A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Wednesday, November 12.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS:
From BTC meeting, 8.11.08 - Race 3
Stewards questioned trainer R. Heathcote regarding the riding tactics adopted on On The Up. Mr Heathcote stated that he advised jockey G. Colless from the wide alley to take up a position where the horse was comfortable and if that was at the rear of the field, to be in a position to allow On The Up to stride forward along the back straight. He further added that the horse had raced in a more handier position at it recent starts however had drawn an inside barrier which had aided the horse to obtain a closer position. Mr Heathcote added that jockey Colless had obtained a position on the back of Pay Me and had anticipated Pay Me carrying him into the race, however Pay Me was under pressure at the 800m. He stated as the race turned into a sprint home, On The Up was unable to sprint with them. Stewards noted the explanation.
Trainer S. Lee advised stewards he had a subsequent blood test taken from Surety following its poor performance, and the test failed to reveal anything amiss with the horse.
Race 1:
F & M Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - I'm So Stunning; 2nd - Runaway Fund; 3rd - Ensconce
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin (who would go on to train a double on the day): “I thought she would win, but not by six lengths. I’ve only had her for three runs. When she came into the stable she looked more like an ‘Ugly Betty’ than an ‘I’m So Stunning’. She’s showing good progress, but you can’t get carried away with a Maiden win.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “While she did beat an ordinary field, it was still a fair effort. The two of them in front of me at the turn into the straight were the two favourites and she beat them home by six lengths. She could have won by ten. She might just have a future.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Aim Me High (D. Van Bekkum) shifted in, bumping Pleasure Shot (L. Dittman). As a result, Aim Me High became unbalanced. Passing the 700m, Pleasure Shot (L. Dittman) laid out across the heels of I’m So Stunning and had to be checked. Between the 800m and 700m, Ensconce (J. Jones) was obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Runaway Fund (J. Taylor). J. Taylor, rider of Runaway Fund, was severely reprimanded. A post-race veterinary examination of Ephyra failed to reveal any abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Pleasure Shot had sustained a graze down the off-fore canon.
Race 2:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Handon Hero; 2nd - Cha Cha Man; 3rd - Liquidate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lennie Wheeler: “He was shin-sore after his first run so he was spelled. He ran two good seconds in his three starts back before this, so he was due.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Young Prince raced 3 wide and was inclined to lay out under pressure in the straight.
Race 3:
CG&E Class 4 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Albert Cadabra; 2nd - Murphy's Creek; 3rd - Life's Short
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith: “Well that broke a bit of a drought. He’s going well this prep but some things have gone wrong. He led last time and he doesn’t like that role so he got caught out. The run before that was in heavy going which doesn’t suit him. I thought I had both of those problems going into the race today.
“I was worried he might have to lead if there was no pace in the race, but thankfully Gillian’s horse (Askew) went out in front. That’s exactly what my horse needs – a good cart into the race. I also wasn’t happy this morning when I watched it p... down with rain. I was worried about the track. But we came through. Like I say, this result broke a bit of a drought for me.”
Apprentice Jockey Adrian Coome (who is on loan to Mayfield-Smith): “Yeah he tracked the leader at a pace which suited him. He basically did the rest. I just had to steer him.”
The time of 1.20.25 represented a New Class Record.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Murphy’s Creek (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Life’s Short over-raced for a short period in the early stages. A. Pattillo, rider of Jimmy Jim, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 800m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Albert Cadabra (A. Coome), which was taken in across the running of Life’s Short and as a result Life’s Short had to be checked when tightened for room. A. Pattillo was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 15 November, and to expire at midnight, 26 November 2008. Jimmy Jim, which was over-racing in the early stages, shifted out off the heels of Albert Cadabra (A. Coome) and was obliged to race 3 wide until passing the 800m. Approaching the 400m, Murphy’s Creek ((P. Hammersley) was momentarily impeded when tightened for room inside of Jimmy Jim, which shifted in when weakening.
Following the running of race 3, Mr R. Bradshaw, trainer of Life’s Short, lodged a complaint with the stewards regarding the ride of jockey A. Spinks on that horse. Mr Bradshaw stated that his instructions were to lead or to have Life’s Short positioned behind the leader. Mr Bradshaw stated that he was also unhappy that jockey Spinks ended up 3 back on the fence passing the 800m. Jockey Spinks confirmed the instructions and added that after jumping outwards slightly at the start, Askew took up a position forward of him and he allowed that horse to cross him passing the 1200m. He further added that after Askew obtained the lead the pace steadied and Life’s Short improved up on to that horse's heels and had to be steadied. He further added that the horse lost momentum and had to be checked at the 800m when tightened for room, and that passing the 600m he eased the horse out to allow Life’s Short to sustain a grinding run to the finish, as per Mr Bradshaw's instructions. After hearing the evidence and viewing the films of the race, stewards could not concur with Mr Bradshaw's complaint and advised him that, in their opinion, jockey Spinks had ridden to instructions in the early stages by obtaining a position behind the leader, however was a victim of interference near the 800m which resulted in Life’s Short losing its position.
Race 4:
F&M Class 4 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Jacaranda Charm; 2nd - Kenshe; 3rd - Where'smine
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Ruming: “He (Kevin Forrester) is just such a lucky jockey for us. He’s had four rides and four wins for us now. When the horse was out for a spell in mid-year, we did toy with the idea of retiring her, but we’re so pleased we didn’t. Two out of two since returning. I guess we made the right decision.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Falling Star (J. Byrne) commenced to over-race. Kenshe (R. Wiggins) and Gather (W. Clasohm) raced wide for the majority of the race.
K. Forrester, rider of Jacaranda Charm, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 300m he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of Rapid Babe (J. Jones), resulting in Rapid Babe being checked. K. Forrester was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 16 November, and to expire at midnight, 28 November 2008.
Near the 200m, after obtaining a narrow run, Kenshe (R. Wiggins) made contact with Falling Star (J. Byrne) and as a result Falling Star became unbalanced and shifted in. Cajun Moon (M. Radecker) and Gather raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1650m
1st - Prince Leo; 2nd - Spin Zero; 3rd - Akoya
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Shaun Dwyer: “Oh he’s a bit of a head case. You almost have to be some kind of horse psychologist to get anywhere with him. Having said that, he does show ability. Today was a testing step up from 1200m to a mile in only his second start after a spell. We did take 3kg off (apprentice Jones’ claim) which did help, but he still took it in his stride.
“I’m very tempted – it’s something I’ve got to think about still – but I’m very tempted to step him up in distance again because I think he’ll stay 2000m.”
Apprentice jockey Joshua Jones: “He was always going to win. He travelled well throughout. The only slight hassle was right after the start when Amy Taylor (on Auscoal) tried to come off the rail and go up outside the leader. I had to push forward to keep her in otherwise I would have been caught three wide. There was no problem after that.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Justin Case (J. Byrne) and Prince Leo (J. Jones) were slow to begin. Passing the 600m, Created (C. Reith) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Bougette (J. Taylor) wider. Near the 250m, Akoya (K. Forrester) shifted out to improve and in doing so took Created (C. Reith) and Greenfinder (A. Pattillo) wider. Bougette, which was racing to the outside of Greenfinder, was momentarily inconvenienced.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1110m
1st - The Boxer; 2nd – Hurl; 3rd - Sir Teles
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin (who turned out the gelding for his first local start): “He’s been in work about eleven weeks now. It was a good strong win.”
The time of 1.04.59 represented a New Class Record. The result gave Baldwin a double at the meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Frigate (W. Clasohm) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Prince Lionheart (N. Day). Framboise (J. Byrne) jumped away awkwardly. Falconten (K. Forrester) was slow to begin. Sir Teles (R. Wiggins) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with the hind quarters of Hurl (A. Taylor). The Boxer (M. Palmer) and Consider Yourself (J. Taylor) came together on jumping away. Framboise over-raced for some distance after the start.
N. Day, rider of Prince Lionheart, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that near the 800m, he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Framboise (J. Byrne), which was taken in, forcing Magic Promenade (J. Jones) inwards and as a result Framboise (J. Byrne) had to be checked when tightened for room. N. Day was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 20 November, the expiration of a suspension incurred at Rockhamption on 11 November, and to expire at midnight, 28 November 2008.
Frigate (W. Clasohm), Ima Joker (L. Dittman) and Falconten (K. Forrester) raced wide for the majority of the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Ima Joker failed to reveal any abnormalities. Magic Promenade (J. Jones) bled during the event. Trainer B. Bowditch was advised that the mare would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 7:
CG&E Class 3 Handicap - 1030m
1st – Zazz; 2nd - Monashee Prince; 3rd - Bellegal
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “In his previous first-up run he was just touched off by Rock On Bye at a Saturday meeting. He’s not the most genuine horse, that’s probably why he does his best work fresh. It was a long chase for him here but persistence paid off.”
The result was so tight here that Stewards put a hold on the result while they had a look at the photo themselves, after which they were happy to confirm the judge’s decision.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Arhindas (A. Coome) was slow to begin. Dr Chicago (M. Palmer) and Page Number (A. Merritt) were slow to begin. App. C. McIver, rider of Zazz, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that approaching the 800m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Dr Chicago (M. Palmer), which had initially been laying in, and further tightening Dr Chicago in on to Bellegal (P. Hammersley), resulting in Bellegal being severely hampered. C. McIver was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 16 November, and to exipre at midnight, 27 November 2008.
Near the 700m, Zazz (C. McIver) had to be steadied off the heels of Hodges Street (D. Craven). Hodges Street was forced to race wide in the early stages. Jovelon (C. Reith) raced wide for the majority of the event.
On the winning post, Page Number (A. Merritt) had to be steadied when inconvenienced by Jovelon, which was taken out by Dr Chicago (M. Palmer).
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Hodges Street, jockey D. Craven stated that from his wide alley he was obligated to do a little bit of work early on his mount to obtain the lead, however Hodges Street was under pressure passing the 600m. He further added that, in his opinion, the horse was disappointing. Stewards will contact trainer B. Baldwin in the days subsequent to the race to ascertain if any abnormality had come to light which may explain the poor performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Hodges Street failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
F&M Class 3 Handicap- 1030m
1st - Fuhrrnatic; 2nd - Kootenannie; 3rd - We've Got Issues
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Egglestone: “She’s been lightly raced because she’s had a few issues but this was a very good first-up run. The distance was short of her best. She’ll go a mile. The key is that she needs to be ridden correctly.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “Yeah she’s got a very short burst so timing is everything. She was absolutely flat when she hit the line. Any further and she wouldn’t have lasted, but that is understandable first-up because she hadn’t trialled or anything. Good result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
We’ve Got Issues (A. Pattillo) was inclined to layout rounding the home turn. Approaching the 300m until the 250m, Kootenannie (R. Goltz) was unable to obtain clear running. Bally Kelly raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Easy Silence, J. Jones stated that after being a little slow to begin, the horse was then obliged to take a position behind the leader. He further added that as a result of being a little slow to begin, he was unable to take up the horse's preferred position in front. He further added this may have contributed to the horse's performance today. Stewards will contact trainer S. Lee in the days subsequent to ascertain if any abnormality had come to light with the horse which may have had a bearing on the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Easy Silence failed to reveal any abnormalities. A swab sample was taken from Easy Silence.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
THE CUP - WON AND LOST
There will be two lasting memories of the 2008 running of the Melbourne Cup - one of a winner and one of a loser. As we are about to leave the hype of Melbourne Cup week behind us for one more year, this is my version of those two contrasting outcomes.
PART 1: BART’S BRILLIANCE.
When Makybe Diva went to the line to claim her third successive Melbourne Cup victory three years ago, race caller Greg Miles words, ‘a champion becomes a legend,’ went into racing folklore. Following Bart Cummings’ twelfth victory in the race with Viewed at Flemington last Tuesday, the question now is, what does a legend become when it takes the next step up?
Cummings is there now, so high up above the rest of us he is moving in rarefied atmosphere. A description, which can do justice to his achievement, is hard to find.
I always liked the Anthony Cummings comment. Speaking about his father, Anthony once said, “Dad’s taught me everything I know. The only problem is he hasn’t taught me everything he knows.” And therein lies the rub.
Anthony Cummings is not alone. He could form a club with a guaranteed large membership, which would include high profile trainers from all around the globe, all of whom don’t know what Bart knows.
And what a sense of timing the great man has! Holding back to present his two-hundred and fiftieth Group 1 win on the biggest stage of all ... with the real life drama being added to by the fact that it took a photo and a nose to separate Viewed from the faster finishing Bauer.
Cummings puts the polish on his horses and they shine. Last Tuesday the glow was blinding.
The twinkle that is always in Cummings’ eye was moistened by a tear, which he typically deflected away as being hay-fever.
Congratulated on his twelfth win, Cummings’ response was that he was thinking of bringing up ‘a baker’s dozen next year’.
“Always look ahead, boys,” was his sage advice – a philosophy which has served him well. As has his often stated view that he chooses to remain optimistic, whatever the odds facing him.
"I’m never a pessimist. I don’t believe in it,” Cummings has said.
Want another example of the cool Cummings character?
How about Cummings’ call on the last 200m of this year’s Cup. “At the 200m I thought we had it won. By the 50m I wasn’t so sure,” said Cummings. Not, I thought I was going to get beat. Not, oh no, we’d gone too early – the type of comment you or I might have expressed in our anxiety if placed in that position.
Just, “I wasn’t so sure.” He always allows for a positive outcome.
Pre race-day, Cummings was never fazed by the supposed might of the foreign invasion which had mere mortals scurrying for cover. Sports editors were running polls as to whether the invasion should have been allowed in the first place, while others looked at how they could curtail the threat with restrictive measures in the future.
They were being pessimistic.
Cummings did have a view on the number of visitors that should be allowed, but he never shirked a battle against the best and he just went quietly about his business – the business of preparing Melbourne Cup winners.
On Derby Day, he qualified Moatize to give him two runners in the Cup. Viewed was already in the field. Cummings had all but dodged the spotlight until then, and it quickly moved elsewhere again as conflict between some demanding visitors and rule-efficient racing officials quickly returned to centre stage.
That suited Cummings. He was again allowed to fly under the radar, left to prepare and plan his ambush.
After Viewed had won, Cummings must have wondered where all the so-called experts came from out of the woodwork. Surrounded by microphones, flashing cameras and flashing smiles, he must have known he had just upstaged them all in wondrous fashion.
Now they hung on his every word. A master of this profession ... a magician ... a genius lauded by his subjects. Moments don’t come more regal than that!
It will remain a memory firmly etched in racing history.
But spare a though, as Cummings would have, for trainer Luca Cumani and his team. No, they didn’t win the Melbourne Cup, but they put in a momentous effort and had to swallow the bitter pill of finishing as runner-up for the second successive year.
They are getting closer – in fact any closer would have been a dead-heat this time around. Always professional, never contentious, they conducted themselves with credit throughout their campaign, both on and off the track.
Make no mistake ,we want the Cup to stay in Australia again next year but, if that is not to be, most Australian racing enthusiasts have found a possible future foreign winner they might just be comfortable with.
PART 2: A BAD IRISH JOKE.
Did you hear the one about the three Irish stayers ... well actually, we won’t go there. It’s not funny at all – particularly for those who backed the well-supported Septimus.
The farcical effort of the three Aiden O’Brien trained runners in the Cup was the shocker of the Carnival.
Whatever arrogance led the stable to believe that the Cup would prove to be little more than a training gallop for their might and power, and that all three of the O’Brien runners could go out and set an unrealistic tempo in front and still smash their rivals, the undeniable point is their game-plan showed scant respect for both the high quality tradition of the race and the standard of the opposition.
It was a brain implosion of the highest order and it was no wonder that their world came crashing down in a neat pile at the head of the home straight.
To say that this absolute failure was an embarrassment to the O’Brien team is an absolute understatement.
But while O’Brien’s reputation plunged like the Dow Jones on the day and his angry response at the condition of the track highlighted the fact that he is a sore loser, arguably the most scandalous part of all, is that he and his three riders, who had punters wondering if they had one brain cell between them when they powered away together in the back straight, were all allowed to leave to lick their wounds without one of them being handed a penalty by racing stewards.
As per the Stewards Report, it can be noted that Stewards did open an enquiry, “into the riding tactics adopted on Septimus (IRE) (J Murtagh), Honolulu (IRE) (C O’Donoghue) and Alessandro Volta (IRE) (W Lorden) given that the three horses were ridden in a forward position and having established a considerable margin in front of the remainder of the field before all horses gave ground in the straight."
The report continues: “After taking evidence from the riders concerned, Stewards felt that further questions had to be asked given that the evidence tendered by W Lorden and C O’Donoghue was conflicting. Therefore, trainer Mr Aiden O’Brien was asked to attend the inquiry to establish what the instructions to each rider were.
“The Stewards had to consider whether any particular rider had a charge to answer under the provisions of AR.135(b) where a rider must take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to obtain the best possible placing in the field.
“After taking into account all the evidence before them, the Stewards were not prepared to proceed with a charge against J Murtagh given that Septimus (IRE) had pulled up lame in both forelegs, or C O’Donoghue, given that Honolulu (IRE) had pulled up lame in the near foreleg.
“On the evidence before the Stewards and viewing the race objectively, the Stewards had to be satisfied that the ride on Alessandro Volta was culpable in the sense that it is blameworthy and deserving of punishment. Although the Stewards had grave doubts about the ride, they believe that after taking into account all the circumstances, a charge under AR.135(b) was not warranted. No action was taken against Mr O’Brien.”
So let me get this right. If you run your horse into the ground against all reasonable racing patterns (and the horse has been vetted as being one hundred percent fit prior to the race), and it returns lame, the rider, because of the lameness which affected his run, is immune from being charged with failing to give his mount every possible chance in the race?
Sounds Irish to me.
Go-figure.
