the run to the line. Like I said, I think it was his best win so far.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Blow The Bugle): 2.00 out to 2.50 in to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Another Takeover was declared a late scratching at 8.55 am. Trainer D. Kelly will be interviewed regarding this matter. Fiesty Manner (J. Bowditch) and Blow The Bugle (S. Scriven) came together and bumped near the 900m. Rounding the 800m turn when the pace slackened, Sir Kingsford had to be steadied off the heels of Blow The Bugle. On straightening, Yuketan (K. Pope) was held up when attempting to take a narrow run between BlowThe Bugle and Fiesty Manner, which shifted out slightly, and was then obliged to shift to the inside of Fiesty Manner to obtain clear running.
Race 7:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Iluva Queenslander; 2nd - Frisco's In Charge; 3rd - Riseupsinging
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Doughty: “He had to do it hard at both ends. He was caught out wide for all of 800m and I thought go forward and get him across and Jason (Holder) eventually managed to get him into a reasonable position. Then it was a real fight in the straight. He’ll go to another 1600m race later this month. If he gets through that he’ll be heading to the 1800m race on Magic Millions day. That’s the aim and so far he is on target.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “He was caught wide and it was a struggle to get in. Twice in the straight I thought I was beaten. He’s a bit of a grinder, a bit of a one-paced horse and twice when they came up to him I thought they would go past. To his credit, he fought on and got the result. I think his record has a lot to do with how well the trainer (Kelly Doughty) has placed the horse. I think he might have some limitations, but he’ll go to town again and we’ll see how it goes. He’s got the results on the board so he deserves his chance.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Iluva Queenslander): 2.00 in to 1.90.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
One For None (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. Frisco’s In Charge (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early stages.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of One For None, A. Pattillo stated that the gelding was not suited by the slow pace of the race, and when placed under pressure inside the 500m, the gelding failed to run on. The trainer's representative could offer no excuse for the performance and undertook to report to stewards any abnormality that becomes apparent with the gelding that may have had a bearing on the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of One For None failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Race 8:
3yo & Up Mares Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Linear; 2nd - Rapid Tricia; 3rd - Tamilda
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith added to his already impressive strike rate when Linear (Micheal Hughes) stormed up late to win first-time out for the Eagle Farm based trainer. The winner had to survive a protest by the second place-getter before the result (as past the post) was confirmed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by M. Palmer, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Rapid Tricia, against Linear (M. Hughes) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the official video, stewards dismissed the objection .
Miss Blackwood (J. Holder) was inclined to race greenly when tiring in the straight, and near the 200m, shifted out despite the efforts of its rider, hampering Hayil And Hearty (D. Gill). Hayil And Hearty then shifted out, making contact with Machi (G. Butler). Most Unique (J. Warrington) was inclined to hang in under pressure in the straight. Nutuzzi (J. Taylor) and Linear (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the poor performance of Miss Blackwood, J. Holder stated the filly weakened badly in the straight and proved very disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of Miss Blackwood revealed the filly to be slightly distressed. Trainer Mr D. Peoples could offer no excuse for the performance, indicating he would report to stewards any abnormality which becomes apparent which may have had a bearing on the performance.
A post-race veterinary examination of Nutuzzi failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that We’ve Got Issues was found to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer D. Bell was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for We’ve Got Issues prior to its next race start.
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, DEC 13)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, December 13.
Race 1:
No Metro Wins Handicap - 2100m
1st - Beartracker; 2nd - Monashee Princess; 3rd - Rockaria
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “He did a good job third-up over 2100m. I told Eddie (Wilkinson) he would have the tactical speed to get across and sit on the fence. They did just that and ended up sitting seventh on the rail. Eddie actually came back and apologised for getting further back than we’d discussed, but he’d done enough to be able to run with the plan. I told him that all of our main dangers would get back and come home with a rush at the end - and that’s exactly what happened. I knew that if we could get a soft run and then kicked early in the straight we would have a big chance. It’s amazing how well a plan can work out when it doesn’t strike any difficulties. But it seldom works out that easy.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “I went up into the box seat but he wanted to over-race so I took him back about a length to give him a softer run. We got the split in the straight and he kicked on really well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Beartracker): 8.00 steady
Favourite (Zero To Hero): 3.10 out to 3.60 into 3.50. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards adjourned an inquiry into jockey B. Pengelly's failure to fulfil his engagement on Grand Corso to a time and date to be fixed. Apprentice Michael Palmer was substituted as the rider of Grand Corso. C. Reith, the rider of Justin Case, broke his whip during the event. Near the 1600m Beartracker had to be momentarily steadied off the heels of Latino (G. Colless). Seen’em Comin’ (S. Galloway) raced wide in the early stages. Olympic Time (K. Forrester) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Grand Corso (Michael Palmer) raced wide throughout. Shortly after straightening My Counsel (J. Bowditch) was held up for clear running when disappointed for a run where there was insufficient room between Rocktaria (Matthew Palmer) and Grand Corso. Near the 350m My Counsel was further hampered when tightened between Rocktaria and Grand Corso, both of which shifted ground slightly. My Counsel, which bled from both nostrils, will incur a mandatory 3-month ban from racing under AR. 53A. A swab sample was taken from My Counsel. A post-race veterinary examination of Latin Idol revealed the gelding to be suffering metabolic heat syndrome.
Race 2:
J.F. Meynick Stakes (2yo C&G) - 1000m
1st - Double Heart; 2nd - Fast Lover; 3rd - Phelan Ready
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “He jumped a bit awkwardly so he had to be pushed out early and was pretty much flat out all of the way and he did it strong. Jason (Taylor) has a huge rap on him and he’s bred to go further.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “That’s two Meynink’s I’ve won in a year now. That’s because of the EI story. I won the previous on Acorns. Yeah, this horse is still doing some things wrong so has got a bit to learn still. He has got tons of speed. That’s a big plus, but I think he has enough ability to be able to do it from off the speed as well if he’s asked to ... but while he’s tearing them up this way we’ll probably stick to this racing pattern.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Double Heart): 2.40 out to 3.20
Favourite (Southport): 2.80 out to 3.10. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Captain Sonador (A. Spinks) was slow to begin. Double Heart (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 900m Fast Lover (S. Seamer) was momentarily hampered by Devil Rider (A. Pattillo), which shifted out slightly. Phelan Ready (J. Holder) was inclined to lay in for the majority of the straight. Falls Creek (G. Colless) lost its near hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the performance of Southport, jockey S. Scriven stated that the horse travelled well throughout the event, however when asked for an effort failed to respond to his riding. A post-race veterinary examination of Southport failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3:
C.E. McDougall Stakes (2yo fillies) - 1000m
1st - Paprika; 2nd - Moonlight Hussey; 3rd - Powerful Light
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I would have thought she was a bit disappointing today. The riding instructions were
basically left up to me. All Liam (Birchley) asked was that I give some cover. She did pick them up quickly
enough in the straight, but I was very disappointed with her antics around the turn and up the straight. She
was wayward. There are things that still need to be ironed out.”
Scriven also reportedly told Racing and Sports, “On that effort she (Paprika) can’t win the Magic Millions.”
Trainer Liam Birchley: “I was very happy with the run. Very pleased. I wanted her ridden back with other
runners as part of her education. You don’t expect everything to go perfectly, but I think she went real good. I don’t really know what Shane (Scriven) is on about. I think Shane sometimes lives in his own world, and I’ve told him that many times. I mean it was a mild ride by Shane’s standards, which says something about how well the horse travelled. Paprika maintained her unbeaten record, she went past some reasonable opposition with ease in the straight, she broke a seventeen year old feature race record and the time she set was also quicker than the colts managed in the Meynick. That doesn’t rate as a disappointing effort to me. She’ll go to the Tommy Smith in two weeks time ... and then on to the Magic Millions.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Paprika): 1.30 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Dreaming, which was unable to be loaded, was declared a late scratching at 1.41 p.m. by order of the stewards. Trainer N. Doyle was advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate before the horse's next start. Trainer S. Mackinnon was advised that a warning was being placed on the barrier manners of Trickett, which was difficult to load. Paprika (S. Scriven) jumped out at the start and made contact with Brujita (R. Goltz). Eau De Dali (J. Bowditch) and Annalisha (J. Taylor) were slow to begin. Princess Kimono (R. McMahon) and Trickett (R. Mason) jumped away awkwardly. Brujita raced wide throughout. Passing the 700m Annalisha commenced to over-race and got its head in the air. Rounding the home turn Paprika, which was inclined to hang out, shifted out making contact with Brujita and forcing that horse wider on the track. Near the 250m Moonlight Hussey (G. Colless) shifted out and inconvenienced Brujita. Annalisha laid in under pressure over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Annalisha (J. Taylor) revealed the filly to be shin sore in both forelegs. Trainer E. Hayes will be advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate for Annalisha before its next start. A post-race veterinary examination of Powerful Light revealed the filly to be suffering metabolic heat syndrome. Paprika shifted its near fore plate in running.
Race 4:
GOLD EDITION PLATE (3yo’s) - 1200m
1st - Youthful Jack; 2nd - Cat D'Antibes; 3rd - Daddys Little Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Jack Denham: “He’s a very easy horse to train and he is a top class performer on the track. Everything went off as planned today. He’ll go to the Vo Rogue in two weeks time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Youthful Jack): 1.40 in to 1.30 out to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Silvern (J. Holder) was a little slow to begin. Passing the 1100m Jazz Heart (S. Scriven) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by Presley (R. McMahon). Calm Before (S. Galloway) and Youthful Jack (R. Thompson) raced wide throughout. Youthful Jack laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 5:
Class 6 Handicap (3yo’s and up) - 1400m
1st - Sun For Sale; 2nd - Primeval Demand; 3rd - Beautiful
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron McCrae: “He’s been knocking at the door. Scottie (Galloway) said he should have won last time. He was just held up for a run which cost him. This run went mostly to plan. He took the step up to 1400m well. I might step him up to 1600m next time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sun For Sale): 6.00 out to 7.50.
Favourite (Red Sphere): 3.50 out to 4.00. Finished thirteenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Red Sphere (G. Colless) jumped away extremely awkwardly, losing considerable ground. In this incident G. Colless became unbalanced. Another Takeover (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start Fat Possum (R. Thompson) and Wings Of Seraph (J. Taylor) were placed in restricted room between Thorondo (K. Pope) and Count Henry (A. Spinks). Red Sphere over-raced in the early stages. Thorondo, Rapid Babe (Matthew Palmer) and Lucky Luna (S. Seamer) raced wide throughout. Pelltro (R. Goltz) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. R. Mason, the rider of Cole Trickle, accidentally dropped her whip near the 300m. A post-race veterinary examination of Red Sphere failed to reveal any abnormalities.
When questioned regarding the performance of Charvicky, jockey E. Wilkinson stated that the mare travelled well, however when placed under pressure shortly after straightening ran on only fairly. He added that given the way the horse travelled he was disappointed with her lack of acceleration. Trainer R. Heathcote advised that Charvicky will be sent for a spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Charvicky failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
Strawberry Road Handicap (Quality) - 1600m
1st - Strat's Flyer; 2nd - Pepperwood; 3rd - Rags To Riches
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “The only worry was whether he would get the mile so Allan (Denham) said I mustn’t go too early. So I waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited, and then I let him go and he produced a strong, fighting finish.”
Strat’s Flyer gave trainer Allan Denham a double at the meeting.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Strat’s Flyer): 2.70 in to 2.20 out to 2.25.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1300m October Grey (R. Goltz), which was over-racing, shifted in and momentarily tightened Sir Sensible (A. Pattillo). October Grey continued to over-race for some distance. Majorca (E. Wilkinson), October Grey and Sir Sensible raced wide throughout. Secrets Untold (S. Seamer) laid in for the majority of the event. Near the 250m Doug’s Mate (Matthew Palmer) shifted out and bumped October Grey.
A post-race veterinary examination of October Grey revealed the gelding to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer M. Brosnan's representative was advised that she must obtain a veterinary clearance prior to the horse's next start.
Race 7:
Fillies & Mares Handicap (Quality) - 1300m
1st - On The Fridge; 2nd - Satsang; 3rd - Dance Girl Dance
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “At the 300m mark John (owner John Fish) said to me, ‘she’s got to be #%$#@ Bernborough to win from there’, and I told him to wait a bit, it’s not over yet. You know how she hits the line hard and I knew she would finish strongly again. You know, some people were saying all these sob stories about her being beaten were wearing a bit thin ... but she’s been running on strongly every time. She hasn’t been going backwards. So she was due and she deserved the win. It would have been a really stiff result if she’d got second again (as in her last two starts). We didn’t know we’d won until the numbers went up, it was that close.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “I got back a fair way, but I tell you I was closer than I thought I would be. From that draw (number 15) I thought I would have to go back to last, so I was happy to steal a few lengths. She responded really well when I called on her. She really hit the line hard.”
On the Fridge gave trainer Robert Heathcote a double at the meeting.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (On The Fridge): 3.80 out to 4.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m Quizzical Lady (G. Colless) shifted out off the heels of Desdemona (J. Bowditch) and in doing so forced Satsang (Matthew Palmer) wider on the track. Satsang was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Rock Idol (R. Wiggins) and On The Fridge (J. Holder) raced wide for the majority of the event. Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) was held up for clear running from shortly after entering the straight until near the 200m. Seconde (A. Pattillo) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Near the 200m Starry Dancer (R. Thompson) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Bareena (R. McMahon) which shifted out to obtain clear running. Jockey R. McMahon was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Bareena was held up for clear running inside the final 70m.
When questioned regarding the performance of Quizzical Lady, jockey G. Colless stated that the mare travelled well early, however rounding the first turn she commenced to hang out and continued to lay out until shortly after straightening and when placed under pressure failed to stretch out. Trainer B. Hill stated the mare was resuming today and as shown in her last preparation may take a couple of races to reach her peak fitness. A post-race veterinary examination of Quizzical Lady failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
Two Metro Wins Handicap - 1200m
1st - Mr Aristos; 2nd - Bazzooka; 3rd - Sea Zulu
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bill Trimble: “He’s got a very troublesome foot – the near-fore. It just won’t grow properly and it worries him. I wanted to run him in the big race last week but his foot wasn’t right. This week his foot has been brilliant, so it was all systems go and he put in his best effort.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Aristos): 14.00 out to 16.00.
Favourite (Steptoe): 5.00 in to 3.90. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stood Up (A. Taylor), Steptoe (C. McIver) and Masai Pride (Matthew Palmer) were all hampered on jumping away by The Big Easy (S. Galloway) which, after blundering on jumping away, shifted out abruptly, In this incident Masai Pride and Steptoe had to be checked and Stood Up shifted out making contact with the hind quarters of Myagi (K. Pope). Mr Hornblower (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Passing the 1100m Steptoe commenced to over-race on the heels of Myagi. Steptoe then continued to over-race until near the 600m. Key Bar Nights (J. Holder), Vocalic (C. Spry) and Lombardy (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. Near the 100m Mr Hornblower improved up on to the heels of Messiaen (R. Goltz) and had to be steadied. Vocalic lost its off- hind plate in running. Mr Aristos (M. Hughes) lost its near hind plate in running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed pre-race:
Zero To Hero, Olympic Time, Jamaican Bolt, Fields Of Plenty, Captain Sonador, Rockaria, Cat D'Antibes, Secrets Untold, Jazz Heart, Black Minx, October Grey, Strat's Flyer, Docoroka, Eau De Dali, Bella Sirena, Youthful Jack, Annalisha, Craiglea Charm, Spot On Target, Montoux, Satsang, Starry Dancer, Quizzical Lady, Desdemona
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners, 2nd placegetters in Races 1, 5 and 6, and My Counsel
Race 1:
No Metro Wins Handicap - 2100m
1st - Beartracker; 2nd - Monashee Princess; 3rd - Rockaria
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “He did a good job third-up over 2100m. I told Eddie (Wilkinson) he would have the tactical speed to get across and sit on the fence. They did just that and ended up sitting seventh on the rail. Eddie actually came back and apologised for getting further back than we’d discussed, but he’d done enough to be able to run with the plan. I told him that all of our main dangers would get back and come home with a rush at the end - and that’s exactly what happened. I knew that if we could get a soft run and then kicked early in the straight we would have a big chance. It’s amazing how well a plan can work out when it doesn’t strike any difficulties. But it seldom works out that easy.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “I went up into the box seat but he wanted to over-race so I took him back about a length to give him a softer run. We got the split in the straight and he kicked on really well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Beartracker): 8.00 steady
Favourite (Zero To Hero): 3.10 out to 3.60 into 3.50. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards adjourned an inquiry into jockey B. Pengelly's failure to fulfil his engagement on Grand Corso to a time and date to be fixed. Apprentice Michael Palmer was substituted as the rider of Grand Corso. C. Reith, the rider of Justin Case, broke his whip during the event. Near the 1600m Beartracker had to be momentarily steadied off the heels of Latino (G. Colless). Seen’em Comin’ (S. Galloway) raced wide in the early stages. Olympic Time (K. Forrester) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Grand Corso (Michael Palmer) raced wide throughout. Shortly after straightening My Counsel (J. Bowditch) was held up for clear running when disappointed for a run where there was insufficient room between Rocktaria (Matthew Palmer) and Grand Corso. Near the 350m My Counsel was further hampered when tightened between Rocktaria and Grand Corso, both of which shifted ground slightly. My Counsel, which bled from both nostrils, will incur a mandatory 3-month ban from racing under AR. 53A. A swab sample was taken from My Counsel. A post-race veterinary examination of Latin Idol revealed the gelding to be suffering metabolic heat syndrome.
Race 2:
J.F. Meynick Stakes (2yo C&G) - 1000m
1st - Double Heart; 2nd - Fast Lover; 3rd - Phelan Ready
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “He jumped a bit awkwardly so he had to be pushed out early and was pretty much flat out all of the way and he did it strong. Jason (Taylor) has a huge rap on him and he’s bred to go further.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “That’s two Meynink’s I’ve won in a year now. That’s because of the EI story. I won the previous on Acorns. Yeah, this horse is still doing some things wrong so has got a bit to learn still. He has got tons of speed. That’s a big plus, but I think he has enough ability to be able to do it from off the speed as well if he’s asked to ... but while he’s tearing them up this way we’ll probably stick to this racing pattern.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Double Heart): 2.40 out to 3.20
Favourite (Southport): 2.80 out to 3.10. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Captain Sonador (A. Spinks) was slow to begin. Double Heart (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 900m Fast Lover (S. Seamer) was momentarily hampered by Devil Rider (A. Pattillo), which shifted out slightly. Phelan Ready (J. Holder) was inclined to lay in for the majority of the straight. Falls Creek (G. Colless) lost its near hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the performance of Southport, jockey S. Scriven stated that the horse travelled well throughout the event, however when asked for an effort failed to respond to his riding. A post-race veterinary examination of Southport failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3:
C.E. McDougall Stakes (2yo fillies) - 1000m
1st - Paprika; 2nd - Moonlight Hussey; 3rd - Powerful Light
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I would have thought she was a bit disappointing today. The riding instructions were
basically left up to me. All Liam (Birchley) asked was that I give some cover. She did pick them up quickly
enough in the straight, but I was very disappointed with her antics around the turn and up the straight. She
was wayward. There are things that still need to be ironed out.”
Scriven also reportedly told Racing and Sports, “On that effort she (Paprika) can’t win the Magic Millions.”
Trainer Liam Birchley: “I was very happy with the run. Very pleased. I wanted her ridden back with other
runners as part of her education. You don’t expect everything to go perfectly, but I think she went real good. I don’t really know what Shane (Scriven) is on about. I think Shane sometimes lives in his own world, and I’ve told him that many times. I mean it was a mild ride by Shane’s standards, which says something about how well the horse travelled. Paprika maintained her unbeaten record, she went past some reasonable opposition with ease in the straight, she broke a seventeen year old feature race record and the time she set was also quicker than the colts managed in the Meynick. That doesn’t rate as a disappointing effort to me. She’ll go to the Tommy Smith in two weeks time ... and then on to the Magic Millions.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Paprika): 1.30 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Dreaming, which was unable to be loaded, was declared a late scratching at 1.41 p.m. by order of the stewards. Trainer N. Doyle was advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate before the horse's next start. Trainer S. Mackinnon was advised that a warning was being placed on the barrier manners of Trickett, which was difficult to load. Paprika (S. Scriven) jumped out at the start and made contact with Brujita (R. Goltz). Eau De Dali (J. Bowditch) and Annalisha (J. Taylor) were slow to begin. Princess Kimono (R. McMahon) and Trickett (R. Mason) jumped away awkwardly. Brujita raced wide throughout. Passing the 700m Annalisha commenced to over-race and got its head in the air. Rounding the home turn Paprika, which was inclined to hang out, shifted out making contact with Brujita and forcing that horse wider on the track. Near the 250m Moonlight Hussey (G. Colless) shifted out and inconvenienced Brujita. Annalisha laid in under pressure over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Annalisha (J. Taylor) revealed the filly to be shin sore in both forelegs. Trainer E. Hayes will be advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate for Annalisha before its next start. A post-race veterinary examination of Powerful Light revealed the filly to be suffering metabolic heat syndrome. Paprika shifted its near fore plate in running.
Race 4:
GOLD EDITION PLATE (3yo’s) - 1200m
1st - Youthful Jack; 2nd - Cat D'Antibes; 3rd - Daddys Little Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Jack Denham: “He’s a very easy horse to train and he is a top class performer on the track. Everything went off as planned today. He’ll go to the Vo Rogue in two weeks time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Youthful Jack): 1.40 in to 1.30 out to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Silvern (J. Holder) was a little slow to begin. Passing the 1100m Jazz Heart (S. Scriven) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by Presley (R. McMahon). Calm Before (S. Galloway) and Youthful Jack (R. Thompson) raced wide throughout. Youthful Jack laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 5:
Class 6 Handicap (3yo’s and up) - 1400m
1st - Sun For Sale; 2nd - Primeval Demand; 3rd - Beautiful
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron McCrae: “He’s been knocking at the door. Scottie (Galloway) said he should have won last time. He was just held up for a run which cost him. This run went mostly to plan. He took the step up to 1400m well. I might step him up to 1600m next time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sun For Sale): 6.00 out to 7.50.
Favourite (Red Sphere): 3.50 out to 4.00. Finished thirteenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Red Sphere (G. Colless) jumped away extremely awkwardly, losing considerable ground. In this incident G. Colless became unbalanced. Another Takeover (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start Fat Possum (R. Thompson) and Wings Of Seraph (J. Taylor) were placed in restricted room between Thorondo (K. Pope) and Count Henry (A. Spinks). Red Sphere over-raced in the early stages. Thorondo, Rapid Babe (Matthew Palmer) and Lucky Luna (S. Seamer) raced wide throughout. Pelltro (R. Goltz) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. R. Mason, the rider of Cole Trickle, accidentally dropped her whip near the 300m. A post-race veterinary examination of Red Sphere failed to reveal any abnormalities.
When questioned regarding the performance of Charvicky, jockey E. Wilkinson stated that the mare travelled well, however when placed under pressure shortly after straightening ran on only fairly. He added that given the way the horse travelled he was disappointed with her lack of acceleration. Trainer R. Heathcote advised that Charvicky will be sent for a spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Charvicky failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
Strawberry Road Handicap (Quality) - 1600m
1st - Strat's Flyer; 2nd - Pepperwood; 3rd - Rags To Riches
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “The only worry was whether he would get the mile so Allan (Denham) said I mustn’t go too early. So I waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited, and then I let him go and he produced a strong, fighting finish.”
Strat’s Flyer gave trainer Allan Denham a double at the meeting.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Strat’s Flyer): 2.70 in to 2.20 out to 2.25.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1300m October Grey (R. Goltz), which was over-racing, shifted in and momentarily tightened Sir Sensible (A. Pattillo). October Grey continued to over-race for some distance. Majorca (E. Wilkinson), October Grey and Sir Sensible raced wide throughout. Secrets Untold (S. Seamer) laid in for the majority of the event. Near the 250m Doug’s Mate (Matthew Palmer) shifted out and bumped October Grey.
A post-race veterinary examination of October Grey revealed the gelding to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer M. Brosnan's representative was advised that she must obtain a veterinary clearance prior to the horse's next start.
Race 7:
Fillies & Mares Handicap (Quality) - 1300m
1st - On The Fridge; 2nd - Satsang; 3rd - Dance Girl Dance
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “At the 300m mark John (owner John Fish) said to me, ‘she’s got to be #%$#@ Bernborough to win from there’, and I told him to wait a bit, it’s not over yet. You know how she hits the line hard and I knew she would finish strongly again. You know, some people were saying all these sob stories about her being beaten were wearing a bit thin ... but she’s been running on strongly every time. She hasn’t been going backwards. So she was due and she deserved the win. It would have been a really stiff result if she’d got second again (as in her last two starts). We didn’t know we’d won until the numbers went up, it was that close.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “I got back a fair way, but I tell you I was closer than I thought I would be. From that draw (number 15) I thought I would have to go back to last, so I was happy to steal a few lengths. She responded really well when I called on her. She really hit the line hard.”
On the Fridge gave trainer Robert Heathcote a double at the meeting.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (On The Fridge): 3.80 out to 4.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m Quizzical Lady (G. Colless) shifted out off the heels of Desdemona (J. Bowditch) and in doing so forced Satsang (Matthew Palmer) wider on the track. Satsang was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Rock Idol (R. Wiggins) and On The Fridge (J. Holder) raced wide for the majority of the event. Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) was held up for clear running from shortly after entering the straight until near the 200m. Seconde (A. Pattillo) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Near the 200m Starry Dancer (R. Thompson) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Bareena (R. McMahon) which shifted out to obtain clear running. Jockey R. McMahon was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Bareena was held up for clear running inside the final 70m.