While Stewards in the end settled most of their attention on the ride on Allessandro Volta, they should have focussed more on Johnny Murtagh’s ride on Septimus.
The top weight carried hundreds of thousands, if not a couple of million dollars of punters money on his back. It didn’t matter which hemisphere you were in (ie whether the money went down the toilet clockwise or anti-clockwise), the investment disappeared and was well flushed away long before the field turned for home.
Murtagh is no fool and is not short of talent, as is evidenced by his twenty Group 1 wins in 2008, so why he acted the clown on Melbourne Cup day remains difficult to fathom and just how his name does not appear on the following list is, in my opinion, even more of a mystery.
Steven Arnold, Glen Boss, Greg Childs, Jason Holder, Kerryn McEvoy, Peter Mertens, Dan Nikolic, Brett Prebble, Damian Oliver, Nash Rawiller and James Winks – all of these riders picked up suspensions during Cup week.
But, as always, whatever the merit of any argument, the result is in the book and the page has now been turned.
Which leaves me with just one last item of late-mail to deliver.
After their lucrative result, bookmakers around the country were rumoured to be considering whether to commission (another) statue of Bart Cummings or whether to build one in memory of the fallen visitors who have tried and failed to win our great race. The late-mail is, bookmakers apparently couldn’t agree on which way to go, so they have decided to keep all of their money.
PART 1: BART’S BRILLIANCE.
When Makybe Diva went to the line to claim her third successive Melbourne Cup victory three years ago, race caller Greg Miles words, ‘a champion becomes a legend,’ went into racing folklore. Following Bart Cummings’ twelfth victory in the race with Viewed at Flemington last Tuesday, the question now is, what does a legend become when it takes the next step up?
Cummings is there now, so high up above the rest of us he is moving in rarefied atmosphere. A description, which can do justice to his achievement, is hard to find.
I always liked the Anthony Cummings comment. Speaking about his father, Anthony once said, “Dad’s taught me everything I know. The only problem is he hasn’t taught me everything he knows.” And therein lies the rub.
Anthony Cummings is not alone. He could form a club with a guaranteed large membership, which would include high profile trainers from all around the globe, all of whom don’t know what Bart knows.
And what a sense of timing the great man has! Holding back to present his two-hundred and fiftieth Group 1 win on the biggest stage of all ... with the real life drama being added to by the fact that it took a photo and a nose to separate Viewed from the faster finishing Bauer.
Cummings puts the polish on his horses and they shine. Last Tuesday the glow was blinding.
The twinkle that is always in Cummings’ eye was moistened by a tear, which he typically deflected away as being hay-fever.
Congratulated on his twelfth win, Cummings’ response was that he was thinking of bringing up ‘a baker’s dozen next year’.
“Always look ahead, boys,” was his sage advice – a philosophy which has served him well. As has his often stated view that he chooses to remain optimistic, whatever the odds facing him.
"I’m never a pessimist. I don’t believe in it,” Cummings has said.
Want another example of the cool Cummings character?
How about Cummings’ call on the last 200m of this year’s Cup. “At the 200m I thought we had it won. By the 50m I wasn’t so sure,” said Cummings. Not, I thought I was going to get beat. Not, oh no, we’d gone too early – the type of comment you or I might have expressed in our anxiety if placed in that position.
Just, “I wasn’t so sure.” He always allows for a positive outcome.
Pre race-day, Cummings was never fazed by the supposed might of the foreign invasion which had mere mortals scurrying for cover. Sports editors were running polls as to whether the invasion should have been allowed in the first place, while others looked at how they could curtail the threat with restrictive measures in the future.
They were being pessimistic.
Cummings did have a view on the number of visitors that should be allowed, but he never shirked a battle against the best and he just went quietly about his business – the business of preparing Melbourne Cup winners.
On Derby Day, he qualified Moatize to give him two runners in the Cup. Viewed was already in the field. Cummings had all but dodged the spotlight until then, and it quickly moved elsewhere again as conflict between some demanding visitors and rule-efficient racing officials quickly returned to centre stage.
That suited Cummings. He was again allowed to fly under the radar, left to prepare and plan his ambush.
After Viewed had won, Cummings must have wondered where all the so-called experts came from out of the woodwork. Surrounded by microphones, flashing cameras and flashing smiles, he must have known he had just upstaged them all in wondrous fashion.
Now they hung on his every word. A master of this profession ... a magician ... a genius lauded by his subjects. Moments don’t come more regal than that!
It will remain a memory firmly etched in racing history.
But spare a though, as Cummings would have, for trainer Luca Cumani and his team. No, they didn’t win the Melbourne Cup, but they put in a momentous effort and had to swallow the bitter pill of finishing as runner-up for the second successive year.
They are getting closer – in fact any closer would have been a dead-heat this time around. Always professional, never contentious, they conducted themselves with credit throughout their campaign, both on and off the track.
Make no mistake ,we want the Cup to stay in Australia again next year but, if that is not to be, most Australian racing enthusiasts have found a possible future foreign winner they might just be comfortable with.
PART 2: A BAD IRISH JOKE.
Did you hear the one about the three Irish stayers ... well actually, we won’t go there. It’s not funny at all – particularly for those who backed the well-supported Septimus.
The farcical effort of the three Aiden O’Brien trained runners in the Cup was the shocker of the Carnival.
Whatever arrogance led the stable to believe that the Cup would prove to be little more than a training gallop for their might and power, and that all three of the O’Brien runners could go out and set an unrealistic tempo in front and still smash their rivals, the undeniable point is their game-plan showed scant respect for both the high quality tradition of the race and the standard of the opposition.
It was a brain implosion of the highest order and it was no wonder that their world came crashing down in a neat pile at the head of the home straight.
To say that this absolute failure was an embarrassment to the O’Brien team is an absolute understatement.
But while O’Brien’s reputation plunged like the Dow Jones on the day and his angry response at the condition of the track highlighted the fact that he is a sore loser, arguably the most scandalous part of all, is that he and his three riders, who had punters wondering if they had one brain cell between them when they powered away together in the back straight, were all allowed to leave to lick their wounds without one of them being handed a penalty by racing stewards.
As per the Stewards Report, it can be noted that Stewards did open an enquiry, “into the riding tactics adopted on Septimus (IRE) (J Murtagh), Honolulu (IRE) (C O’Donoghue) and Alessandro Volta (IRE) (W Lorden) given that the three horses were ridden in a forward position and having established a considerable margin in front of the remainder of the field before all horses gave ground in the straight."
The report continues: “After taking evidence from the riders concerned, Stewards felt that further questions had to be asked given that the evidence tendered by W Lorden and C O’Donoghue was conflicting. Therefore, trainer Mr Aiden O’Brien was asked to attend the inquiry to establish what the instructions to each rider were.
“The Stewards had to consider whether any particular rider had a charge to answer under the provisions of AR.135(b) where a rider must take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to obtain the best possible placing in the field.
“After taking into account all the evidence before them, the Stewards were not prepared to proceed with a charge against J Murtagh given that Septimus (IRE) had pulled up lame in both forelegs, or C O’Donoghue, given that Honolulu (IRE) had pulled up lame in the near foreleg.
“On the evidence before the Stewards and viewing the race objectively, the Stewards had to be satisfied that the ride on Alessandro Volta was culpable in the sense that it is blameworthy and deserving of punishment. Although the Stewards had grave doubts about the ride, they believe that after taking into account all the circumstances, a charge under AR.135(b) was not warranted. No action was taken against Mr O’Brien.”
So let me get this right. If you run your horse into the ground against all reasonable racing patterns (and the horse has been vetted as being one hundred percent fit prior to the race), and it returns lame, the rider, because of the lameness which affected his run, is immune from being charged with failing to give his mount every possible chance in the race?
Sounds Irish to me.
Go-figure.
While Stewards in the end settled most of their attention on the ride on Allessandro Volta, they should have focussed more on Johnny Murtagh’s ride on Septimus.
The top weight carried hundreds of thousands, if not a couple of million dollars of punters money on his back. It didn’t matter which hemisphere you were in (ie whether the money went down the toilet clockwise or anti-clockwise), the investment disappeared and was well flushed away long before the field turned for home.
Murtagh is no fool and is not short of talent, as is evidenced by his twenty Group 1 wins in 2008, so why he acted the clown on Melbourne Cup day remains difficult to fathom and just how his name does not appear on the following list is, in my opinion, even more of a mystery.
Steven Arnold, Glen Boss, Greg Childs, Jason Holder, Kerryn McEvoy, Peter Mertens, Dan Nikolic, Brett Prebble, Damian Oliver, Nash Rawiller and James Winks – all of these riders picked up suspensions during Cup week.
But, as always, whatever the merit of any argument, the result is in the book and the page has now been turned.
Which leaves me with just one last item of late-mail to deliver.
After their lucrative result, bookmakers around the country were rumoured to be considering whether to commission (another) statue of Bart Cummings or whether to build one in memory of the fallen visitors who have tried and failed to win our great race. The late-mail is, bookmakers apparently couldn’t agree on which way to go, so they have decided to keep all of their money.
Monday, November 10, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, NOV 9)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, November 9.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
Following a track inspection at 5 am which found the track to be heavy, and with the forecast of further rain, the race meeting was transferred to the cushion track and as a result 1200-metre distances of races 2, 5 and 6 were reduced to 1100 metres.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - A Scarletpimpernel; 2nd - Moubassin; 3rd - Hawk Hunter
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “He’s a handful. He’s a mongrel of a horse. If he wasn’t so well bred he would be gelded by now, but least he backs up his attitude with some ability ... and he is still learning so we’ll see how things go. He hit the line well which was very encouraging.”
A Scarletpimpernel was the first of two winners on the day for the Mick Mair stable. Mair completed a stable double with Monashee Princess in the last race on the card.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Len’s Gift (J. Piper) shifted out abruptly at the start and bumped Kyuss (D. Craven). Passing the 500m, A Scarletpimpernel (K. Pope) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Hawk Hunter (E Wilkinson). Boodua (J. Wood) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Kyuss (D. Craven) bled during the event and when being eased down in the straight, D. Craven was dislodged from gelding. Kyuss will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. Jockey E. Wilkinson was examined by the club's doctor following this event and stood down from his remaining engagement on Kaadeema and was replaced by K. Wharton.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 1100m
1st - It's Wunderbar; 2nd - La Bandera; 3rd - A Pair Of Diamonds
Trainer Jeremy Vaughan: “You know when they talk about a horse being a big baby. Well he’s just a big baby, mate. He doesn’t know what he’s doing and we’ve been trying to work him out. We’ve had him jumping and all kinds of things to help his education, but it’s just a maturity thing, which hopefully time will take care of. It was his first run for me and he is winning at only his second start so it things could be worse.”
It might be an old racing saying that, ‘the smaller the field the bigger the upset,’ but that result is now clearly exceeding the law of averages. It’s Wunderbar started at 15-1 in a five horse field.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
La Bandera (J. Byrne) was obliged to race wide from the 700m. Grand Mark (C. Spry) was inclined to hang out under pressure in the straight.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st -Captain Darling; 2nd - Hamatym; 3rd - Williamstown
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “He did it well. Never easy to do it at both ends, but you have to attack on this (Cushion) track don’t you. You have to either lead or be close to the speed.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “There was a bit of pressure on early and I was worried about whether I was using him up too much early and whether that pressure might take its toll at the end, but he stuck to his task and finished off well. I rode him when he was first-up in his previous start. That was over five furlongs and they were a bit quick for him, but he still turned in a respectable performance. His best result prior to this was over a second placing over 1400m so, yeah, this (1400m) could be a good distance for him.”
This win was the first official success on their home track for the newly formed training partnership of Bruce and Jason McLachlan. The duo immediately backed up and made it a race-to-race double when Irishkiwi won the next race on the card.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Astrologist (B. Pengelly) began awkwardly. Astrologist over-raced in the early stages. Hamatym (K. Pope) had to be steadied away from the heels of Mucho Gracias (J. Piper) near the 700m and near the 600m had to be steadied away from the weakening Astrologist. Resurrected (D. Griffin) and Hamatym (K. Pope) bumped on a number of occasions on straightening. So Long (P. Hammersley) and Archway’s Bliss (A. Pattillo) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Resurrected, D. Griffin stated that the gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages, however failed to respond to his riding once placed under pressure inside the 600m. A post-race veterinary examination of Resurrected failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Jockey B. Pengelly was questioned regarding the poor performance of Astrologist. Trainer J. Wallace's representative Mr T. Duckett could offer no excuse for the performance, and undertook to advise stewards of any abnormality which may become apparent with the horse that may have had a bearing on the performance.
Race 4:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m
1st – Irishkiwi; 2nd – Zabullion; 3rd - Napper Tandy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Sean Cormack: “It is never easy jumping up from a Maiden to a Class 2 (which is what Irishkiwi did), but when I looked at the speed map for the race I knew it be run to my advantage. There was no speed in the race and I was always confident that I would be able to control the pace. I thought my stable companion Zabullion was my main danger, but I knew he didn’t have as a quick a turn of foot as my mount so I thought I’d be able to hold him off. The track was running fast as well which helped my horse. The race went pretty much as I expected.”
Irishkiwi completed a double in his own right. The gelding also gave the McLachlan / Cormack combination a double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sword Of Honour (K. Wharton) was obliged to race wide throughout. Zabullion (L. Dittman) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight until inside the 200m. A post-race veterinary examination of Kin Kiss revealed the mare to be lame in the near foreleg and sore in both fetlocks. Trainer T. Miller was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for Kin Kiss prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Blow The Bugle; 2nd - Blue Freeze; 3rd - Mille Miglia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “It’s his second run for me. He was only a half-neck away last time. Most of his runs have been over 1400m, but I really think he is suited to this shorter trip. He’s the kind of horse that likes to keep right up there. He doesn’t want to be held back. I think if he went any further he might not be able to explode the way he has done in his last two starts.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tycoon Ken (B. Calkin) and Blow The Bugle (J. Byrne) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Tully Tenor (P. Wolfgram) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
Open Handicap - 1100m
1st – Malta; 2nd - Stood Up; 3rd - Picture Book
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Heathcote trained chestnut rekindled memories of his feature race win on the opening day of Cushion Track back in April. Now a nine-year-old, Malta defied top weight to win in comfortable fashion under another more than competent ride from Brad Pengelly.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Picture Book (S. Cormack) began awkwardly and then over-raced in the early and middle stages. Set Alight (J. Byrne) got its head up and raced ungenerously in the early stages. Try Some Magic (G. Geran) was held up momentarily on straightening. Picture Book raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding Malta racing in a more forward position today, B. Pengelly stated that he was instructed to ride the gelding aggressively early from its wide barrier, however due to the lack of early pace in the race, the gelding settled in a more forward position than anticipated. The explanation was noted.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Try Some Magic, G. Geran stated that, in his opinion, the drop back in distance today from 1600m at its last start to 1100m today was a contributing factor to the horse's performance today. Stewards noted the explanation. A post-race veterinary examination of Try Some Magic failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1600m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Cash In A Hurry; 3rd - No Limitation
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall (... who danced his way to the winners’ enclosure. Either that, or he was showing how he had ridden the horse home from the grandstand over the last 100m): “If you can’t have fun when you’re winning you should be somewhere else. That was a really nice race for us. We had the leader (No Limitation) and he was paying 20-1 so we were shouting for him, and we had had No Technique closing from behind. Cash in a Hurry threatened to spoil it for us but we got there.”
No Technique completed a double for Trainer Troy Hall and jockey Jim Byrne on the day. Hall shared the day’s training honours with the Mair and the McLachlan stables. Byrne and Sean Cormack shared the day’s riding honours.
The race was an expensive outing for apprentice jockey Jana Piper who picked up a $400,00 penalty for returning to scale overweight and also received a nine meeting suspension when found guilty on a careless riding charge. Piper still leads the Sunshine Coast Jockey’s Premiership by one win. Sean Cormack’s double on the day lifted the McLachlan stable retained rider into second spot.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prized Packet (M. Palmer) was inclined to over-race in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 400m, Frisco’s In Charge (S. Galloway) shifted out to obtain clear running, making contact with Alvaldi (A. Taylor).
No Technique (J. Byrne), Cash In A Hurry (S. Cormack) and Crique (K. Wharton) raced wide for the majority of the event.
J. Piper, rider of No Limitation was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that after leaving the 200m, when being ridden along, No Limitation commenced to shift out and continued to shift out to a point near the 50m, resulting in Frisco’s In Charge being taken out on to Alvaldi (A. Taylor), which resulted in Frisco’s In Charge to be checked and lose its position. J. Piper was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 9 November 2008 and to expire at midnight, 23 November 2008.
Apprentice J. Piper was fined $400 for returning to scale overweight on 3rd placegetter No Limitation. In issuing penalty stewards took into account J. Piper's poor record in regards to this matter.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Monashee Princess; 2nd - Don't Call Me Bruce; 3rd - Zibo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Mick Mair stable completed a double on the day when Monashee Princess prevailed by a narrow margin following a pressurised, stride for stride battle with the more fancied Don’t Call Me Bruce in the final chase to the line.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mrs Dittmier (M. Speers) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Monashee Princess (J. Taylor) raced wide leaving the 800m. Monashee Princess (J. Taylor) shifted in under pressure leaving the 100m, crowding Zibo (S. Cormack) in on to King Xavier (M. Heagney), which had to be steadied off the heels of Don’t Call Me Bruce (B. Pengelly). J. Taylor, rider of Monashee Princess, was advised to exercise more care.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
Following a track inspection at 5 am which found the track to be heavy, and with the forecast of further rain, the race meeting was transferred to the cushion track and as a result 1200-metre distances of races 2, 5 and 6 were reduced to 1100 metres.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - A Scarletpimpernel; 2nd - Moubassin; 3rd - Hawk Hunter
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “He’s a handful. He’s a mongrel of a horse. If he wasn’t so well bred he would be gelded by now, but least he backs up his attitude with some ability ... and he is still learning so we’ll see how things go. He hit the line well which was very encouraging.”