When questioned regarding the performance of Quizzical Lady, jockey G. Colless stated that the mare travelled well early, however rounding the first turn she commenced to hang out and continued to lay out until shortly after straightening and when placed under pressure failed to stretch out. Trainer B. Hill stated the mare was resuming today and as shown in her last preparation may take a couple of races to reach her peak fitness. A post-race veterinary examination of Quizzical Lady failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
Two Metro Wins Handicap - 1200m
1st - Mr Aristos; 2nd - Bazzooka; 3rd - Sea Zulu
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bill Trimble: “He’s got a very troublesome foot – the near-fore. It just won’t grow properly and it worries him. I wanted to run him in the big race last week but his foot wasn’t right. This week his foot has been brilliant, so it was all systems go and he put in his best effort.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Aristos): 14.00 out to 16.00.
Favourite (Steptoe): 5.00 in to 3.90. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stood Up (A. Taylor), Steptoe (C. McIver) and Masai Pride (Matthew Palmer) were all hampered on jumping away by The Big Easy (S. Galloway) which, after blundering on jumping away, shifted out abruptly, In this incident Masai Pride and Steptoe had to be checked and Stood Up shifted out making contact with the hind quarters of Myagi (K. Pope). Mr Hornblower (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Passing the 1100m Steptoe commenced to over-race on the heels of Myagi. Steptoe then continued to over-race until near the 600m. Key Bar Nights (J. Holder), Vocalic (C. Spry) and Lombardy (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. Near the 100m Mr Hornblower improved up on to the heels of Messiaen (R. Goltz) and had to be steadied. Vocalic lost its off- hind plate in running. Mr Aristos (M. Hughes) lost its near hind plate in running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed pre-race:
Zero To Hero, Olympic Time, Jamaican Bolt, Fields Of Plenty, Captain Sonador, Rockaria, Cat D'Antibes, Secrets Untold, Jazz Heart, Black Minx, October Grey, Strat's Flyer, Docoroka, Eau De Dali, Bella Sirena, Youthful Jack, Annalisha, Craiglea Charm, Spot On Target, Montoux, Satsang, Starry Dancer, Quizzical Lady, Desdemona
Horses swabbed post-race:
All winners, 2nd placegetters in Races 1, 5 and 6, and My Counsel
Friday, December 12, 2008
IPSWICH REVIEW (THURS, DEC 11)
A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Thursday, December 11.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 800m
1st - Psychics; 2nd - Duckin' Daisies; 3rd - Daneomite
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “She’s a really nice filly. The beauty about her is that she does everything spot on in her work. She had a jump-out the other day with another horse who then went on to win by four or five lengths at the Gold Coast and they are about on a par, so we knew she had ability.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “She jumped fine, but was never really travelling easy. If I tried to let her settle or even give her a breather she would shorten her stride, so I had to hunt her all of the way. Maybe she’s feeling her shins, I’m not sure. She took it on well in the straight though. She’s definitely got plenty of ability. She’s just one of a nice group of two-year-olds that Bruce (Hill) has in the stable.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Psychics): 4.00 out to 5.00.
The favourite (Valvetron): 3.00 out to 3.40. Finished last.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Devil’s Angel (S. Seamer) proving difficult to load and the horse being fractious in the barriers. Flaxen Belle (S. Scriven), which began awkwardly, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Daneomite (J. Piper) and Ulmarra (Michael Palmer), which shifted in. Valvetron (K. Wharton) began awkwardly and shifted in, inconveniencing Sinerji (C. Dixon). Touch Of Spice (T. Pannell) was slow to begin. Devil’s Angel (S. Seamer) raced wide for the majority of the event and the horse was inclined to hang out near the 400m. Duckin’ Daisies (N. Thomas) and Touch Of Spice (T. Pannell) hung out rounding the home turn.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Valvetron, K. Wharton stated that the horse was fractious in the barriers and as a result lost ground when the start was affected. He further advised that Valvetron, in his opinion, failed to respond to his riding when placed under pressure in the straight. The explanation was noted.
Race 2:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 800m
1st - Patch's Express; 2nd - Compolo; 3rd -Blue Cruiser
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “He’s just come back from a throat op. I ride a lot of his work and I’ve ridden him in most of his races. He’s come back really good. I was meant to be right up with the speed, but they really burnt it off up front early on. I was still well enough placed in fourth on the rail but they skipped away again on the turn. I thought I might be in a spot of trouble but, once I hooked him out for a run and then gave him a smack, he just took off.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Patch’s Express): 3.20 out to 4.00.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Moon Shaker (J. Taylor) and He’s Magical (W. Clasohm) were tightened for room on jumping away between Blue Cruiser (M. Paget) and Orbital Miss (S. Seamer), both of which shifted ground. Ayteeoh (N. Thomas) was slow to begin. Near the 700m, He’s Magical blundered. Leaving the 600m, Blue Cruiser was inclined to lay out across the heels of Compolo (S. Apthorpe) and had to be steadied. Rounding the home turn, Legal River (Matthew Palmer) was inclined to lay out, forcing Superstar Girl (S. Drake) wider on the track. At the 200m, Patch’s Express (A. Taylor) laid in and had to be steadied off the heels of Compolo. Lightning Blue (D. Griffin) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until approaching the 100m. Leaving the 100m, Lightning Blue and Hometown Hero (K. Wharton) came together and bumped. Orbital Miss (S. Seamer) lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st -Hussminda; 2nd - Little Ombra; 3rd - Sydney Or The Bush
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray Nicholson: “The reason we took the blinkers off was that he had developed the habit of racing for three or four hundred metres and then baulking. Dean (Tanti) rode him at the coast some runs ago and he came back and said he had never had a horse do that before. So we finally made the gear change. That cured the habit. There was none of that today. But he still didn’t want to go early and he did want to hang in the straight. Dean said he only really got going when he got inside the other horse. Then he chased home really well.
“In work he is the laziest horse you will ever come across. When we first got him he was so laid back we had blood tests done to see if something was wrong with him, but that is just his character. If you want to get some good work out of him, he has to work with another horse. He refuses to put in any effort by himself. Being so relaxed certainly has its good side as he is seldom stressed. Also he does have a competitive edge to his nature. He does chase well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hussminda): 7.00 out to 9.00.
Favourite (Sydney Or The Bush): 2.00 in to 1.50 out to 1.70. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dawida Danseur was declared a late scratching at 1.40 pm after the colt was unable to be loaded into the barriers. Trainer M. Thexton was advised that Dawida Danseur must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Battle Of Kapyong (S. Scriven) and Little Ombre (J. Warrington) came together and bumped on jumping away, causing Battle Of Kapyong to become unbalanced and lose ground. Sydney Or the Bush (G. Colless), which was slow to begin, was crowded for room shortly after the start between Gradueight (S. Drake) and Hussminda (D. Tanti), both of which shifted ground. Prince Hulani (W. Clasohm) was slow into stride. Near the 700m, Gradueight shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Realante (C. Spry) wider on the track. Realante was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Hussminda was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn.
Race 4:
F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Manila Calling; 2nd - Thunder Aura; 3rd - My Cara Mia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “She’s only starting out as a four-year-old because she had a leg problem which took time to overcome and she also got caught up in the whole EI episode. She was ready to run today, but we haven’t done much with her.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Manila Calling): 1.65 out to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned trainer P. Sexton regarding S. Seamer being dually engaged for this event. After considering the explanation, stewards were of the opinion there were extenuating circumstances surrounding the matter and took no further action.
Mrs Clark was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon upon arrival at the track after the horse had sustained minor injuries en route to the course. After examination the horse was cleared to start.
Jockey W. Clasohm was fined $100 for negligence in sending out the wrong saddle cloth for Bel Le Bird which resulted in Bel Le Bird and Anathema having incorrect saddle cloth numbers, resulting in the horses being late leaving the saddling enclosure. Mrs R. Pereira, trainer of Anathema, was reprimanded over this incident. The start of this race was significantly delayed when both Thunder Aura and Manila Calling dislodged plates behind the barriers, requiring farrier attention
Bejeka (B. Pengelly) was slow to begin. Way North (P. Spry) was tightened for room on jumping away between My Cara Mia (D. Griffin) and Glennie West (A. Pattillo), which shifted out. Bel Le Bird (W. Clasohm), which began awkwardly, was tightened for room between Miss Maree (T. Pannell) and Thunder Aura, which shifted out. Stor Nest (N. Thomas), Miss Maree and Bel Le Bird raced wide throughout.
Mrs Clark, which performed poorly, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and found to be suffering from arterial fibrillation. Trainer S. Dwyer's representative was advised that the results of an ECG after exercise must be supplied to the stewards prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - New Journey; 2nd - Mr Tombola; 3rd - Cuban Dancer
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Dan Griffin: “He did it well enough in the end, but I could feel him start to resent the whip after a couple of smacks. He responded badly to it and that was right when they were coming at him. When I put the stick away he fought on again. He’s not going to stay and over this distance I think he will have to stick with ‘get up and go’ tactics. I don’t think you can hold him back for a run.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (New Journey): 5.00 out to 5.50 in to 4.60.
Favourite (Run The Course): 2.20 out to 2.60. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed when A Secret Kept was fractious in the barriers, resulting in the bridle become dislodged from its head. Split Milk (L. Dittman) was slow to begin and shifted in, making contact with Base Dancer (B. Pengelly). Run The Course (G. Colless) and Mr Tombola (S. Drake) came together and brushed on jumping away. Cuban Dancer (M. Paget) over-raced in the early and middle stages.
Race 6:
CG&E Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Facunda; 2nd - Larry's Song; 3rd - Revered Ruler
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “That’s two out of two this prep. He’s done a good job here with a bit of weight and not having had the easiest passage in the running. He was hitting the line well here and we will probably keep him to this sort of distance. Last prep we did step him up over further, but he just didn’t get the mile last time around so we’ll play to his strength for the moment and keep him where he is comfortable.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Facunda): 4.00 out to 4.40.
Favourite (Shaos): 2.30 out to 3.00. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Vue (G. Colless) jumped away awkwardly. Approaching the 900m, Fielding (J. Taylor) improved up on to the heels of Sittinbul (D. Griffin) having to be steadied. Leaving the 600m, Shaos improved up on to the heels of Sittinbul (D. Griffin) and had to be steadied. Tiggeroo (J. Murphy) was held up for clear running from the 300m until approaching the 100m. Shaos (J. Bowditch) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Larry’s Song (A. Spinks) was inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 200m.
Race 7:
F&M Class 2 Handicap- 1350m
1st - Yatala; 2nd - Annamarie; 3rd - Cachaca
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Crane: “That’s a very satisfying win. Back to back wins are always good. Brad (Pengelly) gave her a perfect ride, as did Jason Taylor in her previous win. It’s always satisfying when jockeys listen to instructions and things go according to plan like they did today. The horse has done very well. I went down south myself to purchase the horse for my clients. She was ready to win first up but developed an abscess in the mouth so I put her out again. I then took him to Doomben to get him used to big fields and, apart from those two bad rides, which was no fault of hers, she has done very well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Yatala): 4.20 in to 3.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fast End (A. Erhart) and Ana Me Cori (J. Taylor) were both slow to begin. Near the 700m, Yatala (B. Pengelly) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Give Away (Matthew Palmer) wider on the track. Give Away was then obliged to raced wide for the remainder of the event.
When questioned regarding the performance of Manu Peru, G. Colless stated that he was concerned with the horse's action mid-race and felt that Manu Peru may have broken down. A subsequent veterinary examination of Manu Peru (G. Colless) which tired badly over the final 500m failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer A. Bailey advised that it was his intention to have a thorough veterinary examination carried out on the horse in the immediate future and would advise stewards of the outcome.
R. Hinricks, rider of Cachaca, accidentally dropped her whip 200m from the finish. Sweet Marie (T. Pannell) raced wide for the majority of the event. Apprentice S. Wright was reprimanded regarding his whip use on Shealma when uncompetitive over the final 300m.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Shady Prospect; 2nd - Hawkeye Pierce; 3rd - Dan Ch’i
WINNER FEEDBACK:
With storm clouds gathering, the weather lasted long enough for the Lawrie Mayfield-Smith trained Shady Prospect to re-affirm his potential by winning with some ease to take his record to two wins and one runner-up finish from only three starts. Shane Scriven allowed his mount to track the three runners making the pace and then the seasoned jockey was only too happy to accept a split inbetween horses when it became available early in the straight, from which moment the result was never in doubt.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Shady Prospect): 1.80 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Wide Bay was declared a late scratching at 4.45 pm on veterinary advice after the horse was found to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer T. Weier was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Wide Bay prior to its next race start. Dan Ch’i (S. Seamer) was slow to begin. Near the 1000m, Regal Mountain (S. Wright) fell when racing at the heels of Tonkatsu (J. Taylor). An inquiry into the incident will be held at a later date due to S. Wright being transported to hospital for further medical attention. Passing the 600m, Forest Lane (W. Clasohm) had to be steadied when that horse hung out across the heels of Shady Prospect (S. Scriven). M. Bennett, rider of Supertax, was reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift out near the 300m when insufficiently clear of Dan Ch’i (S. Seamer), which was momentarily inconvenienced. Smiling Gino lost its near-fore plate in running.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 800m
1st - Psychics; 2nd - Duckin' Daisies; 3rd - Daneomite
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “She’s a really nice filly. The beauty about her is that she does everything spot on in her work. She had a jump-out the other day with another horse who then went on to win by four or five lengths at the Gold Coast and they are about on a par, so we knew she had ability.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “She jumped fine, but was never really travelling easy. If I tried to let her settle or even give her a breather she would shorten her stride, so I had to hunt her all of the way. Maybe she’s feeling her shins, I’m not sure. She took it on well in the straight though. She’s definitely got plenty of ability. She’s just one of a nice group of two-year-olds that Bruce (Hill) has in the stable.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Psychics): 4.00 out to 5.00.
The favourite (Valvetron): 3.00 out to 3.40. Finished last.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Devil’s Angel (S. Seamer) proving difficult to load and the horse being fractious in the barriers. Flaxen Belle (S. Scriven), which began awkwardly, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Daneomite (J. Piper) and Ulmarra (Michael Palmer), which shifted in. Valvetron (K. Wharton) began awkwardly and shifted in, inconveniencing Sinerji (C. Dixon). Touch Of Spice (T. Pannell) was slow to begin. Devil’s Angel (S. Seamer) raced wide for the majority of the event and the horse was inclined to hang out near the 400m. Duckin’ Daisies (N. Thomas) and Touch Of Spice (T. Pannell) hung out rounding the home turn.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Valvetron, K. Wharton stated that the horse was fractious in the barriers and as a result lost ground when the start was affected. He further advised that Valvetron, in his opinion, failed to respond to his riding when placed under pressure in the straight. The explanation was noted.
Race 2:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 800m
1st - Patch's Express; 2nd - Compolo; 3rd -Blue Cruiser
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “He’s just come back from a throat op. I ride a lot of his work and I’ve ridden him in most of his races. He’s come back really good. I was meant to be right up with the speed, but they really burnt it off up front early on. I was still well enough placed in fourth on the rail but they skipped away again on the turn. I thought I might be in a spot of trouble but, once I hooked him out for a run and then gave him a smack, he just took off.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Patch’s Express): 3.20 out to 4.00.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Moon Shaker (J. Taylor) and He’s Magical (W. Clasohm) were tightened for room on jumping away between Blue Cruiser (M. Paget) and Orbital Miss (S. Seamer), both of which shifted ground. Ayteeoh (N. Thomas) was slow to begin. Near the 700m, He’s Magical blundered. Leaving the 600m, Blue Cruiser was inclined to lay out across the heels of Compolo (S. Apthorpe) and had to be steadied. Rounding the home turn, Legal River (Matthew Palmer) was inclined to lay out, forcing Superstar Girl (S. Drake) wider on the track. At the 200m, Patch’s Express (A. Taylor) laid in and had to be steadied off the heels of Compolo. Lightning Blue (D. Griffin) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until approaching the 100m. Leaving the 100m, Lightning Blue and Hometown Hero (K. Wharton) came together and bumped. Orbital Miss (S. Seamer) lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st -Hussminda; 2nd - Little Ombra; 3rd - Sydney Or The Bush
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray Nicholson: “The reason we took the blinkers off was that he had developed the habit of racing for three or four hundred metres and then baulking. Dean (Tanti) rode him at the coast some runs ago and he came back and said he had never had a horse do that before. So we finally made the gear change. That cured the habit. There was none of that today. But he still didn’t want to go early and he did want to hang in the straight. Dean said he only really got going when he got inside the other horse. Then he chased home really well.
“In work he is the laziest horse you will ever come across. When we first got him he was so laid back we had blood tests done to see if something was wrong with him, but that is just his character. If you want to get some good work out of him, he has to work with another horse. He refuses to put in any effort by himself. Being so relaxed certainly has its good side as he is seldom stressed. Also he does have a competitive edge to his nature. He does chase well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hussminda): 7.00 out to 9.00.
Favourite (Sydney Or The Bush): 2.00 in to 1.50 out to 1.70. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dawida Danseur was declared a late scratching at 1.40 pm after the colt was unable to be loaded into the barriers. Trainer M. Thexton was advised that Dawida Danseur must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Battle Of Kapyong (S. Scriven) and Little Ombre (J. Warrington) came together and bumped on jumping away, causing Battle Of Kapyong to become unbalanced and lose ground. Sydney Or the Bush (G. Colless), which was slow to begin, was crowded for room shortly after the start between Gradueight (S. Drake) and Hussminda (D. Tanti), both of which shifted ground. Prince Hulani (W. Clasohm) was slow into stride. Near the 700m, Gradueight shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Realante (C. Spry) wider on the track. Realante was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Hussminda was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn.
Race 4:
F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Manila Calling; 2nd - Thunder Aura; 3rd - My Cara Mia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “She’s only starting out as a four-year-old because she had a leg problem which took time to overcome and she also got caught up in the whole EI episode. She was ready to run today, but we haven’t done much with her.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Manila Calling): 1.65 out to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned trainer P. Sexton regarding S. Seamer being dually engaged for this event. After considering the explanation, stewards were of the opinion there were extenuating circumstances surrounding the matter and took no further action.
Mrs Clark was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon upon arrival at the track after the horse had sustained minor injuries en route to the course. After examination the horse was cleared to start.
Jockey W. Clasohm was fined $100 for negligence in sending out the wrong saddle cloth for Bel Le Bird which resulted in Bel Le Bird and Anathema having incorrect saddle cloth numbers, resulting in the horses being late leaving the saddling enclosure. Mrs R. Pereira, trainer of Anathema, was reprimanded over this incident. The start of this race was significantly delayed when both Thunder Aura and Manila Calling dislodged plates behind the barriers, requiring farrier attention
Bejeka (B. Pengelly) was slow to begin. Way North (P. Spry) was tightened for room on jumping away between My Cara Mia (D. Griffin) and Glennie West (A. Pattillo), which shifted out. Bel Le Bird (W. Clasohm), which began awkwardly, was tightened for room between Miss Maree (T. Pannell) and Thunder Aura, which shifted out. Stor Nest (N. Thomas), Miss Maree and Bel Le Bird raced wide throughout.
Mrs Clark, which performed poorly, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and found to be suffering from arterial fibrillation. Trainer S. Dwyer's representative was advised that the results of an ECG after exercise must be supplied to the stewards prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - New Journey; 2nd - Mr Tombola; 3rd - Cuban Dancer
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Dan Griffin: “He did it well enough in the end, but I could feel him start to resent the whip after a couple of smacks. He responded badly to it and that was right when they were coming at him. When I put the stick away he fought on again. He’s not going to stay and over this distance I think he will have to stick with ‘get up and go’ tactics. I don’t think you can hold him back for a run.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (New Journey): 5.00 out to 5.50 in to 4.60.
Favourite (Run The Course): 2.20 out to 2.60. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed when A Secret Kept was fractious in the barriers, resulting in the bridle become dislodged from its head. Split Milk (L. Dittman) was slow to begin and shifted in, making contact with Base Dancer (B. Pengelly). Run The Course (G. Colless) and Mr Tombola (S. Drake) came together and brushed on jumping away. Cuban Dancer (M. Paget) over-raced in the early and middle stages.
Race 6:
CG&E Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Facunda; 2nd - Larry's Song; 3rd - Revered Ruler
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “That’s two out of two this prep. He’s done a good job here with a bit of weight and not having had the easiest passage in the running. He was hitting the line well here and we will probably keep him to this sort of distance. Last prep we did step him up over further, but he just didn’t get the mile last time around so we’ll play to his strength for the moment and keep him where he is comfortable.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Facunda): 4.00 out to 4.40.
Favourite (Shaos): 2.30 out to 3.00. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Vue (G. Colless) jumped away awkwardly. Approaching the 900m, Fielding (J. Taylor) improved up on to the heels of Sittinbul (D. Griffin) having to be steadied. Leaving the 600m, Shaos improved up on to the heels of Sittinbul (D. Griffin) and had to be steadied. Tiggeroo (J. Murphy) was held up for clear running from the 300m until approaching the 100m. Shaos (J. Bowditch) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Larry’s Song (A. Spinks) was inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 200m.
Race 7:
F&M Class 2 Handicap- 1350m
1st - Yatala; 2nd - Annamarie; 3rd - Cachaca
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Crane: “That’s a very satisfying win. Back to back wins are always good. Brad (Pengelly) gave her a perfect ride, as did Jason Taylor in her previous win. It’s always satisfying when jockeys listen to instructions and things go according to plan like they did today. The horse has done very well. I went down south myself to purchase the horse for my clients. She was ready to win first up but developed an abscess in the mouth so I put her out again. I then took him to Doomben to get him used to big fields and, apart from those two bad rides, which was no fault of hers, she has done very well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Yatala): 4.20 in to 3.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fast End (A. Erhart) and Ana Me Cori (J. Taylor) were both slow to begin. Near the 700m, Yatala (B. Pengelly) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Give Away (Matthew Palmer) wider on the track. Give Away was then obliged to raced wide for the remainder of the event.
When questioned regarding the performance of Manu Peru, G. Colless stated that he was concerned with the horse's action mid-race and felt that Manu Peru may have broken down. A subsequent veterinary examination of Manu Peru (G. Colless) which tired badly over the final 500m failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer A. Bailey advised that it was his intention to have a thorough veterinary examination carried out on the horse in the immediate future and would advise stewards of the outcome.
R. Hinricks, rider of Cachaca, accidentally dropped her whip 200m from the finish. Sweet Marie (T. Pannell) raced wide for the majority of the event. Apprentice S. Wright was reprimanded regarding his whip use on Shealma when uncompetitive over the final 300m.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Shady Prospect; 2nd - Hawkeye Pierce; 3rd - Dan Ch’i
WINNER FEEDBACK:
With storm clouds gathering, the weather lasted long enough for the Lawrie Mayfield-Smith trained Shady Prospect to re-affirm his potential by winning with some ease to take his record to two wins and one runner-up finish from only three starts. Shane Scriven allowed his mount to track the three runners making the pace and then the seasoned jockey was only too happy to accept a split inbetween horses when it became available early in the straight, from which moment the result was never in doubt.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Shady Prospect): 1.80 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Wide Bay was declared a late scratching at 4.45 pm on veterinary advice after the horse was found to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer T. Weier was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Wide Bay prior to its next race start. Dan Ch’i (S. Seamer) was slow to begin. Near the 1000m, Regal Mountain (S. Wright) fell when racing at the heels of Tonkatsu (J. Taylor). An inquiry into the incident will be held at a later date due to S. Wright being transported to hospital for further medical attention. Passing the 600m, Forest Lane (W. Clasohm) had to be steadied when that horse hung out across the heels of Shady Prospect (S. Scriven). M. Bennett, rider of Supertax, was reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift out near the 300m when insufficiently clear of Dan Ch’i (S. Seamer), which was momentarily inconvenienced. Smiling Gino lost its near-fore plate in running.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
DOOMBEN REVIEW (WED, DEC 10)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Wednesday, December 10.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2020m
1st - Jouer Le Jeu; 2nd - Cinquacasino; 3rd - Ella Cinders
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “She’s a Montjeu mare. Most Montjeu’s take time to settle into the game. Then one day they wake up and go well. I’ve only had her for two runs – the second placing and this win, so we are moving in the right direction. I’m still going to take my time with her. She’ll go through the grades. It will be one more run this time around and then she’ll go for a spell.
“She’s out of a Group 1 winning mare (Olga’s Pal). I believe she is a good staying prospect and that she has the potential to develop into a good handicap mare. I think she can win a race like the Ipswich Cup come Carnival time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
C. McIver was reprimanded for failing to arrive on course by the prescribed time to fulfil his engagement on Biancool. Jouer Le Jeu (E. Wilkinson) over-raced on the heels of Born To Party (C. Small) in the early stages.