A Scarletpimpernel was the first of two winners on the day for the Mick Mair stable. Mair completed a stable double with Monashee Princess in the last race on the card.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Len’s Gift (J. Piper) shifted out abruptly at the start and bumped Kyuss (D. Craven). Passing the 500m, A Scarletpimpernel (K. Pope) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Hawk Hunter (E Wilkinson). Boodua (J. Wood) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Kyuss (D. Craven) bled during the event and when being eased down in the straight, D. Craven was dislodged from gelding. Kyuss will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. Jockey E. Wilkinson was examined by the club's doctor following this event and stood down from his remaining engagement on Kaadeema and was replaced by K. Wharton.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 1100m
1st - It's Wunderbar; 2nd - La Bandera; 3rd - A Pair Of Diamonds
Trainer Jeremy Vaughan: “You know when they talk about a horse being a big baby. Well he’s just a big baby, mate. He doesn’t know what he’s doing and we’ve been trying to work him out. We’ve had him jumping and all kinds of things to help his education, but it’s just a maturity thing, which hopefully time will take care of. It was his first run for me and he is winning at only his second start so it things could be worse.”
It might be an old racing saying that, ‘the smaller the field the bigger the upset,’ but that result is now clearly exceeding the law of averages. It’s Wunderbar started at 15-1 in a five horse field.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
La Bandera (J. Byrne) was obliged to race wide from the 700m. Grand Mark (C. Spry) was inclined to hang out under pressure in the straight.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st -Captain Darling; 2nd - Hamatym; 3rd - Williamstown
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “He did it well. Never easy to do it at both ends, but you have to attack on this (Cushion) track don’t you. You have to either lead or be close to the speed.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “There was a bit of pressure on early and I was worried about whether I was using him up too much early and whether that pressure might take its toll at the end, but he stuck to his task and finished off well. I rode him when he was first-up in his previous start. That was over five furlongs and they were a bit quick for him, but he still turned in a respectable performance. His best result prior to this was over a second placing over 1400m so, yeah, this (1400m) could be a good distance for him.”
This win was the first official success on their home track for the newly formed training partnership of Bruce and Jason McLachlan. The duo immediately backed up and made it a race-to-race double when Irishkiwi won the next race on the card.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Astrologist (B. Pengelly) began awkwardly. Astrologist over-raced in the early stages. Hamatym (K. Pope) had to be steadied away from the heels of Mucho Gracias (J. Piper) near the 700m and near the 600m had to be steadied away from the weakening Astrologist. Resurrected (D. Griffin) and Hamatym (K. Pope) bumped on a number of occasions on straightening. So Long (P. Hammersley) and Archway’s Bliss (A. Pattillo) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Resurrected, D. Griffin stated that the gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages, however failed to respond to his riding once placed under pressure inside the 600m. A post-race veterinary examination of Resurrected failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Jockey B. Pengelly was questioned regarding the poor performance of Astrologist. Trainer J. Wallace's representative Mr T. Duckett could offer no excuse for the performance, and undertook to advise stewards of any abnormality which may become apparent with the horse that may have had a bearing on the performance.
Race 4:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m
1st – Irishkiwi; 2nd – Zabullion; 3rd - Napper Tandy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Sean Cormack: “It is never easy jumping up from a Maiden to a Class 2 (which is what Irishkiwi did), but when I looked at the speed map for the race I knew it be run to my advantage. There was no speed in the race and I was always confident that I would be able to control the pace. I thought my stable companion Zabullion was my main danger, but I knew he didn’t have as a quick a turn of foot as my mount so I thought I’d be able to hold him off. The track was running fast as well which helped my horse. The race went pretty much as I expected.”
Irishkiwi completed a double in his own right. The gelding also gave the McLachlan / Cormack combination a double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sword Of Honour (K. Wharton) was obliged to race wide throughout. Zabullion (L. Dittman) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight until inside the 200m. A post-race veterinary examination of Kin Kiss revealed the mare to be lame in the near foreleg and sore in both fetlocks. Trainer T. Miller was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for Kin Kiss prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Blow The Bugle; 2nd - Blue Freeze; 3rd - Mille Miglia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “It’s his second run for me. He was only a half-neck away last time. Most of his runs have been over 1400m, but I really think he is suited to this shorter trip. He’s the kind of horse that likes to keep right up there. He doesn’t want to be held back. I think if he went any further he might not be able to explode the way he has done in his last two starts.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tycoon Ken (B. Calkin) and Blow The Bugle (J. Byrne) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Tully Tenor (P. Wolfgram) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
Open Handicap - 1100m
1st – Malta; 2nd - Stood Up; 3rd - Picture Book
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Heathcote trained chestnut rekindled memories of his feature race win on the opening day of Cushion Track back in April. Now a nine-year-old, Malta defied top weight to win in comfortable fashion under another more than competent ride from Brad Pengelly.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Picture Book (S. Cormack) began awkwardly and then over-raced in the early and middle stages. Set Alight (J. Byrne) got its head up and raced ungenerously in the early stages. Try Some Magic (G. Geran) was held up momentarily on straightening. Picture Book raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding Malta racing in a more forward position today, B. Pengelly stated that he was instructed to ride the gelding aggressively early from its wide barrier, however due to the lack of early pace in the race, the gelding settled in a more forward position than anticipated. The explanation was noted.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Try Some Magic, G. Geran stated that, in his opinion, the drop back in distance today from 1600m at its last start to 1100m today was a contributing factor to the horse's performance today. Stewards noted the explanation. A post-race veterinary examination of Try Some Magic failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 4 Handicap - 1600m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Cash In A Hurry; 3rd - No Limitation
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall (... who danced his way to the winners’ enclosure. Either that, or he was showing how he had ridden the horse home from the grandstand over the last 100m): “If you can’t have fun when you’re winning you should be somewhere else. That was a really nice race for us. We had the leader (No Limitation) and he was paying 20-1 so we were shouting for him, and we had had No Technique closing from behind. Cash in a Hurry threatened to spoil it for us but we got there.”
No Technique completed a double for Trainer Troy Hall and jockey Jim Byrne on the day. Hall shared the day’s training honours with the Mair and the McLachlan stables. Byrne and Sean Cormack shared the day’s riding honours.
The race was an expensive outing for apprentice jockey Jana Piper who picked up a $400,00 penalty for returning to scale overweight and also received a nine meeting suspension when found guilty on a careless riding charge. Piper still leads the Sunshine Coast Jockey’s Premiership by one win. Sean Cormack’s double on the day lifted the McLachlan stable retained rider into second spot.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prized Packet (M. Palmer) was inclined to over-race in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 400m, Frisco’s In Charge (S. Galloway) shifted out to obtain clear running, making contact with Alvaldi (A. Taylor).
No Technique (J. Byrne), Cash In A Hurry (S. Cormack) and Crique (K. Wharton) raced wide for the majority of the event.
J. Piper, rider of No Limitation was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that after leaving the 200m, when being ridden along, No Limitation commenced to shift out and continued to shift out to a point near the 50m, resulting in Frisco’s In Charge being taken out on to Alvaldi (A. Taylor), which resulted in Frisco’s In Charge to be checked and lose its position. J. Piper was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 9 November 2008 and to expire at midnight, 23 November 2008.
Apprentice J. Piper was fined $400 for returning to scale overweight on 3rd placegetter No Limitation. In issuing penalty stewards took into account J. Piper's poor record in regards to this matter.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Monashee Princess; 2nd - Don't Call Me Bruce; 3rd - Zibo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Mick Mair stable completed a double on the day when Monashee Princess prevailed by a narrow margin following a pressurised, stride for stride battle with the more fancied Don’t Call Me Bruce in the final chase to the line.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mrs Dittmier (M. Speers) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Monashee Princess (J. Taylor) raced wide leaving the 800m. Monashee Princess (J. Taylor) shifted in under pressure leaving the 100m, crowding Zibo (S. Cormack) in on to King Xavier (M. Heagney), which had to be steadied off the heels of Don’t Call Me Bruce (B. Pengelly). J. Taylor, rider of Monashee Princess, was advised to exercise more care.
DOOMBEN REVIEW (SAT, NOV 08)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Saturday, November 8.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
From BTC meeting, 1.11.08
Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the reason for Steal The Cash falling passing the 200m in race 1, the Rochele Painting QTIS Handicap. Subsequently, G. Colless, rider of The Beast, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that passing the 200m he allowed his mount to shift in dictating the line of Saratoga (P. Wolfgram), which in turn shifted in, tightening Steal The Cash (A. Taylor), resulting in Steal The Cash being checked, and when being checked clipping the heels Saratoga and falling, dislodging A. Taylor. G. Colless was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 3 weeks, to commence at midnight, 9 November and to expire at midnight, 30 November 2008.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Handicap- 1640m
1st –Seesawing; 2nd - Athenas Gift; 3rd - River Perfume
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “She had more to do at the weights with the other one (Athena Gift) but she did it pretty the same as she did when she won last time.” (The winner was 1.5kg worse off at the weight with Athenas Gift on their last clash – but still received 3.5kg, a winning advantage, from the runner-up).
Jockey Jim Byrne: “Last time I got a bit further back than I wanted to so her win there was probably a bit better than it looked. There wasn’t too much tempo in the race this time and I took the trail on the leaders. I was worried that Athena’s Gift would get a soft run up front – well he did get a soft run – but when I peeled off their backs and let her go in the straight she let down very quickly. She showed a very good turn of foot. After that it wasn’t so much that I had to keep working at her, but she did want to run in onto the other horse so all I had to do to win was keep her straight and focussed.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Left Standing (G. Colless) jumped outwards at the start, taking A Little Knowledge (B. Payne) out on to River Perfume (A. Taylor), which had to be steadied off the heels of Seesawing (J. Byrne). Shortly after straightening, Left Standing was disappointed for a run to the outside of Athenas Gift (B. Pengelly). Inside the final 50m, Athenas Gift shifted in and made contact with the running rail of its own accord.
When questioned regarding Three Tales racing forward to as opposed to its previous start, jockey S. Drake stated her instructions were to ride the horse in its customary position in the back half of the field. She added that the horse had the benefit of blinkers today for the first time, and from the wide alley Three Tales jumped well and was inclined to race keenly in the early stages and instead of being caught wide, she allowed her mount to proceed forward and take up a position outside Athenas Gift (B. Pengelly).
G. Colless was questioned regarding the performance of Left Standing. He stated that the horse travelled in a handy position throughout the event, however after having difficulty obtaining a run shortly after entering the straight, Left Standing failed to run on as expected. He further added that, in his opinion, the horse may not have run out the 1640m distance of today's event. Trainer G. Heinrich agreed that the horse did not run out the distance of today's event, and added she would consider keeping Left Standing to races over shorter distances.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1030m
1st – Brujita; 2nd – Fairchild; 3rd - Bella Sirena
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “We don’t wind our horses up. We just let them build up to form naturally. We knew she would take a lot of improvement out of her first run (behind the highly rated Paprika) and I’ll venture to suggest she will take a lot more improvement out of this run as well.”
Jockey Phillip Wolfgram: “We’ve always had a high opinion of her. We are just pushing ahead steadily with the plan of getting more prize-money behind her name so that she can go on and take her place in the Magic Millions.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Paper Weight, which was fractious in the float travelling to the course, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Paper Weight (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Double Heart (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 600m, Double Heart improved up on to the heels of Matalan (J. Byrne) and had to be steadied. Passing the 500m, Dellblu commenced to lay out and did so for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Bella Sirena shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped Matalan. Wicked Angel (S. Seamer) and Rainy Knight (S. Galloway) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Blow A Kiss failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3:
Open Handicap - 2220m
1st – Tariki; 2nd - Mr Gold Fire; 3rd - Crowning Force
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Paul Hammersley (whose aggressive ride helped carry the day): “There was no speed on and he is an outright stayer so I had no hesitation in sending him forward. He is very one-paced but doesn’t stop so, once they let him steal a couple of lengths on them at a vital stage of the running, they were always going to be chasing.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned jockey G. Colless regarding the tactics adopted on On The Up, which settled at the rear of the field. G. Colless stated that from the wide alley and due to the anticipated tempo of the race, connections elected to settle the horse back closer to the rail. He added that after jumping he allowed On The Up to settle back and obtain a position behind the favourite Pay me, anticipating that horse would cart him into the race at a crucial point, however he added that Pay me was under pressure at the 800m and he was obliged to shift out to allow his mount to stride forward. Stewards adjourned the matter to enable them to interview trainer Mr R. Heathcote.
Jockey B. Pengelly was questioned regarding the poor performance of Currigee. He stated that the horse raced in a prominent position throughout however was beaten shortly after straightening. He added that, in his opinion, Currigee raced like a tired horse. Trainer B. Guy was at a loss to explain the disappointing run and undertook to advise stewards of any abnormality that may come to light in the days following the race that may have had a bearing on the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Currigee failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4:
4yo & Up Class 6 Handicap - 1640m
1st – Daedalus; 2nd - Burgundy Prince; 3rd - Nasadispute
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “He did it from the front at the Coast last time and he did it again here. That’s the way he needs to run. The senior jocks always want to hold him back, but you can’t do that and get a result. He needs to race the way he wants to. That’s the key to him.
“We always thought he could win over a mile – and he’s done that now. He was stepping up in distance for a third successive run here, but that’s it now. The mile was our target. We won’t ask him to go any further.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “He jumped well from a good alley. He’s a free-rolling horse and he got easy sectionals and then sprinted up well from the top of the straight. He finished off strongly. 1600m could be his go.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tag (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1400m, Belles Opinion (K. Wharton) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of O’Tonda (M. Radecker), which shifted in.
Race 5:
2MW Handicap - 1030m
1st - Vive Le Roi; 2nd - Red Letter Daze; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey: Ryan Wiggins: “It was a tough little race. He’s a tough sort though and he made his own luck. He jumped well and put some of the fancies behind him and he did an even better job in the straight to keep them there. Barry (Baldwin) was very confident.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Borsha’s Warrior had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Abirra, which shifted in. Bazzooka (S. Seamer) was inclined to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages. Bazzooka, Abirra (J. Taylor), True Flyer and Borsha’s Warrior (J. Byrne) all raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned jockey J. Byrne regarding his riding of Borsha’s Warrior, in particular in the early stages after beginning awkwardly, and whether there was an opportunity for him to obtain a position closer to the fence and therefore obtain cover in the early stages. Jockey Byrne stated he was instructed to ride the horse in a forward position. He added that after jumping away awkwardly, he attempted to have Borsha’s Warrior muster speed in the early stages in an endeavour to take up a forward position as instructed, however as the horse was unable to muster early speed as anticipated, he was caught wide as a result. Stewards noted J. Byrne's explanation. A post-race veterinary examination of Borsha’s Warrior failed to reveal any abnormalities. A swab sample was taken from Borsha’s Warrior.
Race 6:
QTIS Class 6 3yo & Handicap - 1200m
1st – Borsha’s Mark; 2nd - On the Fridge; 3rd - Main Vein
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Les Kelly: “He was really crook after the third EI injection at the start of the year – and it’s taken him this long to come back. He’s better this prep. He came back strong but was still just short of a run last time. Thankfully, he showed his right now. His target will be the Triple Crown sprint races which start here in December.”
Jockey Joshua Jones: “I had to give him a dig to get him across from the wide barrier. Once he got across he was always travelling well. Early in the straight I had a handful of horse and I knew he would kick on strongly to the line.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
She’s In The Guide (A. Pattillo) sprawled on jumping away; and shifted in, bumping Thorondo (J. Bowditch). Near the 800m, Thornodo had to be steadied when tightened for room between Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) and Socialist (B. Pengelly), which shifted out when being steadied off the heels of On The Fridge (J. Byrne).
Approaching the 700m, Paymore (M. Radecker), which was inclined to lay out, shifted out and had to be steadied off the heels of Count Henry (A. Coome). On The Fridge (J. Byrne), which was racing to the outside of Paymore had to be steadied . Socialist (B. Pengelly) and Sir Xaar (C. McIver), which were following, both had to be checked in consequence. Approaching the 200m, Pride Of Power (Michael Palmer) had to be steadied when disappointed for a run where there was insufficient room between Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) and Courtyard Circle (A. Taylor), which shifted out slightly. Paymore (M. Radecker) laid out rounding the home turn. In the early stages of the straight, Main Vein (G. Colless) was held up for clear running. Courtyard Circle (A. Taylor) and Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) raced wide throughout.
G. Colless, rider of Main Vein pleaded guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he allowed his mount to shift out near the 100m when insufficiently clear of Courtyard Circle (A. Taylor) and as a result of Courtyard Circle had to be checked when tightened for room between Dance Girl Dance and Main Vein (G. Colless). G. Colless was suspended from riding in races for a period of 8 meetings. Stewards ordered this penalty be served partially concurrent with the 3 weeks suspension previously handed down for a careless riding suspension incurred from an incident which occurred at the BTC meeting on 1 November. This suspension will expire at midnight, 5 December 2008.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1350m
1st - Nellie Got There; 2nd – Nexgen; 3rd - Pentacity
WINNER FEEDBACK:
This race provided a small piece of racing history in Queensland as it was the first winner of an officially registered ‘training partnership’ with the father and son team of Bruce and Jason McLachlan claiming that honour - although they did have to survive a protest before the ‘all clear’ was posted.
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “Look we’ve been waiting for this partnership thing to come through for a long time in Queensland. Other states have had the rule for a while already. We set it up about a month ago but there is a lot of red tape to go through and this was our first day racing in partnership. We had two runners today. So far the partnership has had a third and a winner.