Passing the 1800m, Born To Party commenced to over-race on the heels of Mondo Rocks (M. Hellyer) and near the 1400m had to be steadied off that horse's heels. Born To Party continued to over-race and near the 1200m had to be checked off the heels of All The Jays (D. Griffin). At the 1200m, Tyrconnell improved up on to the heels of Shoja and had to be steadied. Tyrconnell then shifted out and was obliged to race wide for the majority of the event. Biancool and Shoja raced wide in the early stages. When steadied passing the 1200m, Conquacasino shifted out and was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Jouer Le Jeu (E. Wilkinson) shifted ground outwards under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 2:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Mr Orient; 2nd - Commanche Warrior; 3rd - Saint Minerva
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Balzen: “He was back in Maiden company here after racing in 3yo handicaps, so he was entitled to win. He is the best track-worker I’ve got, but so far he hasn’t put it all together in a race. Even today. There is more to come than that. He almost looked like he was looking for more ground. We’ll probably go back to one of those 3yo races now. Maybe over 1500m.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “He’s been running against stronger opposition than this for some time. He was back in a Maiden here and it was a different story. They did steady the pace in the middle part, so I had to be careful about timing my run. I had to let him go a bit earlier than I might otherwise have done so that I would be in a position to challenge when I wanted to. He worked home beautifully. Hit the line hard liked we hoped he would. Good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As G. Colless was to be overweight on Saint Minerva, She’s A Mountain (Race 7) and Aqua Calda (Race 8), riding changes were made as per the Stewards Summary Sheet. G. Colless was fined the sum of $300.
Commanche Warrior (S. Scriven) jumped away awkwardly. Prom Knight (S. Seamer), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and bumped Flash Romeo (E. Wilkinson). Approaching the 800m, Saint Minerva (D. Griffin), which was racing ungenerously, had to be momentarily steadied off the heels of Mr Orient (J. Taylor).
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Steady Poplar; 2nd - Zeljko; 3rd - Frozone
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Steele Ryan: “He had a wind problem. He had the operation. The operation was a success. In his last two or three runs he was under duress because of the wind problem that he had. He had a few issues before that as well. When I was suspended he went to race for Guy Walter. He was still a colt then but Guy said he had become a really unruly sort, so we cut him. So I got him back as a gelding and not long afterward that we discovered the wind problem, so we had to start all over again. He is a 5yo and he’s only had seven runs because of the issues he’s had. He’s right now and you can see the difference.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 900m, A Pair Of Diamonds (C. McIver) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Circumnavigate (T. Pannell), which shifted in away from Zeljko (A. Coome). Near the 800m, A Pair Of Diamonds again had to be checked when tightened for room by Cheque For Freedom (K. Forrester), which laid in despite the efforts of its rider. Approaching the 200m, Calypso Moon (Matthew Palmer) was momentarily inconvenienced between Circumnavigate (T. Pannell) and Steady Poplar (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 100m, A Pair Of Diamonds (C. McIver) improved up on to the heels of Circumnavigate (T. Pannell) and was obliged to shift out.
Race 4:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Guissepino; 2nd - Queen Of Asia; 3rd - Acquired
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “She’s won three out of the five starts she’s had for me. She does seem to be getting better and better. She relaxes best when she is allowed to race up with the speed so the 1000m to 1200m trips suit her very well at the moment. You can’t get carried away about her future, but it’s very encouraging the way she is going. She has taken her steps through the grades very well.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “There’s is a lot of potential there. She is just not quite certain what she is doing yet.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 100m, Swiss Alps (D. Griffin) was momentarily impeded by Queen Of Asia (Matthew Palmer), which shifted out. Guissepino (B. Pengelly) was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Daphne Ellen revealed the mare to have sustained a laceration to the inside of the near-fore pastern. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Ashita was restricted in its action on the off-hind leg. Trainer B. Dodson was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Ashita prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 4 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Havayarn; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Matzumi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “I’m happy with that as a first-up result, but he took all day to win the race didn’t he? He really took a long time to settle the issue.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “He was just a bit fresh and a bit immature. He might have baulked slightly when going past the leader, who was running around a bit, but that didn’t really bother him. As I said, it was more the fact that he was a bit too fresh and immature that made it look like a bit of a struggle. Still got the win though.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1000m, when attempting to be restrained, Ustino A Girl got its head in the air and over-raced for a short distance. Near the 200m, Ustino A Girl shifted out abruptly and again a short distance later Ustino A Girl shifted ground under pressure.
Stewards questioned apprentice L.Dittman regarding the riding tactics adopted on Ustino A Girl. L. Dittman stated that after being caught 3 wide in the early stages he elected to push forward to obtain a position closer to the rail. He further added that passing the 1000m he obtained a position one off outside the leader Askew, however when being restrained the mare got its head in the air and commenced to over-race. He explained that Ustino A Girl over-raced until such time as he had taken a position slightly forward and felt his best option was to allow Ustino A Girl to relax rather than continue to restrain the mare. L. Dittman also added that he then allowed the mare to relax until near the home turn. Trainer N. McBurney stated that the connections had instructed apprentice Dittman to take a sit on the mare to allow her to run out the distance of today's event as she was stepping up to 1350m for the first time. Mr McBurney further stated after viewing the film that he believed apprentice Dittman was a victim of circumstances, in that after improving forward to take up a position, Ustino A Girl then over-raced and left apprentice Dittman with little options. Stewards noted the explanations.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1615m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Humma; 3rd - Moonlight Lily
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (stable foreman for Gerald Ryan at Murwillumbah): “This is the stable’s second city win since setting up at Murwillumbah. Pyramids won here previously. Pyramids is actually a good example of the benefits that some horses can gain by being at Murwillumbah as opposed to Sydney. His sire is Anabaa. The Anabaa breed ... you know, they train off so quickly, more so mentally than physically. For that reason Pyramids is probably in exactly the right place for him at this time. With the Anabaa breed you have got to stimulate the mind and we’ve got so many more options to do that up here, swimming, jumping and the like. Pyramids is very consistent. He has only won two midweek meetings since being relocated up here, but he is going well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
One For The Road raced wide in the early and middle stages. Rounding the 1200m turn, Life’s Short (J. Bowditch) shifted out off the heels of Fools Rush In (R. Wiggins) and in doing so forced Gather (W. Clasohm) 3 wide. Near the 500m, Magique Mine (C. Whiteley) shifted out and in doing so made contact with Moonlight Lily (R. Goltz). Passing the 50m, Magique Mine and Moonlight Lily were momentarily placed in restricted room between Pyramids (Mathew Palmer) and Humma (S. Scriven), which shifted in.
Stewards opened an inquiry into the handling of Gather. After taking initial evidence, the inquiry was adjourned to a date and time to be fixed. Post-race veterinary examination of Gather failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Stewards questioned J. Bowditch regarding his riding of Life’s Short, in particular between the 1200m and home turn. J. Bowditch stated that approaching the first turn, Life’s Short commenced to over-race on the heels of Fools Rush In (R. Wiggins), and he elected to allow the horse to stride forward and take up a position outside Fools Rush In. He further added he was content to maintain this position for the remainder of the event, however Gather continued to race in a 3-wide position outside of Fools Rush In, and passing the 800m he was obliged to place his mount under pressure to hold its position. The explanation was noted. A post-race veterinary examination of Gather failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 5 Handicap - 1110m
1st - Mr Slick; 2nd - The Boxer; 3rd - Stature
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Leon Morton: “I didn’t want to sound overconfident beforehand, but you had to think that if you rate it a chance in a Carnival race then you got to win this ... and I rate him that chance. I aim to take him to the BMW Magic Millions Cup in January. He’ll have one run before that which I imagine he will have to win to get into that race, which is over 1400m on his home track. After that we’ll turn him out, give him some time off, and then bring him back for out Winter Carnival.
“He is bred to go further and that might well end up being the case. At the moment though, my firm opinion is that he is too big and solid for a mile. I think 1400m is his distance. You know, if he was with a big stable, the ones who get all the accolades, he would be spoken about as being the next star. He’s so good and so consistent. He has yet to finish out of the first three.
“He’s an easy horse to train now, but that was not always the case. Earlier in his career he was a real problem. I couldn’t get him on to the track. I couldn’t get work riders for him. But it was purely a learning and patience game. I was just patient with him and finally we turned things around. Yeah, now he’s a pleasure to train.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m, Hail Free (B. Pengelly) shifted in and bumped the hind quarters of Consider Yourself (M. Morris). Passing the 800m, Stature (J. Taylor), which was over-racing, improved to the inside of Hail Free (B Pengelly) and as a result had to be checked when tightened for room between She’s A Mountain (R. McMahon) and Hail Free, which shifted in slightly. Hail Free shifted out rounding the home turn and bumped The Boxer (O. Turpin). The Boxer (O. Turpin), Decerto (Mathew Palmer) and Lachlan Valley (M. Paget) raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
CG&E Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ready To Rise; 2nd - Kayowed; 3rd - Kneel And Raise
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jason Holder: “They wanted me to be closer than I was in the early part, but the wide draw made it difficult. I couldn’t get where we planned to be, so I decided to back off and let him race where he felt comfortable. Then in the straight there was pressure on all sides, but he just kept kicking and kicking. He was really impressive the way he stuck to his guns. He could easily have folded and nobody would have thought any less of him, given the circumstances. I thought it was a good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Media Fund (S. Galloway) and Kayowed (J. Taylor) were obliged to race in restricted room between Aqua Calda (R. Wiggins) and Scudder, which shifted in slightly. Near the 900m, Highland Storm (K. Wharton) and Aqua Calda (R. Wiggins) were obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Devils Ransom (M. Morris), which shifted in slightly. Kneel And Raise (R. Goltz) raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 400m, Media Fund had to be steadied when attempting to improve between Devils Ransom and Scudder where there was doubtful room. In the early stages of the straight, Aqua Calda (R. Wiggins) had difficulty obtaining clear running. Scudder and Edward Bear raced wide throughout.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2020m
1st - Jouer Le Jeu; 2nd - Cinquacasino; 3rd - Ella Cinders
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “She’s a Montjeu mare. Most Montjeu’s take time to settle into the game. Then one day they wake up and go well. I’ve only had her for two runs – the second placing and this win, so we are moving in the right direction. I’m still going to take my time with her. She’ll go through the grades. It will be one more run this time around and then she’ll go for a spell.
“She’s out of a Group 1 winning mare (Olga’s Pal). I believe she is a good staying prospect and that she has the potential to develop into a good handicap mare. I think she can win a race like the Ipswich Cup come Carnival time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
C. McIver was reprimanded for failing to arrive on course by the prescribed time to fulfil his engagement on Biancool. Jouer Le Jeu (E. Wilkinson) over-raced on the heels of Born To Party (C. Small) in the early stages.
Passing the 1800m, Born To Party commenced to over-race on the heels of Mondo Rocks (M. Hellyer) and near the 1400m had to be steadied off that horse's heels. Born To Party continued to over-race and near the 1200m had to be checked off the heels of All The Jays (D. Griffin). At the 1200m, Tyrconnell improved up on to the heels of Shoja and had to be steadied. Tyrconnell then shifted out and was obliged to race wide for the majority of the event. Biancool and Shoja raced wide in the early stages. When steadied passing the 1200m, Conquacasino shifted out and was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Jouer Le Jeu (E. Wilkinson) shifted ground outwards under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 2:
3yo Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Mr Orient; 2nd - Commanche Warrior; 3rd - Saint Minerva
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Balzen: “He was back in Maiden company here after racing in 3yo handicaps, so he was entitled to win. He is the best track-worker I’ve got, but so far he hasn’t put it all together in a race. Even today. There is more to come than that. He almost looked like he was looking for more ground. We’ll probably go back to one of those 3yo races now. Maybe over 1500m.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “He’s been running against stronger opposition than this for some time. He was back in a Maiden here and it was a different story. They did steady the pace in the middle part, so I had to be careful about timing my run. I had to let him go a bit earlier than I might otherwise have done so that I would be in a position to challenge when I wanted to. He worked home beautifully. Hit the line hard liked we hoped he would. Good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As G. Colless was to be overweight on Saint Minerva, She’s A Mountain (Race 7) and Aqua Calda (Race 8), riding changes were made as per the Stewards Summary Sheet. G. Colless was fined the sum of $300.
Commanche Warrior (S. Scriven) jumped away awkwardly. Prom Knight (S. Seamer), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and bumped Flash Romeo (E. Wilkinson). Approaching the 800m, Saint Minerva (D. Griffin), which was racing ungenerously, had to be momentarily steadied off the heels of Mr Orient (J. Taylor).
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Steady Poplar; 2nd - Zeljko; 3rd - Frozone
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Steele Ryan: “He had a wind problem. He had the operation. The operation was a success. In his last two or three runs he was under duress because of the wind problem that he had. He had a few issues before that as well. When I was suspended he went to race for Guy Walter. He was still a colt then but Guy said he had become a really unruly sort, so we cut him. So I got him back as a gelding and not long afterward that we discovered the wind problem, so we had to start all over again. He is a 5yo and he’s only had seven runs because of the issues he’s had. He’s right now and you can see the difference.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 900m, A Pair Of Diamonds (C. McIver) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Circumnavigate (T. Pannell), which shifted in away from Zeljko (A. Coome). Near the 800m, A Pair Of Diamonds again had to be checked when tightened for room by Cheque For Freedom (K. Forrester), which laid in despite the efforts of its rider. Approaching the 200m, Calypso Moon (Matthew Palmer) was momentarily inconvenienced between Circumnavigate (T. Pannell) and Steady Poplar (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 100m, A Pair Of Diamonds (C. McIver) improved up on to the heels of Circumnavigate (T. Pannell) and was obliged to shift out.
Race 4:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Guissepino; 2nd - Queen Of Asia; 3rd - Acquired
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “She’s won three out of the five starts she’s had for me. She does seem to be getting better and better. She relaxes best when she is allowed to race up with the speed so the 1000m to 1200m trips suit her very well at the moment. You can’t get carried away about her future, but it’s very encouraging the way she is going. She has taken her steps through the grades very well.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “There’s is a lot of potential there. She is just not quite certain what she is doing yet.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 100m, Swiss Alps (D. Griffin) was momentarily impeded by Queen Of Asia (Matthew Palmer), which shifted out. Guissepino (B. Pengelly) was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Daphne Ellen revealed the mare to have sustained a laceration to the inside of the near-fore pastern. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Ashita was restricted in its action on the off-hind leg. Trainer B. Dodson was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Ashita prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 4 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Havayarn; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Matzumi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “I’m happy with that as a first-up result, but he took all day to win the race didn’t he? He really took a long time to settle the issue.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “He was just a bit fresh and a bit immature. He might have baulked slightly when going past the leader, who was running around a bit, but that didn’t really bother him. As I said, it was more the fact that he was a bit too fresh and immature that made it look like a bit of a struggle. Still got the win though.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1000m, when attempting to be restrained, Ustino A Girl got its head in the air and over-raced for a short distance. Near the 200m, Ustino A Girl shifted out abruptly and again a short distance later Ustino A Girl shifted ground under pressure.
Stewards questioned apprentice L.Dittman regarding the riding tactics adopted on Ustino A Girl. L. Dittman stated that after being caught 3 wide in the early stages he elected to push forward to obtain a position closer to the rail. He further added that passing the 1000m he obtained a position one off outside the leader Askew, however when being restrained the mare got its head in the air and commenced to over-race. He explained that Ustino A Girl over-raced until such time as he had taken a position slightly forward and felt his best option was to allow Ustino A Girl to relax rather than continue to restrain the mare. L. Dittman also added that he then allowed the mare to relax until near the home turn. Trainer N. McBurney stated that the connections had instructed apprentice Dittman to take a sit on the mare to allow her to run out the distance of today's event as she was stepping up to 1350m for the first time. Mr McBurney further stated after viewing the film that he believed apprentice Dittman was a victim of circumstances, in that after improving forward to take up a position, Ustino A Girl then over-raced and left apprentice Dittman with little options. Stewards noted the explanations.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1615m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Humma; 3rd - Moonlight Lily
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (stable foreman for Gerald Ryan at Murwillumbah): “This is the stable’s second city win since setting up at Murwillumbah. Pyramids won here previously. Pyramids is actually a good example of the benefits that some horses can gain by being at Murwillumbah as opposed to Sydney. His sire is Anabaa. The Anabaa breed ... you know, they train off so quickly, more so mentally than physically. For that reason Pyramids is probably in exactly the right place for him at this time. With the Anabaa breed you have got to stimulate the mind and we’ve got so many more options to do that up here, swimming, jumping and the like. Pyramids is very consistent. He has only won two midweek meetings since being relocated up here, but he is going well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
One For The Road raced wide in the early and middle stages. Rounding the 1200m turn, Life’s Short (J. Bowditch) shifted out off the heels of Fools Rush In (R. Wiggins) and in doing so forced Gather (W. Clasohm) 3 wide. Near the 500m, Magique Mine (C. Whiteley) shifted out and in doing so made contact with Moonlight Lily (R. Goltz). Passing the 50m, Magique Mine and Moonlight Lily were momentarily placed in restricted room between Pyramids (Mathew Palmer) and Humma (S. Scriven), which shifted in.
Stewards opened an inquiry into the handling of Gather. After taking initial evidence, the inquiry was adjourned to a date and time to be fixed. Post-race veterinary examination of Gather failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Stewards questioned J. Bowditch regarding his riding of Life’s Short, in particular between the 1200m and home turn. J. Bowditch stated that approaching the first turn, Life’s Short commenced to over-race on the heels of Fools Rush In (R. Wiggins), and he elected to allow the horse to stride forward and take up a position outside Fools Rush In. He further added he was content to maintain this position for the remainder of the event, however Gather continued to race in a 3-wide position outside of Fools Rush In, and passing the 800m he was obliged to place his mount under pressure to hold its position. The explanation was noted. A post-race veterinary examination of Gather failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 5 Handicap - 1110m
1st - Mr Slick; 2nd - The Boxer; 3rd - Stature
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Leon Morton: “I didn’t want to sound overconfident beforehand, but you had to think that if you rate it a chance in a Carnival race then you got to win this ... and I rate him that chance. I aim to take him to the BMW Magic Millions Cup in January. He’ll have one run before that which I imagine he will have to win to get into that race, which is over 1400m on his home track. After that we’ll turn him out, give him some time off, and then bring him back for out Winter Carnival.
“He is bred to go further and that might well end up being the case. At the moment though, my firm opinion is that he is too big and solid for a mile. I think 1400m is his distance. You know, if he was with a big stable, the ones who get all the accolades, he would be spoken about as being the next star. He’s so good and so consistent. He has yet to finish out of the first three.
“He’s an easy horse to train now, but that was not always the case. Earlier in his career he was a real problem. I couldn’t get him on to the track. I couldn’t get work riders for him. But it was purely a learning and patience game. I was just patient with him and finally we turned things around. Yeah, now he’s a pleasure to train.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m, Hail Free (B. Pengelly) shifted in and bumped the hind quarters of Consider Yourself (M. Morris). Passing the 800m, Stature (J. Taylor), which was over-racing, improved to the inside of Hail Free (B Pengelly) and as a result had to be checked when tightened for room between She’s A Mountain (R. McMahon) and Hail Free, which shifted in slightly. Hail Free shifted out rounding the home turn and bumped The Boxer (O. Turpin). The Boxer (O. Turpin), Decerto (Mathew Palmer) and Lachlan Valley (M. Paget) raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
CG&E Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ready To Rise; 2nd - Kayowed; 3rd - Kneel And Raise
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jason Holder: “They wanted me to be closer than I was in the early part, but the wide draw made it difficult. I couldn’t get where we planned to be, so I decided to back off and let him race where he felt comfortable. Then in the straight there was pressure on all sides, but he just kept kicking and kicking. He was really impressive the way he stuck to his guns. He could easily have folded and nobody would have thought any less of him, given the circumstances. I thought it was a good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Media Fund (S. Galloway) and Kayowed (J. Taylor) were obliged to race in restricted room between Aqua Calda (R. Wiggins) and Scudder, which shifted in slightly. Near the 900m, Highland Storm (K. Wharton) and Aqua Calda (R. Wiggins) were obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Devils Ransom (M. Morris), which shifted in slightly. Kneel And Raise (R. Goltz) raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 400m, Media Fund had to be steadied when attempting to improve between Devils Ransom and Scudder where there was doubtful room. In the early stages of the straight, Aqua Calda (R. Wiggins) had difficulty obtaining clear running. Scudder and Edward Bear raced wide throughout.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
CHAMPIONS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
The last time they raced together(in the Winterbottom Stakes)only a nose separated Takeover Target and Apache Cat in a contest that will long be remembered as a classic clash of champions.
Both runners will line up for action again this weekend, but this time they will be worlds apart.
Apache Cat races in Hong Kong in the Group 1, Hong Kong International Sprint. Takeover Target races in Perth in the Group 3, AJ Scahill Stakes.
The Group 1 is obviously the major prize but Takeover Target raises the profile of any race he enters to the degree that both races will be awaited with a similar keen interest by all Australian racing enthusiasts.
Although separated by thousands of miles, there remains a subtle link between Apache Cat’s aspirations and a gap in the resume of Takeover Target.
When the latter’s trainer Joe Janiak praised the Apache Cat camp and suggested they would be the ones to go on and assume his champions mantel as Australia’s international sprint star, he didn’t mention any unfinished business. But there will be just a touch of that in play when Apache Cat lines up to face the starter on Sunday.
In 2006, Takeover Target was the favourite for the Hong Kong Sprint. If Takeover Target had won that race, Janiak would have been in line to collect an additional prize-money bonus of $US1 million for winning Group 1 races in three of the four host countries in the Global Sprint Challenge Series.
On race-day morning, Takeover Target was withdrawn by Hong Kong Stewards for returning a positive reading to 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexonate, a hormone. Instead of collecting money, Janiak had to settle a $HK200 000 fine.
Different horse, different trainer this time around, but it would be ‘score one for Australia’ if Apache Cat does salute. A couple of years later than it could have been, maybe, but it would be result filled with satisfaction for all concerned.
Apache Cat will also be looking to put an end to the runs of wins by Hong Kong based horses who have ruled the race since 2002.
While the focus is on the current challenge, it should be remembered that Australians have had more than a fair share of success in this race in the past.
Since it was first run in 1999, the ‘honour roll’ for Hong Kong International Sprint features the names of six Australians.
Jockey Steven King won the inaugural running of the race on Fairy King Prawn. The following two years belonged to the ‘King of Queensland’, the Danny Bougoure trained Falvelon who scored back to back wins in the race. Damian Oliver was in the saddle on both occasions.
Trainer David Hayes won the 2002 version with All Thrills Too (which was the first time the race acquired Group 1 status) and trainer David Hall and jockey Brett Prebble combined to bring Absolute Champion home in 2006 (which was the first time the race was contested over 1200m, having previously been over the 1000m trip.
On Sunday we will know whether we can add the names of trainer Greg Eurell and jockey Corey Brown to that list.
No race of this description is ever an easy assignment. With the opposition likely to include the likes of Marchant D’Or (Champion Sprinter in Europe who will be bidding for his fourth straight Group 1 victory), Mythical Flight (dual Group 1 winner in South Africa), Enthused (winner of the International Sprint Trial), Sunny Power (a close-up runner-up in the International Sprint Trial) and Diabolical (from the powerful Godolphin stable), amongst others, the Sha Tin track will be no place for the faint-hearted on Sunday.
The race is meant to showcase the best and it should provide a terrific, racing spectacle.
Back in Perth, the expectation is that Takeover Target will once again give his subjects something to smile about.
Joe Janiak’s biggest worry might well be whether the other four horses who have nominated for the A J Scahill Stakes at Ascot stand their ground at the acceptance stage, so at least we can have a race.
In the unlikely event they do not, Takeover Target should still be allowed to trot around the track and collect his first prize. The value to racing inherent in that promotional exercise would cover the cost.
As things stand at the moment, Takeover Target will meet his four rivals - Scenic Shot, Tarzi, Hartley’s Dream and Royal Lott - at level weights (59kg) over the 1400m trip.
Scenic Shot has won three Group 2 races and has been placed in two Group 1 events. Perhaps a more important point is the fact that the Daniel Morton trained runner is something of a course specialist, having recorded eight of his eleven wins on his home track.
Scenic Shot races first-up. His last start was in June when he finished fourth behind subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Viewed in the Brisbane Cup.
Tarzi bids for back to back wins in the A J Scahill Stakes. He has a favourable statistic in his record bank, namely that five of his nine wins have come over 1400m. Takeover Target has won on only one occasion in four tries over the 1400m.
Hartley’s Dream has not won a race since 2006 and Royal Lott never looked like troubling the champion when well beaten in the Winterbottom Stakes.
So take in the wide view this weekend. From Perth to Hong Kong, it’s going to be good racing.
Both runners will line up for action again this weekend, but this time they will be worlds apart.
Apache Cat races in Hong Kong in the Group 1, Hong Kong International Sprint. Takeover Target races in Perth in the Group 3, AJ Scahill Stakes.
The Group 1 is obviously the major prize but Takeover Target raises the profile of any race he enters to the degree that both races will be awaited with a similar keen interest by all Australian racing enthusiasts.
Although separated by thousands of miles, there remains a subtle link between Apache Cat’s aspirations and a gap in the resume of Takeover Target.
When the latter’s trainer Joe Janiak praised the Apache Cat camp and suggested they would be the ones to go on and assume his champions mantel as Australia’s international sprint star, he didn’t mention any unfinished business. But there will be just a touch of that in play when Apache Cat lines up to face the starter on Sunday.
In 2006, Takeover Target was the favourite for the Hong Kong Sprint. If Takeover Target had won that race, Janiak would have been in line to collect an additional prize-money bonus of $US1 million for winning Group 1 races in three of the four host countries in the Global Sprint Challenge Series.
On race-day morning, Takeover Target was withdrawn by Hong Kong Stewards for returning a positive reading to 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexonate, a hormone. Instead of collecting money, Janiak had to settle a $HK200 000 fine.
Different horse, different trainer this time around, but it would be ‘score one for Australia’ if Apache Cat does salute. A couple of years later than it could have been, maybe, but it would be result filled with satisfaction for all concerned.
Apache Cat will also be looking to put an end to the runs of wins by Hong Kong based horses who have ruled the race since 2002.
While the focus is on the current challenge, it should be remembered that Australians have had more than a fair share of success in this race in the past.