“It was logical for us to get into it instead of pursuing separate careers. Dad’s getting to the age now where he should be taking it easier. He’s 66 and I’m 38, so we should provide a nice mix. How do we get on? We get on very well. Mutual respect, you know. That is until we get behind closed doors – then it’s on! No seriously, we do work well together. Like today. He’s not here because we needed a bit of luck today, so he had to go home.
“As far as Nellie Got There is concerned, he is the most versatile horse you can find. He can go 1400m, 2000m ... it can be wet, it can be dry, he will always deliver his best. He’s tough too. I’d rather feed him than fight him.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “He ran out away from the whip in the straight, which apparently he has done before as a young horse, but he never touched the other horse (Nexgen). I did manage to straighten him late and he came home strong.”
A protest was lodged (on behalf of the second placed Nexgen against the winner Nellie Got There). Matthew Palmer, rider of Nexgen stated that Nellie Got There, “had progressively moved out impeding my rightful run and denying me a clear passage in the straight.” Palmer further stated that, with the winning distance being only a head, the five to six horse-widths outward movement had compromised his chances, particularly as his mount continued to move out, having been forced on that course, after Cormack had straightened Nellie Got There over the final 50m. Palmer concluded that, “with true running, there is no question I would have beaten the winner.”
Jockey Sean Cormack countered with the argument, “I put my hands down and the stick away when straightening my mount over the final 50m. There was no contact and he was never going to get past me.”
The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by Matthew Palmer, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Nexgen, against Nellie Got There being declared the winner, alleging interference in the straight. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the film, stewards were of the opinion that approaching the 200m, Nexgen shifted out and away from Nellie Got There of its own accord, and further believed that near the 100m, Nellie Got There had dictated the line of Nexgen for a short distance. Given the head margin at the finish, stewards could not be satisfied that the minimal interference suffered by Nexgen warranted a reversal of placings and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight declared on the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, S. Cormack, rider of Nellie Got There, was reminded of his obligations to ensure his mounts stay on a straight course in the run to the finish.
Pentacity (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Majorca (J. Byrne) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Master Denis (J. Bowditch) and Nexgen brushed. Rebounded and Master Denis raced 3 wide throughout. Blood ‘N’ Bone was held up for clear running in the early stages of straight. Near the 300m, Rebounded (M. Radecker) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Nexgen (M. Palmer), which shifted out, and Master Denis (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 150m, Blood ‘N’ Bone broke down and was retired from the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Blood ‘N’ Bone revealed the horse had broken down in the near fore sesamoid.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Save A Buck; 2nd - Deception Bay; 3rd - Tejada
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Hardy: “He ran a tremendous race first-up last time. He was left five lengths. No such problems today. Good passage and good finish. He’s just so consistent. If you take away that run when he missed the start, he has only finished out of the first three once in twelve starts.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rounding the 800m turn, My First Affair (S. Seamer) shifted out off the heels of Save A Buck (G. Colless) and had to be steadied. Near the 750m, Tims Image (J. Byrne) was obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Gun Salute (D. Craven). Gun Salute, Tejada, and Blue Oyster (C. McIver) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the poor performance of Surety, J. Jones stated that the horse travelled well early however passing the 800m was under pressure and failed to respond to his riding and compounded in the straight. Trainer S. Lee will be interviewed regarding the horse's performance to ascertain whether anything had come to light in the days following to explain the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Surety failed to reveal any abnormalities.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
From BTC meeting, 1.11.08
Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the reason for Steal The Cash falling passing the 200m in race 1, the Rochele Painting QTIS Handicap. Subsequently, G. Colless, rider of The Beast, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that passing the 200m he allowed his mount to shift in dictating the line of Saratoga (P. Wolfgram), which in turn shifted in, tightening Steal The Cash (A. Taylor), resulting in Steal The Cash being checked, and when being checked clipping the heels Saratoga and falling, dislodging A. Taylor. G. Colless was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 3 weeks, to commence at midnight, 9 November and to expire at midnight, 30 November 2008.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Handicap- 1640m
1st –Seesawing; 2nd - Athenas Gift; 3rd - River Perfume
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “She had more to do at the weights with the other one (Athena Gift) but she did it pretty the same as she did when she won last time.” (The winner was 1.5kg worse off at the weight with Athenas Gift on their last clash – but still received 3.5kg, a winning advantage, from the runner-up).
Jockey Jim Byrne: “Last time I got a bit further back than I wanted to so her win there was probably a bit better than it looked. There wasn’t too much tempo in the race this time and I took the trail on the leaders. I was worried that Athena’s Gift would get a soft run up front – well he did get a soft run – but when I peeled off their backs and let her go in the straight she let down very quickly. She showed a very good turn of foot. After that it wasn’t so much that I had to keep working at her, but she did want to run in onto the other horse so all I had to do to win was keep her straight and focussed.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Left Standing (G. Colless) jumped outwards at the start, taking A Little Knowledge (B. Payne) out on to River Perfume (A. Taylor), which had to be steadied off the heels of Seesawing (J. Byrne). Shortly after straightening, Left Standing was disappointed for a run to the outside of Athenas Gift (B. Pengelly). Inside the final 50m, Athenas Gift shifted in and made contact with the running rail of its own accord.
When questioned regarding Three Tales racing forward to as opposed to its previous start, jockey S. Drake stated her instructions were to ride the horse in its customary position in the back half of the field. She added that the horse had the benefit of blinkers today for the first time, and from the wide alley Three Tales jumped well and was inclined to race keenly in the early stages and instead of being caught wide, she allowed her mount to proceed forward and take up a position outside Athenas Gift (B. Pengelly).
G. Colless was questioned regarding the performance of Left Standing. He stated that the horse travelled in a handy position throughout the event, however after having difficulty obtaining a run shortly after entering the straight, Left Standing failed to run on as expected. He further added that, in his opinion, the horse may not have run out the 1640m distance of today's event. Trainer G. Heinrich agreed that the horse did not run out the distance of today's event, and added she would consider keeping Left Standing to races over shorter distances.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1030m
1st – Brujita; 2nd – Fairchild; 3rd - Bella Sirena
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “We don’t wind our horses up. We just let them build up to form naturally. We knew she would take a lot of improvement out of her first run (behind the highly rated Paprika) and I’ll venture to suggest she will take a lot more improvement out of this run as well.”
Jockey Phillip Wolfgram: “We’ve always had a high opinion of her. We are just pushing ahead steadily with the plan of getting more prize-money behind her name so that she can go on and take her place in the Magic Millions.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Paper Weight, which was fractious in the float travelling to the course, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Paper Weight (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Double Heart (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 600m, Double Heart improved up on to the heels of Matalan (J. Byrne) and had to be steadied. Passing the 500m, Dellblu commenced to lay out and did so for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Bella Sirena shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped Matalan. Wicked Angel (S. Seamer) and Rainy Knight (S. Galloway) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Blow A Kiss failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3:
Open Handicap - 2220m
1st – Tariki; 2nd - Mr Gold Fire; 3rd - Crowning Force
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Paul Hammersley (whose aggressive ride helped carry the day): “There was no speed on and he is an outright stayer so I had no hesitation in sending him forward. He is very one-paced but doesn’t stop so, once they let him steal a couple of lengths on them at a vital stage of the running, they were always going to be chasing.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned jockey G. Colless regarding the tactics adopted on On The Up, which settled at the rear of the field. G. Colless stated that from the wide alley and due to the anticipated tempo of the race, connections elected to settle the horse back closer to the rail. He added that after jumping he allowed On The Up to settle back and obtain a position behind the favourite Pay me, anticipating that horse would cart him into the race at a crucial point, however he added that Pay me was under pressure at the 800m and he was obliged to shift out to allow his mount to stride forward. Stewards adjourned the matter to enable them to interview trainer Mr R. Heathcote.
Jockey B. Pengelly was questioned regarding the poor performance of Currigee. He stated that the horse raced in a prominent position throughout however was beaten shortly after straightening. He added that, in his opinion, Currigee raced like a tired horse. Trainer B. Guy was at a loss to explain the disappointing run and undertook to advise stewards of any abnormality that may come to light in the days following the race that may have had a bearing on the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Currigee failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4:
4yo & Up Class 6 Handicap - 1640m
1st – Daedalus; 2nd - Burgundy Prince; 3rd - Nasadispute
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “He did it from the front at the Coast last time and he did it again here. That’s the way he needs to run. The senior jocks always want to hold him back, but you can’t do that and get a result. He needs to race the way he wants to. That’s the key to him.
“We always thought he could win over a mile – and he’s done that now. He was stepping up in distance for a third successive run here, but that’s it now. The mile was our target. We won’t ask him to go any further.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “He jumped well from a good alley. He’s a free-rolling horse and he got easy sectionals and then sprinted up well from the top of the straight. He finished off strongly. 1600m could be his go.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tag (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1400m, Belles Opinion (K. Wharton) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of O’Tonda (M. Radecker), which shifted in.
Race 5:
2MW Handicap - 1030m
1st - Vive Le Roi; 2nd - Red Letter Daze; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey: Ryan Wiggins: “It was a tough little race. He’s a tough sort though and he made his own luck. He jumped well and put some of the fancies behind him and he did an even better job in the straight to keep them there. Barry (Baldwin) was very confident.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Borsha’s Warrior had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Abirra, which shifted in. Bazzooka (S. Seamer) was inclined to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages. Bazzooka, Abirra (J. Taylor), True Flyer and Borsha’s Warrior (J. Byrne) all raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned jockey J. Byrne regarding his riding of Borsha’s Warrior, in particular in the early stages after beginning awkwardly, and whether there was an opportunity for him to obtain a position closer to the fence and therefore obtain cover in the early stages. Jockey Byrne stated he was instructed to ride the horse in a forward position. He added that after jumping away awkwardly, he attempted to have Borsha’s Warrior muster speed in the early stages in an endeavour to take up a forward position as instructed, however as the horse was unable to muster early speed as anticipated, he was caught wide as a result. Stewards noted J. Byrne's explanation. A post-race veterinary examination of Borsha’s Warrior failed to reveal any abnormalities. A swab sample was taken from Borsha’s Warrior.
Race 6:
QTIS Class 6 3yo & Handicap - 1200m
1st – Borsha’s Mark; 2nd - On the Fridge; 3rd - Main Vein
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Les Kelly: “He was really crook after the third EI injection at the start of the year – and it’s taken him this long to come back. He’s better this prep. He came back strong but was still just short of a run last time. Thankfully, he showed his right now. His target will be the Triple Crown sprint races which start here in December.”
Jockey Joshua Jones: “I had to give him a dig to get him across from the wide barrier. Once he got across he was always travelling well. Early in the straight I had a handful of horse and I knew he would kick on strongly to the line.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
She’s In The Guide (A. Pattillo) sprawled on jumping away; and shifted in, bumping Thorondo (J. Bowditch). Near the 800m, Thornodo had to be steadied when tightened for room between Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) and Socialist (B. Pengelly), which shifted out when being steadied off the heels of On The Fridge (J. Byrne).
Approaching the 700m, Paymore (M. Radecker), which was inclined to lay out, shifted out and had to be steadied off the heels of Count Henry (A. Coome). On The Fridge (J. Byrne), which was racing to the outside of Paymore had to be steadied . Socialist (B. Pengelly) and Sir Xaar (C. McIver), which were following, both had to be checked in consequence. Approaching the 200m, Pride Of Power (Michael Palmer) had to be steadied when disappointed for a run where there was insufficient room between Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) and Courtyard Circle (A. Taylor), which shifted out slightly. Paymore (M. Radecker) laid out rounding the home turn. In the early stages of the straight, Main Vein (G. Colless) was held up for clear running. Courtyard Circle (A. Taylor) and Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz) raced wide throughout.
G. Colless, rider of Main Vein pleaded guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he allowed his mount to shift out near the 100m when insufficiently clear of Courtyard Circle (A. Taylor) and as a result of Courtyard Circle had to be checked when tightened for room between Dance Girl Dance and Main Vein (G. Colless). G. Colless was suspended from riding in races for a period of 8 meetings. Stewards ordered this penalty be served partially concurrent with the 3 weeks suspension previously handed down for a careless riding suspension incurred from an incident which occurred at the BTC meeting on 1 November. This suspension will expire at midnight, 5 December 2008.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1350m
1st - Nellie Got There; 2nd – Nexgen; 3rd - Pentacity
WINNER FEEDBACK:
This race provided a small piece of racing history in Queensland as it was the first winner of an officially registered ‘training partnership’ with the father and son team of Bruce and Jason McLachlan claiming that honour - although they did have to survive a protest before the ‘all clear’ was posted.
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “Look we’ve been waiting for this partnership thing to come through for a long time in Queensland. Other states have had the rule for a while already. We set it up about a month ago but there is a lot of red tape to go through and this was our first day racing in partnership. We had two runners today. So far the partnership has had a third and a winner.
“It was logical for us to get into it instead of pursuing separate careers. Dad’s getting to the age now where he should be taking it easier. He’s 66 and I’m 38, so we should provide a nice mix. How do we get on? We get on very well. Mutual respect, you know. That is until we get behind closed doors – then it’s on! No seriously, we do work well together. Like today. He’s not here because we needed a bit of luck today, so he had to go home.
“As far as Nellie Got There is concerned, he is the most versatile horse you can find. He can go 1400m, 2000m ... it can be wet, it can be dry, he will always deliver his best. He’s tough too. I’d rather feed him than fight him.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “He ran out away from the whip in the straight, which apparently he has done before as a young horse, but he never touched the other horse (Nexgen). I did manage to straighten him late and he came home strong.”
A protest was lodged (on behalf of the second placed Nexgen against the winner Nellie Got There). Matthew Palmer, rider of Nexgen stated that Nellie Got There, “had progressively moved out impeding my rightful run and denying me a clear passage in the straight.” Palmer further stated that, with the winning distance being only a head, the five to six horse-widths outward movement had compromised his chances, particularly as his mount continued to move out, having been forced on that course, after Cormack had straightened Nellie Got There over the final 50m. Palmer concluded that, “with true running, there is no question I would have beaten the winner.”
Jockey Sean Cormack countered with the argument, “I put my hands down and the stick away when straightening my mount over the final 50m. There was no contact and he was never going to get past me.”
The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by Matthew Palmer, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Nexgen, against Nellie Got There being declared the winner, alleging interference in the straight. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the film, stewards were of the opinion that approaching the 200m, Nexgen shifted out and away from Nellie Got There of its own accord, and further believed that near the 100m, Nellie Got There had dictated the line of Nexgen for a short distance. Given the head margin at the finish, stewards could not be satisfied that the minimal interference suffered by Nexgen warranted a reversal of placings and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight declared on the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, S. Cormack, rider of Nellie Got There, was reminded of his obligations to ensure his mounts stay on a straight course in the run to the finish.
Pentacity (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Majorca (J. Byrne) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Master Denis (J. Bowditch) and Nexgen brushed. Rebounded and Master Denis raced 3 wide throughout. Blood ‘N’ Bone was held up for clear running in the early stages of straight. Near the 300m, Rebounded (M. Radecker) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Nexgen (M. Palmer), which shifted out, and Master Denis (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 150m, Blood ‘N’ Bone broke down and was retired from the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Blood ‘N’ Bone revealed the horse had broken down in the near fore sesamoid.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Save A Buck; 2nd - Deception Bay; 3rd - Tejada
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Hardy: “He ran a tremendous race first-up last time. He was left five lengths. No such problems today. Good passage and good finish. He’s just so consistent. If you take away that run when he missed the start, he has only finished out of the first three once in twelve starts.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rounding the 800m turn, My First Affair (S. Seamer) shifted out off the heels of Save A Buck (G. Colless) and had to be steadied. Near the 750m, Tims Image (J. Byrne) was obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Gun Salute (D. Craven). Gun Salute, Tejada, and Blue Oyster (C. McIver) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the poor performance of Surety, J. Jones stated that the horse travelled well early however passing the 800m was under pressure and failed to respond to his riding and compounded in the straight. Trainer S. Lee will be interviewed regarding the horse's performance to ascertain whether anything had come to light in the days following to explain the performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Surety failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Friday, November 7, 2008
DOOMBEN REVIEW (THURS, NOV 6)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Thursday, November 6.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1630m
1st - Sharing The Magic; 2nd - Arcangela; 3rd - Smartness
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “The ground helped for sure, but it’s really all about finding the right race for any horse. This turned out to be his race. He’s been running at the Sunshine Coast in big fields. The track here, a smaller field, the conditions – it was a quite different mix. Turned out it suited him to a tee.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “That went exactly to plan. That’s why I get paid the big dollars. The opposition was only ordinary and he always had two lengths on them.”
The win was good timing for some, bad timing for others. Sharing The Magic had eight owners three runs back but, after failing to get past first base after ten runs, seven owners decided to sack the horse. They were bought out by the remaining owner, Bruce Harry.
Owner Bruce Harry: “I can’t say I saw anything in the horse particularly, but I thought I’m in it now, I’ll stick with it. I was quite happy to keep it as a horse to ride when it was finished. This is a nice bonus.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sharing The Magic (S. Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, brushing the hind quarters of Affidavit (S. Galloway). Smartness (S. Cormack) was inclined to shift out under pressure over the concluding stages. Stewards questioned S. Cormack as to his riding tactics on Smartness, in particular racing 3 wide for the majority of the race. S. Cormack stated he was not given any specific instructions other than to endeavour to have Smartness positioned with cover. He stated that rounding the first turn he was caught wide and as his mount was inclined to travel keenly, he endeavoured to try and get the mare to relax despite being caught 3 wide. He added that he did not push forward to race outside the leader as he was intent on having his mount relax rather than over-race and was also concerned that should he make use of the filly, it may not see out the distance of the race. The explanation was noted. A post-race veterinary examination of Mary’s Halo revealed the mare to have been galloped on the off-foreleg. Following this event, the track was upgraded to Slow 6.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap - 1020m
1st - Vanqualo; 2nd - Zeljko; 3rd - Beyond The Limit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (clearly chuffed with the time recorded by his winner): “Look he’s been working well and I knew he would be competitive. But to run that sort of time on debut exceeded my expectations.”