Since it was first run in 1999, the ‘honour roll’ for Hong Kong International Sprint features the names of six Australians.
Jockey Steven King won the inaugural running of the race on Fairy King Prawn. The following two years belonged to the ‘King of Queensland’, the Danny Bougoure trained Falvelon who scored back to back wins in the race. Damian Oliver was in the saddle on both occasions.
Trainer David Hayes won the 2002 version with All Thrills Too (which was the first time the race acquired Group 1 status) and trainer David Hall and jockey Brett Prebble combined to bring Absolute Champion home in 2006 (which was the first time the race was contested over 1200m, having previously been over the 1000m trip.
On Sunday we will know whether we can add the names of trainer Greg Eurell and jockey Corey Brown to that list.
No race of this description is ever an easy assignment. With the opposition likely to include the likes of Marchant D’Or (Champion Sprinter in Europe who will be bidding for his fourth straight Group 1 victory), Mythical Flight (dual Group 1 winner in South Africa), Enthused (winner of the International Sprint Trial), Sunny Power (a close-up runner-up in the International Sprint Trial) and Diabolical (from the powerful Godolphin stable), amongst others, the Sha Tin track will be no place for the faint-hearted on Sunday.
The race is meant to showcase the best and it should provide a terrific, racing spectacle.
Back in Perth, the expectation is that Takeover Target will once again give his subjects something to smile about.
Joe Janiak’s biggest worry might well be whether the other four horses who have nominated for the A J Scahill Stakes at Ascot stand their ground at the acceptance stage, so at least we can have a race.
In the unlikely event they do not, Takeover Target should still be allowed to trot around the track and collect his first prize. The value to racing inherent in that promotional exercise would cover the cost.
As things stand at the moment, Takeover Target will meet his four rivals - Scenic Shot, Tarzi, Hartley’s Dream and Royal Lott - at level weights (59kg) over the 1400m trip.
Scenic Shot has won three Group 2 races and has been placed in two Group 1 events. Perhaps a more important point is the fact that the Daniel Morton trained runner is something of a course specialist, having recorded eight of his eleven wins on his home track.
Scenic Shot races first-up. His last start was in June when he finished fourth behind subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Viewed in the Brisbane Cup.
Tarzi bids for back to back wins in the A J Scahill Stakes. He has a favourable statistic in his record bank, namely that five of his nine wins have come over 1400m. Takeover Target has won on only one occasion in four tries over the 1400m.
Hartley’s Dream has not won a race since 2006 and Royal Lott never looked like troubling the champion when well beaten in the Winterbottom Stakes.
So take in the wide view this weekend. From Perth to Hong Kong, it’s going to be good racing.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
HKJC PURSUING OPTIONS ON MUNCE RULING
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has confirmed it will take a "measured and step-by-step approach" to renewing pressure on Racing NSW to uphold jockey Chris Munce's 30-month ban from racing.
Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges justifiably has real concerns over the fallout of the decision by Racing NSW to set aside a ruling by Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards who disqualified Munce for a period of thirty months. Munce’s disqualification was due to end in September 2009.
Engelbrecht-Bresges initially reacted to the Racing NSW decision by saying it had the potential “to undermine the integrity of horse racing internationally”, and that the decision "is disrespectful of the core values of due process" and "threatens the relationship between Australia and Hong Kong".
A recent article in the South China Morning Post, written by leading racing writer Alan Aitken, clearly relates the stance of the HKJC and goes into some detail about its misgivings and the way they plan to move forward with the matter.
The views expressed are well worth noting as they underline the seriousness of the current situation facing Australian racing. The bulk of that article is repeated here for those who want to glean a better understanding of what is involved in the Munce issue.
Aitken writes: The Jockey Club will not withdraw licences of Australian riders in Hong Kong, but there will be questions over future licensees, and the Global Sprint Challenge, Asian Mile Challenge and future commingling of bets may be affected’.
“The jockeys should not be punished for something they have not done, but our concern is that, if there is a breach of the rules, will we again face the situation that Australian authorities will please themselves about whether penalties are upheld?” Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges asked.
“As for series racing and commingling, we have to ask how can we co-operate if there is no sense of co-operation on both sides?”
“We want to take a measured and step-by-step approach and the first thing will be to request reciprocation by other licensing bodies within Australia," he said.
“Secondly, we will ask for clarification from the Australian Racing Board, a signatory to Article 10, on the claim that Racing NSW is not a signatory to the agreement. If ARB does not speak for all racing jurisdictions there, then there is no agreement at all.”
He said the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the peak world authority, had been briefed, as have all members of the executive committee of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), of which Engelbrecht-Bresges is chairman.
“Other ARF jurisdictions will be asked to endorse the disqualification and we will formulate where we go after that,” he said. “If they endorse the ban, this will be communicated to Racing NSW. This reciprocity of penalties across jurisdictions is a cornerstone of the integrity of horse racing. If you look at the wording of Article 10, there is no discretion. If we cannot establish this then the whole international agreement goes back to zero. What will happen if others take the same attitude?”
Engelbrecht-Bresges pointed out the actions of Racing NSW came after Munce had pleaded guilty to all charges then waived his right to appeal.
“By pleading guilty and then not appealing, Munce has accepted his guilt and also the penalty," he said. "Racing NSW has not respected the judicial process and, in light of remarks by its chief executive, even before the stewards' hearing was concluded, there is the perception that minds were made up.”
So now there can be no misunderstanding on what the perspective the HKJC has on this matter.
While I am quoting from other sources, perhaps a fitting, final word on the subject is the opinion of former AJC and Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Steward John Schreck, who was quoted at length in the Sydney Morning Herald. Here are a few extracts of what Schreck had to say.
“The haste exhibited by Racing NSW in its desire to allow disqualified jockey Chris Munce back on to racetracks was embarrassing and I’m afraid will have far-reaching consequences.”
“Racing NSW did not even wait to have at least a cursory look at the transcript of proceedings before HKJC stewards. The proceedings had not been typed up when Munce appeared before whomever he fronted at Racing NSW.”
“The advantages of reciprocity in racing are apparent to anyone who stops to consider the issue. Reciprocity is a consensus-type situation. I believe it is a small step on the way to reaching a common standard in disciplinary matters.”
“Surely it is imperative we establish and enforce integrity in racing, no matter how unpalatable it may be at times. It includes making sure rules are honoured by other racing authorities. Reciprocity is simply a matter of having faith in fellow authorities and giving credit to their decisions. It is sad Racing NSW has no faith in judicial decisions made by the HKJC.”
“International uniformity of approach to the control and supervision of racing is influenced by international articles on breeding and racing. These articles are agreed to each year by racing nations who attend a conference of International Horse Racing Authorities. Most, but not all, racing authorities provide for the adoption and implementation of racing penalties imposed by other nations.
The Australian Racing Board represents this country at the conference. It signed up to reciprocity on behalf of state jurisdictions. I guess from here on each state will have to be represented. What then is the future of the Australian Racing Board?”
Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges justifiably has real concerns over the fallout of the decision by Racing NSW to set aside a ruling by Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards who disqualified Munce for a period of thirty months. Munce’s disqualification was due to end in September 2009.
Engelbrecht-Bresges initially reacted to the Racing NSW decision by saying it had the potential “to undermine the integrity of horse racing internationally”, and that the decision "is disrespectful of the core values of due process" and "threatens the relationship between Australia and Hong Kong".
A recent article in the South China Morning Post, written by leading racing writer Alan Aitken, clearly relates the stance of the HKJC and goes into some detail about its misgivings and the way they plan to move forward with the matter.
The views expressed are well worth noting as they underline the seriousness of the current situation facing Australian racing. The bulk of that article is repeated here for those who want to glean a better understanding of what is involved in the Munce issue.
Aitken writes: The Jockey Club will not withdraw licences of Australian riders in Hong Kong, but there will be questions over future licensees, and the Global Sprint Challenge, Asian Mile Challenge and future commingling of bets may be affected’.
“The jockeys should not be punished for something they have not done, but our concern is that, if there is a breach of the rules, will we again face the situation that Australian authorities will please themselves about whether penalties are upheld?” Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges asked.
“As for series racing and commingling, we have to ask how can we co-operate if there is no sense of co-operation on both sides?”
“We want to take a measured and step-by-step approach and the first thing will be to request reciprocation by other licensing bodies within Australia," he said.
“Secondly, we will ask for clarification from the Australian Racing Board, a signatory to Article 10, on the claim that Racing NSW is not a signatory to the agreement. If ARB does not speak for all racing jurisdictions there, then there is no agreement at all.”
He said the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the peak world authority, had been briefed, as have all members of the executive committee of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), of which Engelbrecht-Bresges is chairman.
“Other ARF jurisdictions will be asked to endorse the disqualification and we will formulate where we go after that,” he said. “If they endorse the ban, this will be communicated to Racing NSW. This reciprocity of penalties across jurisdictions is a cornerstone of the integrity of horse racing. If you look at the wording of Article 10, there is no discretion. If we cannot establish this then the whole international agreement goes back to zero. What will happen if others take the same attitude?”
Engelbrecht-Bresges pointed out the actions of Racing NSW came after Munce had pleaded guilty to all charges then waived his right to appeal.
“By pleading guilty and then not appealing, Munce has accepted his guilt and also the penalty," he said. "Racing NSW has not respected the judicial process and, in light of remarks by its chief executive, even before the stewards' hearing was concluded, there is the perception that minds were made up.”
So now there can be no misunderstanding on what the perspective the HKJC has on this matter.
While I am quoting from other sources, perhaps a fitting, final word on the subject is the opinion of former AJC and Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Steward John Schreck, who was quoted at length in the Sydney Morning Herald. Here are a few extracts of what Schreck had to say.
“The haste exhibited by Racing NSW in its desire to allow disqualified jockey Chris Munce back on to racetracks was embarrassing and I’m afraid will have far-reaching consequences.”
“Racing NSW did not even wait to have at least a cursory look at the transcript of proceedings before HKJC stewards. The proceedings had not been typed up when Munce appeared before whomever he fronted at Racing NSW.”
“The advantages of reciprocity in racing are apparent to anyone who stops to consider the issue. Reciprocity is a consensus-type situation. I believe it is a small step on the way to reaching a common standard in disciplinary matters.”
“Surely it is imperative we establish and enforce integrity in racing, no matter how unpalatable it may be at times. It includes making sure rules are honoured by other racing authorities. Reciprocity is simply a matter of having faith in fellow authorities and giving credit to their decisions. It is sad Racing NSW has no faith in judicial decisions made by the HKJC.”
“International uniformity of approach to the control and supervision of racing is influenced by international articles on breeding and racing. These articles are agreed to each year by racing nations who attend a conference of International Horse Racing Authorities. Most, but not all, racing authorities provide for the adoption and implementation of racing penalties imposed by other nations.
The Australian Racing Board represents this country at the conference. It signed up to reciprocity on behalf of state jurisdictions. I guess from here on each state will have to be represented. What then is the future of the Australian Racing Board?”
Monday, December 8, 2008
RACING NSW SHOULD BE CENSURED
Chris Munce will once again soon be laughing all the way to the bank, courtesy of an ill-advised decision by Racing New South Wales who arguably have completely lost the plot with regard to their responsibilities to the greater cause of racing in Australia.
By all accounts Munce was doing it tough. That, in his case, is called a consequence as it follows on directly from his own actions – the ‘tips for bets’ scandal - which courted disaster from the very outset.
Munce was prepared to play the card seemingly on the basis that the reward was worth the risk. Nobody wants to see anybody’s career face ruin, but when you are caught red-handed in the circumstances in which Munce was apprehended in Hong Kong, your options are limited to say the least. It is better to accept your punishment.
Munce will say he has done that. The mental anguish involved in the hardship of a jail sentence (issued by a civil authority) – which was an extreme penalty and one which probably never entered into Munce’s calculations until he was faced with the horrible truth of his situation – as well as his family’s despair during his time behind bars, certainly translates into a ‘time served’ category. Not to mention the stress brought about by the impact of Munce’s loss of a livelihood during his incarceration. But that does not necessarily mean Munce has 'done his time'.
Thankfully, Munce is now a free man. He has shown an admirable resilience in coming out of the other side of a scarring experience in fine fettle. He has looked after himself physically in sensational fashion and the family bond which held tight during times of strain when parted from his loved ones, is stronger than ever.
In essence, Chris Munce is a lucky man. As such he should be thankful.
But Munce wants more!
He wants his career back. That is a perfectly natural goal.
But it is how Munce goes about reclaiming the privilege to ride that shows whether he has learnt anything from his misadventure, whether he now sees the value in racing’s rules and regulations and understands the need to abide by them, whether he respects racing authorities and their right to rule, whether he understands that, as a high profile Australian, he represents Australian interests in all that he does and counter-productive behaviour can be damaging to far more than just his inner-circle.
The bottom line is that the road Munce elects to follow back to race-riding will, quite simply, show whether he has joined the team and is worthy of a licence or whether he is still bucking the system, in which case the issuing of a licence to Munce should be carefully considered.