Vanqualo set a new class record, stopping the clock in the smart time of 59.17 seconds. The previous class record of 59.64 seconds (established in October 2005) had stood behind the name of Vital Statistic.
This was apprentice jockey Chris McIver’s second winner in as many meetings. McIver won on Condoleezza at Ipswich on Wednesday.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Beyond The Limit (S. Scriven) jumped in the air as the gates were released and missed the start. Burn So Cool (A. Spinks) hung out rounding the first turn and in the middle stages.
Race 3:
3yo Maiden Handicap- 1350m
1st - Craiglea Falcon; 2nd - Social Cat; 3rd - Shot Bar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Fleming: “He’s had three runs down here. (Craiglea Falcon’s first two career runs were in Rockhampton). The first run was after a spell and it was too short for him. Also he kept running into dead-end after dead-end. The second run at the Sunshine Coast was more like it. (The gelding finished second). Then last time he was ridden wrong. He hit the front too early.
“He couldn’t have left it any later this time. I thought we were alright until Adrian (Coome) had his whip knocked out of his hand just as he was going for it. Thankfully the horse rallied anyway and just got there.”
Jockey Adrian Coome: “I went for my whip at about the 150m and it was knocked clean out of my hand by Kelvin Wharton on my inside. I didn’t become unbalanced or anything like that, but all I could do was push with my hands. The horse kept responding and got up.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Social Cat (M. Radecker) and Molly Jo (J. Byrne) both jumped away awkwardly. Near the 250m, Social Cat (M. Radecker) was momentarily steadied when taking a run between Shot Bar (B. Pengelly), which shifted out slightly, and Pea Eye Cee (P. Hammersley), which shifted in. At the 200m, Craiglea Falcon (A. Coome) shifted out to improve and brushed Molly Jo (J. Byrne). Molly Jo was then inclined to lay out over the concluding stages. A. Coome, rider of Craiglea Falcon, dropped his whip near the 100m. Near the 100m, Social Cat (M. Radecker) was inclined to lay out, taking Pea Eye Cee out on to Chadwick (K. Wharton), which had to be steadied. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Dead 5.
Race 4:
Class 5 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Go Sequalo; 2nd - Beartracker; 3rd - Seen'em Comin'
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “Third run back, given more ground ... I’m just happy his winning again.”
Go Sequalo, who races for the same connections who own Simplest and Burdekin Blues, gave jockey Shane Scriven a double at the meeting, which came on top of the double Scriven had ridden at Ipswich twenty-four hours earlier.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Crystal Sentinel (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Go Sequalo (S. Scriven) and Albarista (Matthew Palmer) were both a little slow to begin. Trainer M. Mair reported that Crystal Sentinel, which proved disappointing, would now be sent for a spell.
Race 5:
Class 3 Plate (Set weights) - 2030m
1st - Dawns Queen; 2nd - A Grade; 3rd - Another Speights
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Sean Cormack: “She’s a pretty laid back mare. All I tried to do was settle her, but at the same time I was aware that she needed to be not that far off the speed. We got a lovely run and when I switched her out into daylight she finished off really well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Strawberry Ripple reared in the barriers on 2 occasions, dislodging S. Galloway. Strawberry Ripple then broke through the barriers and following advice from the veterinary surgeon, Dr Lenz, the mare was withdrawn at 2.59 pm. Barako and Dawns Queen, which were in adjoining stalls, were examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Trainer B Smith indicated that the horse would now be spelled and stewards ordered that he would be required to produce a further barrier test certificate for Strawberry Ripple prior to its next race start. Bold Distinction (C. McIver) and Barako (P. Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Tact (A. Taylor) shifted out shortly after the start.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1630m
1st - Defend The Hill; 2nd - Southerly Impact; 3rd - Our Lukas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Is this a prime example of a late-developer or are there other reasons for the fact that Defend The Hill has come into his own as a seven-year-old, winning four of his last five starts when his overall record is six wins from twenty-seven starts?
Trainer Brad Maidment: “He’s had real issues. Cracked sesamoids, chipped knees ... and it’s an on-going process. Treatment and time, that’s what it has been all about. Things like applying poultices then seeing how he comes through that. It happens all of the time. There is no let-up. He requires on-going treatment. Really needs to be looked after.
“We got him right for the day, then the jockey had an accident in training early this morning and nearly missed the ride. I’m really pleased for Don (Barron) that he came through. He gets on so well with this horse and he deserved his chance in the city.”
Jockey Donald Barron: “Yeah, I nearly missed out. I came off a horse in work this morning. He ducked out at the gap and I fell off on the rail. I got a haematoma on my shin and some bruising all the way up my thigh. When I came off, I thought there goes my ride today, but the more I looked at the form, the more I thought I can’t miss this one. (Defend The Hill had won three of his last four starts, all with Barron in the saddle). I was lucky I only had one ride. I could cope with that.
“There was no speed in the race, so he had it pretty easy. He has got a turn of foot and I knew if they let him run his own race early, they would struggle to get to him in the straight.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After riding in race 5, J. Bowditch was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his remaining engagements in races 6, 7 and 8. Correct weight was delayed to enable jockey S. Scriven to view the stewards' footage of the start as he was concerned he was denied a fair start on Our Lukas. After viewing the film of the start, stewards were satisfied that the horse was afforded the opportunity to jump with the field despite being fractious in the barriers, and acting under AR134A, as Our Lukas finished 3rd, stewards declared correct weight on the Judge's placings.
Our Lukas (S. Scriven), which had been fractious in the barriers, missed the start. Soon after the start, Wings Of Seraph was inclined to lay in on to the heels of Brief Me (S. Cormack) and had to be checked. Our Lukas (S. Scriven), which was following, had to be eased to avoid the heels of Wings Of Seraph. Wings Of Seraph was inclined to race fiercely around the first turn. Passing the 800m, Latin Idol (A. Spinks) got its head up and raced ungenerously for a short distance after it improved on to the heels of Southern Impact (R. Goltz). Southern Impact was held up for some distance rounding the home turn behind the heels of Falzig and was unable to obtain clear running until shortly after straightening. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4 at 4.12 pm.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Raffael Nediym; 3rd - Scudder
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (Foreman for the newly established Gerald Ryan stables at Murwillumbah): “We’ve been there about a month now. I agree it’s an interesting choice of location but it serves our purpose well, being able to tackle the Northern Rivers or travel to the Gold Coast or Brisbane without any fuss. We’ve got ten horses in training there at the moment. I expect that figure to pick up to about twenty to twenty-five horses.
“Matthew Palmer is on both of our horses today. We don’t have any formal arrangement with any jockey as yet. Matthew was keen enough to come down and ride work the other day. He wasn’t that far behind the top boys when he was in Sydney and we’d probably steer his way if we can. I think he kill them all up here once he gets going.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “We were always going to get back, but then I got caught a bit wide so I had to go a bit earlier than I would have liked, otherwise they might have gone away from him. He had to work all the way from the 600m to the finishing line. He’s got a brilliant turn of foot and he let down sensationally to put us right in the race and then get the result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pyramids (M. Palmer) jumped inwards at the start and brushed Raffael Nediym (C. Reith). Ben’s The Boss (S. Scriven) also jumped inwards at the start and made heavy contact with the hind quarters of Alpha Boy.
Race 8:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Savanna La Mar; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Guissepino
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “We seemed to have worked him out at last. He’s last two runs have been encouraging. It’s taken a while.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley (who continues to ride winners on a regular basis): “I pulled her out at the top of the straight and she had to work home all the way. She was a bit unlucky last time. She struck a bit of trouble but still ran second. I made certain I took her to the outside where she had a clear run this time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Simian Express was declared a late scratching at 3.11 pm after the mare injured itself when being loaded on to the float to be transported to the course. The start was delayed slightly when Guissepino (C. McIver), which was fractious in the barriers, sprung the gates open. Work The Body (M. Palmer) jumped inwards at the start and made contact with Morgalicious (D. Craven), forcing it out on to Guissepino, which jumped away awkwardly. Leaving the 700m, Savanna La Mar (P. Hammersley) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Morgalicious.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1630m
1st - Sharing The Magic; 2nd - Arcangela; 3rd - Smartness
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “The ground helped for sure, but it’s really all about finding the right race for any horse. This turned out to be his race. He’s been running at the Sunshine Coast in big fields. The track here, a smaller field, the conditions – it was a quite different mix. Turned out it suited him to a tee.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “That went exactly to plan. That’s why I get paid the big dollars. The opposition was only ordinary and he always had two lengths on them.”
The win was good timing for some, bad timing for others. Sharing The Magic had eight owners three runs back but, after failing to get past first base after ten runs, seven owners decided to sack the horse. They were bought out by the remaining owner, Bruce Harry.
Owner Bruce Harry: “I can’t say I saw anything in the horse particularly, but I thought I’m in it now, I’ll stick with it. I was quite happy to keep it as a horse to ride when it was finished. This is a nice bonus.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sharing The Magic (S. Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, brushing the hind quarters of Affidavit (S. Galloway). Smartness (S. Cormack) was inclined to shift out under pressure over the concluding stages. Stewards questioned S. Cormack as to his riding tactics on Smartness, in particular racing 3 wide for the majority of the race. S. Cormack stated he was not given any specific instructions other than to endeavour to have Smartness positioned with cover. He stated that rounding the first turn he was caught wide and as his mount was inclined to travel keenly, he endeavoured to try and get the mare to relax despite being caught 3 wide. He added that he did not push forward to race outside the leader as he was intent on having his mount relax rather than over-race and was also concerned that should he make use of the filly, it may not see out the distance of the race. The explanation was noted. A post-race veterinary examination of Mary’s Halo revealed the mare to have been galloped on the off-foreleg. Following this event, the track was upgraded to Slow 6.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap - 1020m
1st - Vanqualo; 2nd - Zeljko; 3rd - Beyond The Limit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (clearly chuffed with the time recorded by his winner): “Look he’s been working well and I knew he would be competitive. But to run that sort of time on debut exceeded my expectations.”
Vanqualo set a new class record, stopping the clock in the smart time of 59.17 seconds. The previous class record of 59.64 seconds (established in October 2005) had stood behind the name of Vital Statistic.
This was apprentice jockey Chris McIver’s second winner in as many meetings. McIver won on Condoleezza at Ipswich on Wednesday.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Beyond The Limit (S. Scriven) jumped in the air as the gates were released and missed the start. Burn So Cool (A. Spinks) hung out rounding the first turn and in the middle stages.
Race 3:
3yo Maiden Handicap- 1350m
1st - Craiglea Falcon; 2nd - Social Cat; 3rd - Shot Bar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Fleming: “He’s had three runs down here. (Craiglea Falcon’s first two career runs were in Rockhampton). The first run was after a spell and it was too short for him. Also he kept running into dead-end after dead-end. The second run at the Sunshine Coast was more like it. (The gelding finished second). Then last time he was ridden wrong. He hit the front too early.
“He couldn’t have left it any later this time. I thought we were alright until Adrian (Coome) had his whip knocked out of his hand just as he was going for it. Thankfully the horse rallied anyway and just got there.”
Jockey Adrian Coome: “I went for my whip at about the 150m and it was knocked clean out of my hand by Kelvin Wharton on my inside. I didn’t become unbalanced or anything like that, but all I could do was push with my hands. The horse kept responding and got up.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Social Cat (M. Radecker) and Molly Jo (J. Byrne) both jumped away awkwardly. Near the 250m, Social Cat (M. Radecker) was momentarily steadied when taking a run between Shot Bar (B. Pengelly), which shifted out slightly, and Pea Eye Cee (P. Hammersley), which shifted in. At the 200m, Craiglea Falcon (A. Coome) shifted out to improve and brushed Molly Jo (J. Byrne). Molly Jo was then inclined to lay out over the concluding stages. A. Coome, rider of Craiglea Falcon, dropped his whip near the 100m. Near the 100m, Social Cat (M. Radecker) was inclined to lay out, taking Pea Eye Cee out on to Chadwick (K. Wharton), which had to be steadied. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Dead 5.
Race 4:
Class 5 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Go Sequalo; 2nd - Beartracker; 3rd - Seen'em Comin'
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “Third run back, given more ground ... I’m just happy his winning again.”
Go Sequalo, who races for the same connections who own Simplest and Burdekin Blues, gave jockey Shane Scriven a double at the meeting, which came on top of the double Scriven had ridden at Ipswich twenty-four hours earlier.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Crystal Sentinel (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Go Sequalo (S. Scriven) and Albarista (Matthew Palmer) were both a little slow to begin. Trainer M. Mair reported that Crystal Sentinel, which proved disappointing, would now be sent for a spell.
Race 5:
Class 3 Plate (Set weights) - 2030m
1st - Dawns Queen; 2nd - A Grade; 3rd - Another Speights
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Sean Cormack: “She’s a pretty laid back mare. All I tried to do was settle her, but at the same time I was aware that she needed to be not that far off the speed. We got a lovely run and when I switched her out into daylight she finished off really well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Strawberry Ripple reared in the barriers on 2 occasions, dislodging S. Galloway. Strawberry Ripple then broke through the barriers and following advice from the veterinary surgeon, Dr Lenz, the mare was withdrawn at 2.59 pm. Barako and Dawns Queen, which were in adjoining stalls, were examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Trainer B Smith indicated that the horse would now be spelled and stewards ordered that he would be required to produce a further barrier test certificate for Strawberry Ripple prior to its next race start. Bold Distinction (C. McIver) and Barako (P. Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Tact (A. Taylor) shifted out shortly after the start.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1630m
1st - Defend The Hill; 2nd - Southerly Impact; 3rd - Our Lukas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Is this a prime example of a late-developer or are there other reasons for the fact that Defend The Hill has come into his own as a seven-year-old, winning four of his last five starts when his overall record is six wins from twenty-seven starts?
Trainer Brad Maidment: “He’s had real issues. Cracked sesamoids, chipped knees ... and it’s an on-going process. Treatment and time, that’s what it has been all about. Things like applying poultices then seeing how he comes through that. It happens all of the time. There is no let-up. He requires on-going treatment. Really needs to be looked after.
“We got him right for the day, then the jockey had an accident in training early this morning and nearly missed the ride. I’m really pleased for Don (Barron) that he came through. He gets on so well with this horse and he deserved his chance in the city.”
Jockey Donald Barron: “Yeah, I nearly missed out. I came off a horse in work this morning. He ducked out at the gap and I fell off on the rail. I got a haematoma on my shin and some bruising all the way up my thigh. When I came off, I thought there goes my ride today, but the more I looked at the form, the more I thought I can’t miss this one. (Defend The Hill had won three of his last four starts, all with Barron in the saddle). I was lucky I only had one ride. I could cope with that.
“There was no speed in the race, so he had it pretty easy. He has got a turn of foot and I knew if they let him run his own race early, they would struggle to get to him in the straight.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After riding in race 5, J. Bowditch was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his remaining engagements in races 6, 7 and 8. Correct weight was delayed to enable jockey S. Scriven to view the stewards' footage of the start as he was concerned he was denied a fair start on Our Lukas. After viewing the film of the start, stewards were satisfied that the horse was afforded the opportunity to jump with the field despite being fractious in the barriers, and acting under AR134A, as Our Lukas finished 3rd, stewards declared correct weight on the Judge's placings.
Our Lukas (S. Scriven), which had been fractious in the barriers, missed the start. Soon after the start, Wings Of Seraph was inclined to lay in on to the heels of Brief Me (S. Cormack) and had to be checked. Our Lukas (S. Scriven), which was following, had to be eased to avoid the heels of Wings Of Seraph. Wings Of Seraph was inclined to race fiercely around the first turn. Passing the 800m, Latin Idol (A. Spinks) got its head up and raced ungenerously for a short distance after it improved on to the heels of Southern Impact (R. Goltz). Southern Impact was held up for some distance rounding the home turn behind the heels of Falzig and was unable to obtain clear running until shortly after straightening. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4 at 4.12 pm.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Raffael Nediym; 3rd - Scudder
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Matthew Dunn (Foreman for the newly established Gerald Ryan stables at Murwillumbah): “We’ve been there about a month now. I agree it’s an interesting choice of location but it serves our purpose well, being able to tackle the Northern Rivers or travel to the Gold Coast or Brisbane without any fuss. We’ve got ten horses in training there at the moment. I expect that figure to pick up to about twenty to twenty-five horses.
“Matthew Palmer is on both of our horses today. We don’t have any formal arrangement with any jockey as yet. Matthew was keen enough to come down and ride work the other day. He wasn’t that far behind the top boys when he was in Sydney and we’d probably steer his way if we can. I think he kill them all up here once he gets going.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “We were always going to get back, but then I got caught a bit wide so I had to go a bit earlier than I would have liked, otherwise they might have gone away from him. He had to work all the way from the 600m to the finishing line. He’s got a brilliant turn of foot and he let down sensationally to put us right in the race and then get the result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pyramids (M. Palmer) jumped inwards at the start and brushed Raffael Nediym (C. Reith). Ben’s The Boss (S. Scriven) also jumped inwards at the start and made heavy contact with the hind quarters of Alpha Boy.
Race 8:
F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Savanna La Mar; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Guissepino
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “We seemed to have worked him out at last. He’s last two runs have been encouraging. It’s taken a while.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley (who continues to ride winners on a regular basis): “I pulled her out at the top of the straight and she had to work home all the way. She was a bit unlucky last time. She struck a bit of trouble but still ran second. I made certain I took her to the outside where she had a clear run this time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Simian Express was declared a late scratching at 3.11 pm after the mare injured itself when being loaded on to the float to be transported to the course. The start was delayed slightly when Guissepino (C. McIver), which was fractious in the barriers, sprung the gates open. Work The Body (M. Palmer) jumped inwards at the start and made contact with Morgalicious (D. Craven), forcing it out on to Guissepino, which jumped away awkwardly. Leaving the 700m, Savanna La Mar (P. Hammersley) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Morgalicious.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
IPSWICH REVIEW (WED, NOV 5)
A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Wednesday, November 5.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 800m
1st - First Night Fever; 2nd - Lethal Intent; 3rd - Miss Blackwood
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Andrew Williamson: “I wanted to geld him after his first prep but he was very sick and I didn’t want to add to the stress. So I left it and brought him back for a couple of runs, but he was still wayward. Then went ahead and gelded him and the result speaks for itself.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Flicka Light (J. Murphy), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Miss Blackwood (K. Pope) and Second Hand Mac (S. Bogenhuber), which shifted out after knuckling over at the start. Miss Blackwood, which had a tendency to lay out throughout the event, shifted out near the 400m, forcing Lethal Intent (L. Dittman) wider on the track. Near the 200m, Second Hand Mac (S. Bogenhuber) shifted in abruptly near the 200m and had to be steadied. Medesano (L. Dittman) was obliged to race 3 wide throughout.
Race 2:
3yo & Up Handicap - 1020m
1st - Kelly; 2nd - Morcombe; 3rd - Willyclang
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Garry Kirkup: “Yeah, Scottie was pretty keen to come and ride him. (This was jockey Scott Seamer’s only ride for the day). I’ve only had the horse for four runs now and Scott won on him first time out for me. He was beaten in dead going over 1200m in the second start and then his run last time, when he came back from a spell, wasn’t bad at all as he was held up on the turn. We thought we had the best horse in the race but a big weight is always a worry.”
Jockey Scott Seamer: “I was happy to come for the ride. Gary got him from Gerald Ryan. I won on him at Coloundra on Cup day there. Then we were beaten over 1200m in dead going last time. He pulled up a bit tender there, but basically he’s a 1000m horse. That’s his go. So Gary will be looking to find some 1000m races for him.
“The weight (59kg) wasn’t a problem. He’s a big strong horse and can cope with it. I mean he does carry Garry’s weight in training, after-all.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After beginning awkwardly, Blue Jupiter (M. Speers) was slow into stride. Willyclang (A. Spinks) commenced to buck shortly after the start. Trainer R. Coveney was advised that Willyclang must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Leaving the 800m, The Darkcee (B. Payne) began to race ungenerously and shifted out, taking Blue Jupiter (M. Speers) wider on the track. The Darkcee continued to race ungenerously and hung out badly rounding the home turn, resulting in the horse making contact with the outside running rail. As a result of injuries sustained in this incident, The Darkcee was subsequently euthanased on humane grounds Apprentice M. Speers was reprimanded for failing to weigh in on the 5th place-getter, Blue Jupiter.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Encosticated; 2nd - Medesano; 3rd - Liquidate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Glenn Clunes: “He had a long time off (ten months) but that was only to allow him to mature. The benefit is there to see in his two runs since he came back. He was just touched off first-up and now has won here. We expect him to get better with more ground.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “There are still some issues to iron out with him but he’s a horse with a future if he learns. This was his only second run back and he is looking for more ground so it was a good result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Elate And Excite (J. Piper) began awkwardly, resulting in J. Piper losing her balance in the early stages. Near the 800m, Diamond Zak (D. Griffin) had to be steadied when tightened for room when racing between Encostigated (S. Scriven) and Delezio (R. Goltz), both of which shifted ground. Medesano lost if near hind plate in running.
Race 4:
F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Havanaise; 2nd - Hitno Bay; 3rd - Eclise
WINNER FEEDBACK:
In spite of not having the easiest of passages, Havanaise justified her short price with a dominating display which saw her come home 3.00 lengths clear of the chasing pack. There was a moment of slight concern when the mare was held up for a run in the straight, but apprentice Matthew Palmer was more than equal to the task and he successfully guided the four-year-old into daylight and on to a clear-cut victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Havanaise (M. Palmer) was tightened for room on jumping away between Pamela’s Wonder (C. Small) and Eclise (C. Reith), which shifted out. Rosebrn (C. McIver) shifted in and made contact with Overrated (A. Spinks) at the start. Near the 1100m, Pamela’s Wonder (C. Small) had to be steadied off the heels of Havanaise (M. Palmer), which shifted out. My Big Bird (D. Barron) shifted ground under pressure over the final 300m. Havanaise (M. Palmer) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until leaving the 200m. Express Miss (R. Goltz) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
QTIS Class 1 Handicap - 1700m
1st - Overruling; 2nd - Femme Lien; 3rd - Esquivar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “Third run back, picking up in distance so I was expecting improvement. Was I happy that he (jockey Christian Reith) went so early? No, I wasn’t. I was very worried actually. (Then light-heartedly) I thought I might have to hang him out to dry if he’d got it wrong. Or rather, perhaps you can say that, at the 200m mark, the jockey was more confident than the trainer.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 300m, Heartland (L. Dittman) was held up for a short distance when disappointed for a run between Laurinel Beauty (A. Pattillo) and Femme Lien (S. Scriven). Laurinel Beauty (A. Pattillo) and Nayriddam were caught racing wide for the majority of the event. Fionn Mac Cool lost its near fore plate in running.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap – 1350m
1st -Murphy's Creek; 2nd - King Of Spirit; 3rd - Wind Gusts
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “He’s been disappointing. He’s come up looking like he was going to win a few times only to get beat – and I thought he was going to do it again today. This (1350m) is probably about as far as he wants it. He’s bred to go five miles, but this distance looks to be about it.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Murphy’s Creek (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Lezant (S. Bogenhuber) and Wind Gusts (D. Griffin) came together and bumped on jumping away. Lezant had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 7:
F&M Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Condoleezza; 2nd - Cachaca; 3rd - Fast End
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Sears: “She’s got fair ability and I think if she’s kept to Fillies and Mares races she can keep holding her own.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards acceded to a request from trainer B. Guy to scratch Marriedtoaprince following the downgrading of the track to Slow 7 at 3.08 pm. Sirena Ligera (S. Scriven) shifted out at the start, forcing Jezzamine (D. Griffin) wider. Near the 800m, Condoleezza (C. McIver) had to be steadied off the heels of Sirena Ligera, which was taken in by Jezzamine (D. Griffin), which shifted in abruptly. Nattsukee (D. Green) and Char Innocent (S. Bogenhuber), which were trailing, had to be steadied as a consequence. Approaching the 300m, Toboulio (J. Murphy) was tightened for room between Nattsukee and Condoleezza, which shifted out to improve.
When questioned regarding the tactics and overall performance of Jezzamine, D. Griffin explained that he was instructed to put the horse into the race in the early stages as he was advised that the mare had raced successfully in that position interstate. Trainer J. Wallace confirmed the instructions to jockey Griffin and further explained that he had been disappointed with the mare's performances in previous starts and felt that it would be advantageous if Jezzamine was ridden in a more forward position today. Both D. Griffin and J. Wallace confirmed their disappointment with the mare's overall performance today. Mr Wallace added that it would be his intention not to continue with the horse's current racing program.
Race 8:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap- 1200m
1st - Chaski; 2nd - Coxswain; 3rd - Conchenka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “This is his first run for me. He has come back fresh after a spell. Very pleased with the way he finished off. Had to get to the other horse (Coxswain) but he always seemed to have his measure.”
Chaski gave jockey Shane Scriven his second winner at the meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Wide Bay (J. Murphy) blundered on jumping away. Leaving the 400m, Black Count (P. Hammersley) had to be steadied off the heels of Stand And Fire (D. Craven), which was taken out by Chaski (S. Scriven). Wide Bay and Stefenick (C. Eaton) raced wide for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Black Count, P. Hammersley stated that, in his opinion, the gelding failed to handle the prevailing track conditions.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 800m
1st - First Night Fever; 2nd - Lethal Intent; 3rd - Miss Blackwood
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Andrew Williamson: “I wanted to geld him after his first prep but he was very sick and I didn’t want to add to the stress. So I left it and brought him back for a couple of runs, but he was still wayward. Then went ahead and gelded him and the result speaks for itself.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Flicka Light (J. Murphy), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Miss Blackwood (K. Pope) and Second Hand Mac (S. Bogenhuber), which shifted out after knuckling over at the start. Miss Blackwood, which had a tendency to lay out throughout the event, shifted out near the 400m, forcing Lethal Intent (L. Dittman) wider on the track. Near the 200m, Second Hand Mac (S. Bogenhuber) shifted in abruptly near the 200m and had to be steadied. Medesano (L. Dittman) was obliged to race 3 wide throughout.
Race 2:
3yo & Up Handicap - 1020m
1st - Kelly; 2nd - Morcombe; 3rd - Willyclang
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Garry Kirkup: “Yeah, Scottie was pretty keen to come and ride him. (This was jockey Scott Seamer’s only ride for the day). I’ve only had the horse for four runs now and Scott won on him first time out for me. He was beaten in dead going over 1200m in the second start and then his run last time, when he came back from a spell, wasn’t bad at all as he was held up on the turn. We thought we had the best horse in the race but a big weight is always a worry.”
Jockey Scott Seamer: “I was happy to come for the ride. Gary got him from Gerald Ryan. I won on him at Coloundra on Cup day there. Then we were beaten over 1200m in dead going last time. He pulled up a bit tender there, but basically he’s a 1000m horse. That’s his go. So Gary will be looking to find some 1000m races for him.
“The weight (59kg) wasn’t a problem. He’s a big strong horse and can cope with it. I mean he does carry Garry’s weight in training, after-all.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After beginning awkwardly, Blue Jupiter (M. Speers) was slow into stride. Willyclang (A. Spinks) commenced to buck shortly after the start. Trainer R. Coveney was advised that Willyclang must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Leaving the 800m, The Darkcee (B. Payne) began to race ungenerously and shifted out, taking Blue Jupiter (M. Speers) wider on the track. The Darkcee continued to race ungenerously and hung out badly rounding the home turn, resulting in the horse making contact with the outside running rail. As a result of injuries sustained in this incident, The Darkcee was subsequently euthanased on humane grounds Apprentice M. Speers was reprimanded for failing to weigh in on the 5th place-getter, Blue Jupiter.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Encosticated; 2nd - Medesano; 3rd - Liquidate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Glenn Clunes: “He had a long time off (ten months) but that was only to allow him to mature. The benefit is there to see in his two runs since he came back. He was just touched off first-up and now has won here. We expect him to get better with more ground.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “There are still some issues to iron out with him but he’s a horse with a future if he learns. This was his only second run back and he is looking for more ground so it was a good result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Elate And Excite (J. Piper) began awkwardly, resulting in J. Piper losing her balance in the early stages. Near the 800m, Diamond Zak (D. Griffin) had to be steadied when tightened for room when racing between Encostigated (S. Scriven) and Delezio (R. Goltz), both of which shifted ground. Medesano lost if near hind plate in running.
Race 4:
F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Havanaise; 2nd - Hitno Bay; 3rd - Eclise
WINNER FEEDBACK:
In spite of not having the easiest of passages, Havanaise justified her short price with a dominating display which saw her come home 3.00 lengths clear of the chasing pack. There was a moment of slight concern when the mare was held up for a run in the straight, but apprentice Matthew Palmer was more than equal to the task and he successfully guided the four-year-old into daylight and on to a clear-cut victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Havanaise (M. Palmer) was tightened for room on jumping away between Pamela’s Wonder (C. Small) and Eclise (C. Reith), which shifted out. Rosebrn (C. McIver) shifted in and made contact with Overrated (A. Spinks) at the start. Near the 1100m, Pamela’s Wonder (C. Small) had to be steadied off the heels of Havanaise (M. Palmer), which shifted out. My Big Bird (D. Barron) shifted ground under pressure over the final 300m. Havanaise (M. Palmer) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until leaving the 200m. Express Miss (R. Goltz) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
QTIS Class 1 Handicap - 1700m
1st - Overruling; 2nd - Femme Lien; 3rd - Esquivar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “Third run back, picking up in distance so I was expecting improvement. Was I happy that he (jockey Christian Reith) went so early? No, I wasn’t. I was very worried actually. (Then light-heartedly) I thought I might have to hang him out to dry if he’d got it wrong. Or rather, perhaps you can say that, at the 200m mark, the jockey was more confident than the trainer.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 300m, Heartland (L. Dittman) was held up for a short distance when disappointed for a run between Laurinel Beauty (A. Pattillo) and Femme Lien (S. Scriven). Laurinel Beauty (A. Pattillo) and Nayriddam were caught racing wide for the majority of the event. Fionn Mac Cool lost its near fore plate in running.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap – 1350m
1st -Murphy's Creek; 2nd - King Of Spirit; 3rd - Wind Gusts
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “He’s been disappointing. He’s come up looking like he was going to win a few times only to get beat – and I thought he was going to do it again today. This (1350m) is probably about as far as he wants it. He’s bred to go five miles, but this distance looks to be about it.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Murphy’s Creek (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Lezant (S. Bogenhuber) and Wind Gusts (D. Griffin) came together and bumped on jumping away. Lezant had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 7:
F&M Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Condoleezza; 2nd - Cachaca; 3rd - Fast End
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Sears: “She’s got fair ability and I think if she’s kept to Fillies and Mares races she can keep holding her own.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards acceded to a request from trainer B. Guy to scratch Marriedtoaprince following the downgrading of the track to Slow 7 at 3.08 pm. Sirena Ligera (S. Scriven) shifted out at the start, forcing Jezzamine (D. Griffin) wider. Near the 800m, Condoleezza (C. McIver) had to be steadied off the heels of Sirena Ligera, which was taken in by Jezzamine (D. Griffin), which shifted in abruptly. Nattsukee (D. Green) and Char Innocent (S. Bogenhuber), which were trailing, had to be steadied as a consequence. Approaching the 300m, Toboulio (J. Murphy) was tightened for room between Nattsukee and Condoleezza, which shifted out to improve.
When questioned regarding the tactics and overall performance of Jezzamine, D. Griffin explained that he was instructed to put the horse into the race in the early stages as he was advised that the mare had raced successfully in that position interstate. Trainer J. Wallace confirmed the instructions to jockey Griffin and further explained that he had been disappointed with the mare's performances in previous starts and felt that it would be advantageous if Jezzamine was ridden in a more forward position today. Both D. Griffin and J. Wallace confirmed their disappointment with the mare's overall performance today. Mr Wallace added that it would be his intention not to continue with the horse's current racing program.
Race 8:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap- 1200m
1st - Chaski; 2nd - Coxswain; 3rd - Conchenka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “This is his first run for me. He has come back fresh after a spell. Very pleased with the way he finished off. Had to get to the other horse (Coxswain) but he always seemed to have his measure.”
Chaski gave jockey Shane Scriven his second winner at the meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Wide Bay (J. Murphy) blundered on jumping away. Leaving the 400m, Black Count (P. Hammersley) had to be steadied off the heels of Stand And Fire (D. Craven), which was taken out by Chaski (S. Scriven). Wide Bay and Stefenick (C. Eaton) raced wide for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Black Count, P. Hammersley stated that, in his opinion, the gelding failed to handle the prevailing track conditions.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, NOV 2)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, November 2.
Race 1:
Class 5 Handicap - 1800m
1st - My Almanac; 2nd - California Express; 3rd - Winmara
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Jones: “He’s a long striding stayer who will kick late. If they allow him a soft lead like that they must take the consequences.”
Jockey Rachel Mason: “I took him out in front but, because of the small field, the pace I set was a bit slower than I normally would. If something had taken me on I would have quickened up, but they left me alone and I took advantage of that. I just saved him as long as I could and then started to push about the 700m because he’s a horse that needs to get going early – and it paid off.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned apprentice M. Hughes, the rider of La Marianne, as to why he had not allowed his mount to stride forward in the middle stages and apply more pressure to the leader My Almanac (R. Mason) when it had become apparent that that horse had slowed the pace of the race considerably. M. Hughes stated that La Marianne was only having its second start over 1800m and with the blinkers on today felt that, whilst the horse had over-raced in the early stages, it was best to give the mare an opportunity to settle as to afford it every chance to run the distance out. He added that he was able to make ground on the leader approaching the 450m and upon straightening was within a length of My Almanac. M. Hughes further added that La Marianne failed to respond to his riding as anticipated in the straight and in his opinion was better suited to shorter distances.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Tanzill; 2nd - Moubassin; 3rd - Go Rainey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “He’s got a bad constitution. He is a finicky eater. He always appears stressed and fired up. That’s him though. It’s got nothing to do with race-day. He’s the same at track-work. A friend of mine saw him in the ring and asked how anybody could put money on him.
“He got away with it today, but it will cost him somewhere along the way. It might even stop him. He can improve I suppose. In fact he will have to if he is going to make it much further.”
Jockey Tony Pattillo: “He gives the impression that he could go on with it. He gives you a nice feel. But he does need to get his brain right first. He’s got plenty to work out.”