Sadly, Munce’s recent actions suggest the latter option applies.
While the buck does stop with Munce in terms of decision-making, it should be pointed out that he might not be wholly at fault in coming up with the wrong answer.
Well respected journalists in Sydney have been beating the drum, sending out the message that Munce has paid his dues, done his time, should not be the victim of double jeopardy ... one even found a precedent which he put forward to weigh in strongly in Munce’s favour. Top trainer Gai Waterhouse, upbeat as ever, welcomed Munce back to her fold with open arms. Of course he should be granted a licence again. No worries.
If this is what leading racing identities were saying in public, you can only imagine the strength of support, with similar advice, that Munce was being fed in private. So perhaps he can be forgiven for thinking it was a no-brainer, and that his position was clearcut, and that Racing New South Wales, overcome by the local tidal-wave of emotion, would come to the party and issue him with a licence.
This time Munce had placed the right bet.
Racing New South Wales agreed to reciprocate 35 out of the 36 charges to which Munce had pleaded guilty. But they refused to uphold the final charge, “because this penalty is tied to a breach of a criminal offence under the criminal code of the Hong Kong SAR that does not exist under Australian law". With that statement, Racing NSW set aside the disqualification imposed on Munce by Hong Kong Racing Stewards, which would have kept the rider out of racing until September 2009.
This ruling was made in violation of an international agreement which Australia has with racing authorities around the world. Racing New South Wales, in effect, was giving the finger to the Australian Racing Board, a signatory of that agreement, as it was being outright disrespectful to Hong Kong Racing authorities, whose high level of integrity is acknowledged worldwide.
Munce’s response, at the latest embarrassment his case had caused, was interesting to say the least.
“I always had confidence Australian racing authorities would recognise the Hong Kong penalty was manifestly excessive and I had more than paid the price for breaches of Hong Kong rules of racing,” said Munce, who somehow now has apparently learnt enough to become more proficient in legal matters than those trained officials appointed to rule on his case.
“At the end of the day common sense prevailed,” Munce said.
A ‘common-sense ruling’ which embarrassed racing in Australia, which puts Australian racing relations with other countries in a conflict situation, which, if allowed to pass unchallenged, could set a dangerous precedent for destabilising the acceptance of the international laws of racing ... clearly Munce is still not on the page where integrity is absolute and where self-interest sometimes has to give way to the bigger picture.
That is not to say Munce thinks he is bigger than the sport. After all, he didn’t make the decision to reinstate his licence, but his participation in reaching for a personal goal through all the damage his case is creating, and not respectfully delaying his return till scheduled in September 2009, does make a statement which is less than impressive.
There is an important bottom line to this whole issue.
The bottom line is that Munce declined to appeal his original jail sentence and then pleaded guilty to all charges laid against him by the Hong Kong Jockey Club when racing authorities took up his case after his release from prison. When issued with the same thirty month penalty by the HKJC, Munce again declined to appeal the sentence.
The only way an independent authority can overrule the disqualification decision, is if all avenues of appeal with the original control body has been exhausted and it can be shown that the laws of natural justice had not been properly observed.
That Munce chose not to exhaust all appeal options open to him and the fact he has never claimed that he was denied due process should have, and would have, put an end to the matter – barring the unhappy intrusion of Racing New South Wales.
On the basis of this established proyocol, Racing New South Wales has made a decision which exceeded its authority.
The matter surely cannot end here.
Important Points of Reference 1:
The ‘tips for bets’ scandal unfolded in the following manner.
On the day he was due to fly back to Australia (July 3, 2006), Munce was arrested in Hong Kong by officers of the Independent Commission Against Crime (ICAC). It was reported that Munce was found with HK250,000 cash plus papers listing horses and bets. Munce was not charged at this time.
On September 14 and 15, 2006, Munce appeared in court and was charged with having corruptly acted against the interests of the trainer by tipping horses he would ride to win races. He returned to Australia (an option he was previously denied) to await his formal trial hearing.
On February 12 -16, 2007, the District Court judge found Munce guilty of corrupt conduct. Shortly afterwards, Munce was sentenced to thirty months jail, with a minimum of twenty months to be served.
Munce spent seven months in a Hong Kong jail before being transferred to Silverwater Prison on September 25, 2007 to complete the remainder of his mandatory sentence. Munce was released from Silverwater Prison, after serving a total of twenty months, on October 30, 2008.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club opened its own racing inquiry in the Munce case. At its final session on December 1, Munce pleaded guilty to all thirty-six related charges. He is sentenced to periods of disqualification on all counts. Although the sentencing figure reaches a total of 633 months, it translates to an effective 30 months as the counts are ordered to be served concurrently.
The sentence, with proper regard to fairness, is back-dated to February 2007, to include time already served by Munce. The disqualification is thus set to end in September 2009.
On December 3, 2008, Munce attends a ‘show cause’ hearing to show why his NSW licence should not be revoked in accordance with the Hong Kong ruling. Racing NSW choose to disregard the Hong Kong disqualification and decide to issue Munce with a NSW jockey licence.
Important Points of Reference 2:
Article 10 of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering confirms a commitment by signatories to reciprocate the penalties imposed by racing stewards of other signatory jurisdictions. The Australian Racing Board is a signatory to the agreement.
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who is also the chairman of the Asian Racing Federation and joint deputy chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, said he would be writing to all member jurisdictions to advise them of Australia's breach of the international agreement. Engelbrecht-Breges stopped short of speculating on what action, if any, the international bodies might take.
In a story posted in the South China Morning Post, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is said to claim it has correspondence from Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Peter V’Landys that denies his organisation is bound by the agreement, even though Racing NSW is subject to the authority of The Australian Racing Board.
By all accounts Munce was doing it tough. That, in his case, is called a consequence as it follows on directly from his own actions – the ‘tips for bets’ scandal - which courted disaster from the very outset.
Munce was prepared to play the card seemingly on the basis that the reward was worth the risk. Nobody wants to see anybody’s career face ruin, but when you are caught red-handed in the circumstances in which Munce was apprehended in Hong Kong, your options are limited to say the least. It is better to accept your punishment.
Munce will say he has done that. The mental anguish involved in the hardship of a jail sentence (issued by a civil authority) – which was an extreme penalty and one which probably never entered into Munce’s calculations until he was faced with the horrible truth of his situation – as well as his family’s despair during his time behind bars, certainly translates into a ‘time served’ category. Not to mention the stress brought about by the impact of Munce’s loss of a livelihood during his incarceration. But that does not necessarily mean Munce has 'done his time'.
Thankfully, Munce is now a free man. He has shown an admirable resilience in coming out of the other side of a scarring experience in fine fettle. He has looked after himself physically in sensational fashion and the family bond which held tight during times of strain when parted from his loved ones, is stronger than ever.
In essence, Chris Munce is a lucky man. As such he should be thankful.
But Munce wants more!
He wants his career back. That is a perfectly natural goal.
But it is how Munce goes about reclaiming the privilege to ride that shows whether he has learnt anything from his misadventure, whether he now sees the value in racing’s rules and regulations and understands the need to abide by them, whether he respects racing authorities and their right to rule, whether he understands that, as a high profile Australian, he represents Australian interests in all that he does and counter-productive behaviour can be damaging to far more than just his inner-circle.
The bottom line is that the road Munce elects to follow back to race-riding will, quite simply, show whether he has joined the team and is worthy of a licence or whether he is still bucking the system, in which case the issuing of a licence to Munce should be carefully considered.
Sadly, Munce’s recent actions suggest the latter option applies.
While the buck does stop with Munce in terms of decision-making, it should be pointed out that he might not be wholly at fault in coming up with the wrong answer.
Well respected journalists in Sydney have been beating the drum, sending out the message that Munce has paid his dues, done his time, should not be the victim of double jeopardy ... one even found a precedent which he put forward to weigh in strongly in Munce’s favour. Top trainer Gai Waterhouse, upbeat as ever, welcomed Munce back to her fold with open arms. Of course he should be granted a licence again. No worries.
If this is what leading racing identities were saying in public, you can only imagine the strength of support, with similar advice, that Munce was being fed in private. So perhaps he can be forgiven for thinking it was a no-brainer, and that his position was clearcut, and that Racing New South Wales, overcome by the local tidal-wave of emotion, would come to the party and issue him with a licence.
This time Munce had placed the right bet.
Racing New South Wales agreed to reciprocate 35 out of the 36 charges to which Munce had pleaded guilty. But they refused to uphold the final charge, “because this penalty is tied to a breach of a criminal offence under the criminal code of the Hong Kong SAR that does not exist under Australian law". With that statement, Racing NSW set aside the disqualification imposed on Munce by Hong Kong Racing Stewards, which would have kept the rider out of racing until September 2009.
This ruling was made in violation of an international agreement which Australia has with racing authorities around the world. Racing New South Wales, in effect, was giving the finger to the Australian Racing Board, a signatory of that agreement, as it was being outright disrespectful to Hong Kong Racing authorities, whose high level of integrity is acknowledged worldwide.
Munce’s response, at the latest embarrassment his case had caused, was interesting to say the least.
“I always had confidence Australian racing authorities would recognise the Hong Kong penalty was manifestly excessive and I had more than paid the price for breaches of Hong Kong rules of racing,” said Munce, who somehow now has apparently learnt enough to become more proficient in legal matters than those trained officials appointed to rule on his case.
“At the end of the day common sense prevailed,” Munce said.
A ‘common-sense ruling’ which embarrassed racing in Australia, which puts Australian racing relations with other countries in a conflict situation, which, if allowed to pass unchallenged, could set a dangerous precedent for destabilising the acceptance of the international laws of racing ... clearly Munce is still not on the page where integrity is absolute and where self-interest sometimes has to give way to the bigger picture.
That is not to say Munce thinks he is bigger than the sport. After all, he didn’t make the decision to reinstate his licence, but his participation in reaching for a personal goal through all the damage his case is creating, and not respectfully delaying his return till scheduled in September 2009, does make a statement which is less than impressive.
There is an important bottom line to this whole issue.
The bottom line is that Munce declined to appeal his original jail sentence and then pleaded guilty to all charges laid against him by the Hong Kong Jockey Club when racing authorities took up his case after his release from prison. When issued with the same thirty month penalty by the HKJC, Munce again declined to appeal the sentence.
The only way an independent authority can overrule the disqualification decision, is if all avenues of appeal with the original control body has been exhausted and it can be shown that the laws of natural justice had not been properly observed.
That Munce chose not to exhaust all appeal options open to him and the fact he has never claimed that he was denied due process should have, and would have, put an end to the matter – barring the unhappy intrusion of Racing New South Wales.
On the basis of this established proyocol, Racing New South Wales has made a decision which exceeded its authority.
The matter surely cannot end here.
Important Points of Reference 1:
The ‘tips for bets’ scandal unfolded in the following manner.
On the day he was due to fly back to Australia (July 3, 2006), Munce was arrested in Hong Kong by officers of the Independent Commission Against Crime (ICAC). It was reported that Munce was found with HK250,000 cash plus papers listing horses and bets. Munce was not charged at this time.
On September 14 and 15, 2006, Munce appeared in court and was charged with having corruptly acted against the interests of the trainer by tipping horses he would ride to win races. He returned to Australia (an option he was previously denied) to await his formal trial hearing.
On February 12 -16, 2007, the District Court judge found Munce guilty of corrupt conduct. Shortly afterwards, Munce was sentenced to thirty months jail, with a minimum of twenty months to be served.
Munce spent seven months in a Hong Kong jail before being transferred to Silverwater Prison on September 25, 2007 to complete the remainder of his mandatory sentence. Munce was released from Silverwater Prison, after serving a total of twenty months, on October 30, 2008.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club opened its own racing inquiry in the Munce case. At its final session on December 1, Munce pleaded guilty to all thirty-six related charges. He is sentenced to periods of disqualification on all counts. Although the sentencing figure reaches a total of 633 months, it translates to an effective 30 months as the counts are ordered to be served concurrently.
The sentence, with proper regard to fairness, is back-dated to February 2007, to include time already served by Munce. The disqualification is thus set to end in September 2009.
On December 3, 2008, Munce attends a ‘show cause’ hearing to show why his NSW licence should not be revoked in accordance with the Hong Kong ruling. Racing NSW choose to disregard the Hong Kong disqualification and decide to issue Munce with a NSW jockey licence.
Important Points of Reference 2:
Article 10 of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering confirms a commitment by signatories to reciprocate the penalties imposed by racing stewards of other signatory jurisdictions. The Australian Racing Board is a signatory to the agreement.
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who is also the chairman of the Asian Racing Federation and joint deputy chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, said he would be writing to all member jurisdictions to advise them of Australia's breach of the international agreement. Engelbrecht-Breges stopped short of speculating on what action, if any, the international bodies might take.
In a story posted in the South China Morning Post, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is said to claim it has correspondence from Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Peter V’Landys that denies his organisation is bound by the agreement, even though Racing NSW is subject to the authority of The Australian Racing Board.
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