Tanzill was having his third start. It was his first run since being gelded.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
We’re All In It (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Chintz (C. Kearney) jumped away awkwardly. Moubassin (S. Cormack) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 3:
F&M Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - My Counsel; 2nd - Craiglea Symphony; 3rd - Zigalong
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith originally wanted to wait until Melbourne Cup day to race this horse. A change of plan and the mare suddenly has two wins to her credit before the Cup was run. We’ve been talking for weeks about Smith’s telling strike rate this season, and we are talking about it because it has become something of a constant from one meeting to another . As if that fact needed any emphasis, Smith struck again at Eagle Farm at the next meeting, this time with Malandrina on Melbourne Cup day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gracemere (M. Heagney) had to be steadied shortly after the start when tightened for room between Zigalong (D. Craven) and Xaar Crazy (K. Wharton), which shifted in. Passing the 800m Palace Party (J. Wood) was tightened for room by Craiglea Symphony (A. Badger), which had commenced to over-race and shifted in when being restrained. A short distance later Craiglea Symphony, which continued to over-race, shifted out and made contact with Body Double (A. Pattillo). Craiglea Symphony and Gracemere were inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
Race 4:
C,G & E Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Octahedron; 2nd - Siege; 3rd - Swift Leo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Geoff Burns: “We bought him as an unraced three-year-old from New Zealand. He showed ability from the start and he has been a pleasure to train. Look at him. He’s so calm. Just a lovely horse. So far, he doesn’t know how to run a bad race. We are just slowly building him up in distance. He’ll get over ground for sure.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ready To Rise (S. Cormack) raced three wide throughout. J. Piper, the rider of Carry On Kenzie, was reprimanded under AR. 137(a) for allowing her mount to shift in near the 650m resulting in Swift Leo (R. McMahon) having to be steadied. Octahedron (B. Pengelly) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Carry On Kenzie (J. Piper) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
4yo and up Maiden Handicap - 1600m
1st - Stiletto Heels; 2nd - Red Treasure; 3rd - Probability
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Tony Pattillo (who secured a double with this win to take the day’s riding honours): “I’ve ridden him before and had some luck on him. We ran into a couple of places. He probably should have got a result before this but at least he rectified that today. I was very happy to come here today. I only had four rides, but it was a good book of rides and to get two winners is quite satisfying.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer T. Gillespie was fined $100 under AR. 140A for presenting Cinquacasino to race with incorrect gear. J. Piper was fined $200 under AR. 92(12) for failing to claim her full allowance on Shreps. Tyrconnell (P. Wolfgram) and The Traps Are Set (M. Heagney) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 1200m Shreps (J. Piper), which had commenced to over-race, shifted out when being restrained taking Smartazariz (R. Wiggins) wider on the track. Cinquacasino, Smartazariz and All The Jays (K. Forrester) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Eleventh Command; 2nd – Chaufuhr; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
This race provided a stirring, stride for stride battle for the honours between the Chris Dawson trained Eleventh Command and the Bruce McLachlan trained Chaufuhr, with the former prevailing by a narrow margin. Eleventh Command, who was ridden with winning determination by Kelvin Wharton, had to fight every inch of the way to earn the fifth win of his career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Chaufuhr (S. Cormack) over-raced for a short distance near the 800m. Luna Pride (S. Bogenhuber) lost its near-side fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st – Geebeetee; 2nd - Eye Eye Silver; 3rd - Cuban Dancer
WINNER FEEDBACK:
After being beaten by narrow margins in two earlier races the Bruce McLachlan / Sean Cormack combination made no mistake in the last race when Geebeetee returned to his best form in his second run back from a spell to earn the third win of his career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As B. Pengelly was to be overweight, C. Reith was substituted as the rider of Cuban Dancer. B. Pengelly was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Berani Merah Jambu (J. Wood) jumped away awkwardly and lost considerable ground. On Ice (K. Wharton) and Fielding (A. Merritt) raced wide for the majority of the event. Goyousoandso (N. Thomas) over-raced for a short distance leaving the 900m. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Guissepino jockey R. Wiggins stated that the mare travelled well during the event, however failed to stretch out when placed under pressure. R. Wiggins was of the opinion that the mare appreciates more give in the ground than today's surface. A post-race veterinary examination of Guissepino failed to reveal any abnormalities. On Ice (K. Wharton) lost its near-side hind plate in running.
Race 1:
Class 5 Handicap - 1800m
1st - My Almanac; 2nd - California Express; 3rd - Winmara
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Jones: “He’s a long striding stayer who will kick late. If they allow him a soft lead like that they must take the consequences.”
Jockey Rachel Mason: “I took him out in front but, because of the small field, the pace I set was a bit slower than I normally would. If something had taken me on I would have quickened up, but they left me alone and I took advantage of that. I just saved him as long as I could and then started to push about the 700m because he’s a horse that needs to get going early – and it paid off.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned apprentice M. Hughes, the rider of La Marianne, as to why he had not allowed his mount to stride forward in the middle stages and apply more pressure to the leader My Almanac (R. Mason) when it had become apparent that that horse had slowed the pace of the race considerably. M. Hughes stated that La Marianne was only having its second start over 1800m and with the blinkers on today felt that, whilst the horse had over-raced in the early stages, it was best to give the mare an opportunity to settle as to afford it every chance to run the distance out. He added that he was able to make ground on the leader approaching the 450m and upon straightening was within a length of My Almanac. M. Hughes further added that La Marianne failed to respond to his riding as anticipated in the straight and in his opinion was better suited to shorter distances.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Tanzill; 2nd - Moubassin; 3rd - Go Rainey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “He’s got a bad constitution. He is a finicky eater. He always appears stressed and fired up. That’s him though. It’s got nothing to do with race-day. He’s the same at track-work. A friend of mine saw him in the ring and asked how anybody could put money on him.
“He got away with it today, but it will cost him somewhere along the way. It might even stop him. He can improve I suppose. In fact he will have to if he is going to make it much further.”
Jockey Tony Pattillo: “He gives the impression that he could go on with it. He gives you a nice feel. But he does need to get his brain right first. He’s got plenty to work out.”
Tanzill was having his third start. It was his first run since being gelded.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
We’re All In It (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Chintz (C. Kearney) jumped away awkwardly. Moubassin (S. Cormack) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 3:
F&M Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - My Counsel; 2nd - Craiglea Symphony; 3rd - Zigalong
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith originally wanted to wait until Melbourne Cup day to race this horse. A change of plan and the mare suddenly has two wins to her credit before the Cup was run. We’ve been talking for weeks about Smith’s telling strike rate this season, and we are talking about it because it has become something of a constant from one meeting to another . As if that fact needed any emphasis, Smith struck again at Eagle Farm at the next meeting, this time with Malandrina on Melbourne Cup day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gracemere (M. Heagney) had to be steadied shortly after the start when tightened for room between Zigalong (D. Craven) and Xaar Crazy (K. Wharton), which shifted in. Passing the 800m Palace Party (J. Wood) was tightened for room by Craiglea Symphony (A. Badger), which had commenced to over-race and shifted in when being restrained. A short distance later Craiglea Symphony, which continued to over-race, shifted out and made contact with Body Double (A. Pattillo). Craiglea Symphony and Gracemere were inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
Race 4:
C,G & E Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Octahedron; 2nd - Siege; 3rd - Swift Leo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Geoff Burns: “We bought him as an unraced three-year-old from New Zealand. He showed ability from the start and he has been a pleasure to train. Look at him. He’s so calm. Just a lovely horse. So far, he doesn’t know how to run a bad race. We are just slowly building him up in distance. He’ll get over ground for sure.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ready To Rise (S. Cormack) raced three wide throughout. J. Piper, the rider of Carry On Kenzie, was reprimanded under AR. 137(a) for allowing her mount to shift in near the 650m resulting in Swift Leo (R. McMahon) having to be steadied. Octahedron (B. Pengelly) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Carry On Kenzie (J. Piper) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
4yo and up Maiden Handicap - 1600m
1st - Stiletto Heels; 2nd - Red Treasure; 3rd - Probability
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Tony Pattillo (who secured a double with this win to take the day’s riding honours): “I’ve ridden him before and had some luck on him. We ran into a couple of places. He probably should have got a result before this but at least he rectified that today. I was very happy to come here today. I only had four rides, but it was a good book of rides and to get two winners is quite satisfying.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer T. Gillespie was fined $100 under AR. 140A for presenting Cinquacasino to race with incorrect gear. J. Piper was fined $200 under AR. 92(12) for failing to claim her full allowance on Shreps. Tyrconnell (P. Wolfgram) and The Traps Are Set (M. Heagney) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 1200m Shreps (J. Piper), which had commenced to over-race, shifted out when being restrained taking Smartazariz (R. Wiggins) wider on the track. Cinquacasino, Smartazariz and All The Jays (K. Forrester) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Eleventh Command; 2nd – Chaufuhr; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
This race provided a stirring, stride for stride battle for the honours between the Chris Dawson trained Eleventh Command and the Bruce McLachlan trained Chaufuhr, with the former prevailing by a narrow margin. Eleventh Command, who was ridden with winning determination by Kelvin Wharton, had to fight every inch of the way to earn the fifth win of his career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Chaufuhr (S. Cormack) over-raced for a short distance near the 800m. Luna Pride (S. Bogenhuber) lost its near-side fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st – Geebeetee; 2nd - Eye Eye Silver; 3rd - Cuban Dancer
WINNER FEEDBACK:
After being beaten by narrow margins in two earlier races the Bruce McLachlan / Sean Cormack combination made no mistake in the last race when Geebeetee returned to his best form in his second run back from a spell to earn the third win of his career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As B. Pengelly was to be overweight, C. Reith was substituted as the rider of Cuban Dancer. B. Pengelly was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Berani Merah Jambu (J. Wood) jumped away awkwardly and lost considerable ground. On Ice (K. Wharton) and Fielding (A. Merritt) raced wide for the majority of the event. Goyousoandso (N. Thomas) over-raced for a short distance leaving the 900m. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Guissepino jockey R. Wiggins stated that the mare travelled well during the event, however failed to stretch out when placed under pressure. R. Wiggins was of the opinion that the mare appreciates more give in the ground than today's surface. A post-race veterinary examination of Guissepino failed to reveal any abnormalities. On Ice (K. Wharton) lost its near-side hind plate in running.
Monday, November 3, 2008
TOUGH TIMES FOR LES ROSS
A training career of twenty-one years ended in disillusionment at Ipswich last Thursday when Les Ross left the track for the last time in his capacity as a racehorse trainer.
The fact that his only runner on the day came back a winner did little to ease the stress. It wasn’t even a bitter-sweet moment. Ross was devastated at having to leave the only world he has known for the last twenty-six years, five as a jockey and twenty-one years as a trainer (eight of those in Brisbane)... and angry at the situation that forced his demise.
“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I’m absolutely anti-drugs. The closest I’m been to drugs is aspro-clear,” said Ross. “So how bad am I for the industry? But the way they treat you, I don’t know if they want us in the game anymore.”
Ross was referring to a sad saga in his life when the ‘they’ that Ross refers to, the racing stewards, revoked his training license for a period of six months following the dismissal of his appeal against a guilty verdict regarding the elevated bicarb reading recorded by Pinelope, a horse in Ross’s care, after it had finished fourth in a race at Eagle Farm on August 13. The sentence came into effect on Sunday, November 2 after an appeal by Ross to have the decision overturned was dismissed.
“I don’t know how the horse got an elevated reading,” continued Ross. “There are bicarbs in all feeds. Whatever got into the horse’s system got into the horse’s system. It wasn’t put there deliberately.
"At the start I was even convinced that they had the wrong horse. That’s why they called for a DNA sample. There was another trainer (Gary Bein) on the same charge. He just put his hand up and copped it. He got four months. I got six months. The more I argued the worse things seemed to get for me.
“But I had to question the way things were handled. The news that I supposedly had a positive swap was leaked and people were talking about it before I’d been informed. People don’t know this, but two stewards had to stand down from the enquiry because of the way things were being handled. How angry would you be if you found out about things that way. It was very disappointing.
“I think the information thing violated procedure. The fact that they had to do a second test to confirm they had the right horse also puts a question mark against whether proper procedure was followed there was well. If everything was done correctly, surely they would know they had the right horse. So I’m a bit dirty about the DNA episode.
“I’m just dirty about the whole game right now, I guess. I think the whole thing was handled badly and the charge should have been chucked out. “My only other ‘Ãndiscretion’ in the last eighteen months was when I treated a horse for colic and the vet assured me the horse would be clear by the time it raced – and it wasn’t. So I picked up a $2000 fine there. Apart from that my record is clean.
“Yet the stewards can make a decision, hand me a six month disqualification, which devastates my life. I’ve got four kids. This is what I do. What am I and the missus supposed to do now. I told the stewards, six weeks or six months, it’s the same thing. It means my career’s over.
“I guess at least I can say that, back in 1988 my first runner came back a winner and now my last runner was a winner. Not many people can say that about their training careers. Not that it means much to anyone in my situation. I’m clutching at straws trying to find something good.
“The horses are gone now. You know people ask whether my owners won’t stick with me if I come back. Owners start off thinking that way and say all of the right things, but when push comes to shove, life must go on for them and the horses have to go to somebody else.
“By the time I would be due to return, I could hardly go and ask for my horses back. I wouldn’t in fact - and I simply can’t start all over again. The bad part of the whole horse transfer business is that I’ve been exposed to more nonsense with some owners disputing some payments that are due. They know I’m over a barrel so it’s not a very pleasant situation.
“She’s A Mountain (the Ipswich winner) was my last runner. Bellegal, who won at the Sunshine Coast on Friday was my horse. You know, it’s a very emotional time watching what is happening around me.
“But that’s it for me. I feel so badly treated. I feel I’m being told I’m not welcome and I’m not going to go where I not wanted.
“I won’t come back as a matter of principle now. I disagree with so much that has happened, I can never put myself in this position again. Maybe I’ll leave an option open to come back and work for someone, sometime in the future, I can’t guarantee I won’t do that.
“I know I’m talking while under a fair amount of pressure, but what is certain is that I really can’t come back as a trainer. The disqualification decision has put an end to that part of my life.”
For the record, Les Ross was charged under Rule AR.178 which states:
When any horse that has been brought to a racecourse for the purpose of engaging in a race and a prohibited substance is detected in any sample taken from it prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of such horse at any relevant time may be punished.
The threshold for the reading with regard to the Pinelope case was 36,00. There was a 1.00 allowance above that, ie a reading of 37.00 would have been deemed acceptable. Pinelope recorded a reading of 37.8, with a second reading coming in at 38.2.
Ross was found guilty of the charge and he was disqualified for six months.
The fact that his only runner on the day came back a winner did little to ease the stress. It wasn’t even a bitter-sweet moment. Ross was devastated at having to leave the only world he has known for the last twenty-six years, five as a jockey and twenty-one years as a trainer (eight of those in Brisbane)... and angry at the situation that forced his demise.
“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I’m absolutely anti-drugs. The closest I’m been to drugs is aspro-clear,” said Ross. “So how bad am I for the industry? But the way they treat you, I don’t know if they want us in the game anymore.”
Ross was referring to a sad saga in his life when the ‘they’ that Ross refers to, the racing stewards, revoked his training license for a period of six months following the dismissal of his appeal against a guilty verdict regarding the elevated bicarb reading recorded by Pinelope, a horse in Ross’s care, after it had finished fourth in a race at Eagle Farm on August 13. The sentence came into effect on Sunday, November 2 after an appeal by Ross to have the decision overturned was dismissed.
“I don’t know how the horse got an elevated reading,” continued Ross. “There are bicarbs in all feeds. Whatever got into the horse’s system got into the horse’s system. It wasn’t put there deliberately.
"At the start I was even convinced that they had the wrong horse. That’s why they called for a DNA sample. There was another trainer (Gary Bein) on the same charge. He just put his hand up and copped it. He got four months. I got six months. The more I argued the worse things seemed to get for me.
“But I had to question the way things were handled. The news that I supposedly had a positive swap was leaked and people were talking about it before I’d been informed. People don’t know this, but two stewards had to stand down from the enquiry because of the way things were being handled. How angry would you be if you found out about things that way. It was very disappointing.
“I think the information thing violated procedure. The fact that they had to do a second test to confirm they had the right horse also puts a question mark against whether proper procedure was followed there was well. If everything was done correctly, surely they would know they had the right horse. So I’m a bit dirty about the DNA episode.
“I’m just dirty about the whole game right now, I guess. I think the whole thing was handled badly and the charge should have been chucked out. “My only other ‘Ãndiscretion’ in the last eighteen months was when I treated a horse for colic and the vet assured me the horse would be clear by the time it raced – and it wasn’t. So I picked up a $2000 fine there. Apart from that my record is clean.
“Yet the stewards can make a decision, hand me a six month disqualification, which devastates my life. I’ve got four kids. This is what I do. What am I and the missus supposed to do now. I told the stewards, six weeks or six months, it’s the same thing. It means my career’s over.
“I guess at least I can say that, back in 1988 my first runner came back a winner and now my last runner was a winner. Not many people can say that about their training careers. Not that it means much to anyone in my situation. I’m clutching at straws trying to find something good.
“The horses are gone now. You know people ask whether my owners won’t stick with me if I come back. Owners start off thinking that way and say all of the right things, but when push comes to shove, life must go on for them and the horses have to go to somebody else.
“By the time I would be due to return, I could hardly go and ask for my horses back. I wouldn’t in fact - and I simply can’t start all over again. The bad part of the whole horse transfer business is that I’ve been exposed to more nonsense with some owners disputing some payments that are due. They know I’m over a barrel so it’s not a very pleasant situation.
“She’s A Mountain (the Ipswich winner) was my last runner. Bellegal, who won at the Sunshine Coast on Friday was my horse. You know, it’s a very emotional time watching what is happening around me.
“But that’s it for me. I feel so badly treated. I feel I’m being told I’m not welcome and I’m not going to go where I not wanted.
“I won’t come back as a matter of principle now. I disagree with so much that has happened, I can never put myself in this position again. Maybe I’ll leave an option open to come back and work for someone, sometime in the future, I can’t guarantee I won’t do that.
“I know I’m talking while under a fair amount of pressure, but what is certain is that I really can’t come back as a trainer. The disqualification decision has put an end to that part of my life.”
For the record, Les Ross was charged under Rule AR.178 which states:
When any horse that has been brought to a racecourse for the purpose of engaging in a race and a prohibited substance is detected in any sample taken from it prior to or following its running in any race, the trainer and any other person who was in charge of such horse at any relevant time may be punished.
The threshold for the reading with regard to the Pinelope case was 36,00. There was a 1.00 allowance above that, ie a reading of 37.00 would have been deemed acceptable. Pinelope recorded a reading of 37.8, with a second reading coming in at 38.2.
Ross was found guilty of the charge and he was disqualified for six months.
DOOMBEN REVIEW (SAT, NOV 1)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Saturday, November 1.
The Stradbroke runner-up Hard To Catch underlined his class with a clear-cut victory under the steadying burden of 60.5kg in an Open Handicap in which he gave his rivals between 6.5kg and 9.5kg at the weights.
Glen Colless rode Hard To Catch, who was one of four winners on the day for the highly talented rider. Colless’s half -the-card haul improved on his treble at last weekend’s metropolitan meeting.
Falvelon further boosted his reputation as a stallion when he sired three winners (Doonbah Star, Powerful Light and Fangles) on the card. Doonbah Star was completing a hat trick of wins, Powerful Light trounced her opposition in a most impressive debut while Fangles was winning for the fourth time in his last six starts.
On a more solemn note, apprentice jockey Amy Taylor’s crashing fall from Steal The Cash in the opening race on the card gave us all a reminder of the dangerous side of the game.
The downside of the sport was exacerbated by the performance of the medical staff in the ambulance which follows the runners every race for just such an eventuality. There appeared to be little or no urgency to get to the stricken Taylor, who lay motionless on the track for too long a time before receiving attention. That a concerned race-club official was able to run from the mounting yard and get to Taylor as quickly as the medics in the ambulance, highlights the latter’s dawdling pace.
Safety in racing is one area where standards and actions have to be maintained at the highest order. The example demonstrated in public at Doomben on Saturday was simply not good enough.
Race 1:
3yo QTIS Handicap - 1350m
1st - Doonbah Star; 2nd - Jamelden Cat; 3rd - Left Standing
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “This is the cherry on top for the week. I’ve had five winners from six starters this week. I’ve always had a big opinion of this horse, but they’ve still got to put it in on the track before you can be sure you’ve got something going for you. And even then you know, winning at the Gold Coast is one thing, taking on a city class field is another. I brought him here to see where we are going and to find out more. He won like I thought he could, but he still had to put the result on the board to confirm that ability.
“He’s just a beautiful horse. Look at him – and he’s got a temperament to match. After training gallops I wait for him at the gap and he comes running back to me and then stops right there, just a couple of inches from my face, and he waits there till I say something. He’s genuinely a pleasure to train.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “His last three wins have been huge. (Doonbah Star completed a hat trick with this win) He’s a bit of a freak. He did it easy today. I just settled him. Then, when I gave him a dig he took off. I’ll be following him to keep the ride, that’s for sure.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Steal The Cash (A. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly.
Jockey T. Treichel, the rider of Doonbah Star, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a), the careless riding being that near the 1300m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of The Beast (G. Colless), which in turn was taken in tightening the running of Steal The Cash, which had to be checked and lost its position. Steal The Cash then shifted in and hampered Vintage Mo (C. McIver), which shifted in and hampered Jamelden Cat (S. Cormack). T. Treichel's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of nine meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Wednesday, 5 November and expire at midnight on Wednesday, 19 November 2008.
Approaching the 1200m Steal The Cash, which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Jamelden Cat. The Beast and Steal The Cash over-raced in the early stages. Mr Orient raced wide for the majority of the event.
An inquiry into Steal The Cash falling and dislodging its rider passing the 200m was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed to enable apprentice A. Taylor to give evidence. A post-race veterinary examination of Steal the Cash revealed that the gelding had sustained two lacerations to the near side lower nose.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of The Beast jockey G. Colless stated that he was unable to offer any excuses other than that the horse had a tendency to over-race in the early and middle stages. He added that the horse was inclined to hang in from after passing the 450m. Trainer A. Bailey advised stewards that he was disappointed with the horse's performance and undertook to have the horse vetted in the days subsequent to the event and would inform stewards of the results of the examination. A post-race veterinary examination of The Beast failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2:
2yo QTIS H'CAP - 1010m
1st - Powerful Light; 2nd - Brazilian Princess; 3rd - Melrina Miss
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “We knew that she had the speed. She led all the way in a barrier trial. Good to put it all together like that in a race as well.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “She just ran them off their feet. I think she was just ahead of them in terms of education and that came through in the race. She’s got very impressive speed early and the nice thing about that is you don’t have to gas him, he does it naturally.”
This win put Palmer on top of the Apprentice Jockeys Metropolitan Premiership table, one win ahead of Amy Taylor.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Dual Chamber proved very difficult to load. Trainer M. Thexton was advised that she must obtain a further barrier certificate for Dual Chamber before it is permitted to race. Big Tony raced greenly for the majority of the event. Street Sign (P. Wolfgram) and Galactic Trooper (A. Coome) raced wide throughout. Near the 600m Dual Chamber shifted out of its own accord and had to be steadied off the heels of Galactic Trooper.
Race 3:
1MW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Red Sphere; 2nd - Chabeli; 3rd - Catchit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable spokesman Scott Morrisey: “He’s got a very good first-up record and he has been training sensationally.” (This was Red Sphere’s first run for six months). “He had a good barrier, a great run in the race and a top jockey. It all fitted together today.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “He runs good fresh and with three leaders going out to set it up for him, he just got a lovely run, didn’t he?”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pedro’s Amazing (P. Wolfgram) and Snow Destiny (K. Wharton) were slow to begin. Catchit (M. Radecker) jumped away awkwardly. Catchit raced three wide throughout.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1615m
1st - Hard To Catch; 2nd - Showify; 3rd - Jujulio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “It was yet another great ride by Glen (Colless) – and it’s always good to have him on your horse – but, with all due respect to Glen, I think I could have won on him today. It was his race. It was my mistake he underperformed last time - as I reported to the Stewards afterwards.
“He came back from Sydney and I gave him an easy week. Then we got rain on the Thursday which impacted on his work. I thought I could get away with it and he would be right to race, but I was wrong. It was purely my mistake.
“You can cope with a big weight from an inside draw, because you don’t have to chase and the horse can run its own race. (Hard To Catch carried 60.5kg). This was his true form. Not many horse win $1 million racing in Queensland. That’s how good he is.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “At best he was always going to have a couple of lengths on them on class alone. He got a perfect run and the result was never in doubt. I’d never ridden him before this. Maybe I can get on him again next time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ostras raced wide in the early stages. Crowning Force was held up for clear running inside the final 100m. Inside the final 50m Prosecution was obliged to race in restricted room between Crowning Force, which was held up, and Little Stranger (Michael Palmer), which shifted in slightly. A post-race veterinary examination of Ostras failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Handicap (Mares) - 1350m
1st – Nepro; 2nd – Moppett; 3rd - Mossvana
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Kate Gardner, partner to trainer Matt Kropp: “She’s always had a problem drawing a decent barrier. She’s had shocking luck with that ... and she’s a horse that likes to run handy, so it makes a big difference to her. The time she finished second she had a five draw. This time she jumped from barrier seven. Those are the two lowest barrier draws she’s had in a long time, and she’s produced a result on both occasions.
“No, Matt (Kropp) is not here. He’ll be sorry he missed it but he’s gone off fishing near Port Douglas. He won’t know about it yet. I can’t call him. He’s out of range.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
O’Tonda (C. Reith) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Icedane (S. Drake) blundered on jumping away. Near the 1100m Russeting (C. McIver) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Nepro (A. Spinks) which was taken in slightly by Miz Winfrey (R. McMahon). Near the 1000m Icedane improved up on to the heels of Charvicky (A. Coome) and had to be steadied. When the pace steadied near the 800m Mossvana (Michael Palmer), My First Affair (S. Seamer), Miz Winfrey, Nepro, Gun Belle (Matthew Palmer) and Russeting all had to be steadied to varying degrees. Miz Winfrey, which shifted out when racing three wide, pushed forward to obtain the lead near the 700m. Apprentice M. Hellyer, the rider of Michelle Cafea, was reprimanded under AR. 137(d) for excessively slowing the pace near the 800m. Gun Belle and Kenshe (R. Wiggins) were obliged to race wide for the majority of the event. Russeting was held up for clear running until near the 200m. Inside the final 50m Icedane had difficulty obtaining clear running.
Race 6:
E&G Class 6 Handicap - 1350m
1st – Fangles; 2nd – Rockem; 3rd - Intramuros
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stephen Jones: “Glen said to me beforehand that there was no speed in the race so he thought he should go forward. I said to him, ‘mate, you’re the one riding winners, you’ll get no argument from me.’ Glen said our horse has got speed so why not use it. I just let him do it his way. He rated the horse beautifully. It was a perfect ride.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “I mentioned to Steve that I thought there wouldn’t be speed on and that if I went to the front I might be able to dictate things. Everything worked out perfectly.”
The track preference of the winner should also be noted here as it arguably played a significant role in the result. Fangles has now won three out of five starts at this track and is two from two over the track and distance.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rockem (R. Goltz) stood flat-footed as the gates opened and lost ground. Mr Doyle (B. Pengelly) raced wide throughout. Rockem laid out from passing the 800m until shortly after straightening and was then held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. S. Cormack, the rider of More On The Toe, accidentally dropped his whip near the 150m.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Mr Doyle , jockey B. Pengelly stated that the horse, from its wide alley today, was unable to obtain any position better than three wide mid-field, however when placed under pressure approaching the home turn failed to respond to his riding. He added that in his opinion the horse felt flat. Trainer P. Balzen advised that in his opinion the horse may have come to the end of its preparation today and will be sent for an immediate spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Mr Doyle failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Bold Reason; 2nd - Black Ink; 3rd - Heart Of The Citi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He appreciated the speed in the race which helped him to get home well. I’ve never ridden him before. I’ve ridden against him a good few times and it was a pleasure to be on him today.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start Stood Up (Michael Palmer) was placed in restricted room between Black Ink (J. Byrne) and Vocalic (P. Wolfgram), which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 800m Messiaen (Matthew Palmer) was obliged to race in restricted room inside Mr Aristos (W. Clasohm) for a short distance. Heart Of The Citi (M. Radecker) raced wide throughout. In the early stages of the straight until near the 200m Mr Aristos was held up for clear running. Pepperwood (C. McIver) was held up for clear running until after passing the 100m. Between the 100m and the 50m Blood ‘N’Bone (R. Wiggins) had difficulty obtaining clear running.
Stewards questioned apprentice C. McIver regarding his ride on Pepperwood, especially from shortly after entering the straight. Apprentice McIver stated that his instructions were to let the horse settle in the early stages and search for clear running in the straight. He added that after obtaining a position towards the rear of the field in the early stages, the horse raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 500m improved on to the heels of Black Ink and had to be steadied. He further added that he elected to stay close to the rail in the straight, hoping for an opportunity to present itself to the inside of Tellasecret (A. Spinks), however no run eventuated and he was unable to obtain clear running over the concluding stages of the event. Trainer L. Birchley confirmed the instructions and stated to stewards that he was satisfied with apprentice C. McIver's handling of Pepperwood.
Race 8:
Class 6 QTIS Plate - 2020m
1st - Regal Gaze; 2nd - Grand Corso; 3rd - Derry City
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “I keep on shaking my head at the run I’m having. I don’t remember having a hot streak for this long before.”
Jockey Glen Colless whose win on Regal Gaze meant he had ridden four winners on the day, surpassing the treble he rode at last weekend’s meeting. “I’m just enjoying having a bit of luck. You get on the right ones and they make you look good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As G. Baker was injured, J. Byrne was substituted as the rider of La Zeel. Stewards permitted J. Byrne to ride that horse half a kilogram overweight. Palace Lover, which was fractious in the barriers, was a late scratching at 5.26 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice. Trainer M. Nolan was advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to the horse's next start. Great Honour (R. Wiggins), which was obliged to race wide in the early stages, pushed forward and obtained the lead near the 1000m. Near the 600m Uncle Jan (A. Spinks) had to be checked when tightened for room between Great Honour, which when tiring shifted out slightly, and Regal Gaze, which shifted in. G. Colless, the rider of Regal Gaze, was severely reprimanded and advised that he was being given the benefit of a grave doubt as to whether he was fully culpable. Near the 500m Kentish Rose (C. McIver) was held up and had to be steadied off the heels of the tiring Great Honour, and again had to be checked passing the 400m. Leges Opinio was held up for clear running from the 500m until shortly after entering the straight. Near the 400m Uncle Jan again had to be checked when tightened for room between Tariki (P. Hammersley), which was taken out by the tiring Great Honour, and Monchenglabach (S. Cormack), which was taken in slightly by Supreme Agenda (K. Wharton).
The Stradbroke runner-up Hard To Catch underlined his class with a clear-cut victory under the steadying burden of 60.5kg in an Open Handicap in which he gave his rivals between 6.5kg and 9.5kg at the weights.
Glen Colless rode Hard To Catch, who was one of four winners on the day for the highly talented rider. Colless’s half -the-card haul improved on his treble at last weekend’s metropolitan meeting.
Falvelon further boosted his reputation as a stallion when he sired three winners (Doonbah Star, Powerful Light and Fangles) on the card. Doonbah Star was completing a hat trick of wins, Powerful Light trounced her opposition in a most impressive debut while Fangles was winning for the fourth time in his last six starts.
On a more solemn note, apprentice jockey Amy Taylor’s crashing fall from Steal The Cash in the opening race on the card gave us all a reminder of the dangerous side of the game.
The downside of the sport was exacerbated by the performance of the medical staff in the ambulance which follows the runners every race for just such an eventuality. There appeared to be little or no urgency to get to the stricken Taylor, who lay motionless on the track for too long a time before receiving attention. That a concerned race-club official was able to run from the mounting yard and get to Taylor as quickly as the medics in the ambulance, highlights the latter’s dawdling pace.
Safety in racing is one area where standards and actions have to be maintained at the highest order. The example demonstrated in public at Doomben on Saturday was simply not good enough.
Race 1:
3yo QTIS Handicap - 1350m
1st - Doonbah Star; 2nd - Jamelden Cat; 3rd - Left Standing
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “This is the cherry on top for the week. I’ve had five winners from six starters this week. I’ve always had a big opinion of this horse, but they’ve still got to put it in on the track before you can be sure you’ve got something going for you. And even then you know, winning at the Gold Coast is one thing, taking on a city class field is another. I brought him here to see where we are going and to find out more. He won like I thought he could, but he still had to put the result on the board to confirm that ability.
“He’s just a beautiful horse. Look at him – and he’s got a temperament to match. After training gallops I wait for him at the gap and he comes running back to me and then stops right there, just a couple of inches from my face, and he waits there till I say something. He’s genuinely a pleasure to train.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “His last three wins have been huge. (Doonbah Star completed a hat trick with this win) He’s a bit of a freak. He did it easy today. I just settled him. Then, when I gave him a dig he took off. I’ll be following him to keep the ride, that’s for sure.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Steal The Cash (A. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly.
Jockey T. Treichel, the rider of Doonbah Star, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a), the careless riding being that near the 1300m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of The Beast (G. Colless), which in turn was taken in tightening the running of Steal The Cash, which had to be checked and lost its position. Steal The Cash then shifted in and hampered Vintage Mo (C. McIver), which shifted in and hampered Jamelden Cat (S. Cormack). T. Treichel's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of nine meetings, with the term of suspension to commence at midnight on Wednesday, 5 November and expire at midnight on Wednesday, 19 November 2008.
Approaching the 1200m Steal The Cash, which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Jamelden Cat. The Beast and Steal The Cash over-raced in the early stages. Mr Orient raced wide for the majority of the event.
An inquiry into Steal The Cash falling and dislodging its rider passing the 200m was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed to enable apprentice A. Taylor to give evidence. A post-race veterinary examination of Steal the Cash revealed that the gelding had sustained two lacerations to the near side lower nose.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of The Beast jockey G. Colless stated that he was unable to offer any excuses other than that the horse had a tendency to over-race in the early and middle stages. He added that the horse was inclined to hang in from after passing the 450m. Trainer A. Bailey advised stewards that he was disappointed with the horse's performance and undertook to have the horse vetted in the days subsequent to the event and would inform stewards of the results of the examination. A post-race veterinary examination of The Beast failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2:
2yo QTIS H'CAP - 1010m
1st - Powerful Light; 2nd - Brazilian Princess; 3rd - Melrina Miss
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “We knew that she had the speed. She led all the way in a barrier trial. Good to put it all together like that in a race as well.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “She just ran them off their feet. I think she was just ahead of them in terms of education and that came through in the race. She’s got very impressive speed early and the nice thing about that is you don’t have to gas him, he does it naturally.”
This win put Palmer on top of the Apprentice Jockeys Metropolitan Premiership table, one win ahead of Amy Taylor.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Dual Chamber proved very difficult to load. Trainer M. Thexton was advised that she must obtain a further barrier certificate for Dual Chamber before it is permitted to race. Big Tony raced greenly for the majority of the event. Street Sign (P. Wolfgram) and Galactic Trooper (A. Coome) raced wide throughout. Near the 600m Dual Chamber shifted out of its own accord and had to be steadied off the heels of Galactic Trooper.
Race 3:
1MW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Red Sphere; 2nd - Chabeli; 3rd - Catchit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable spokesman Scott Morrisey: “He’s got a very good first-up record and he has been training sensationally.” (This was Red Sphere’s first run for six months). “He had a good barrier, a great run in the race and a top jockey. It all fitted together today.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “He runs good fresh and with three leaders going out to set it up for him, he just got a lovely run, didn’t he?”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pedro’s Amazing (P. Wolfgram) and Snow Destiny (K. Wharton) were slow to begin. Catchit (M. Radecker) jumped away awkwardly. Catchit raced three wide throughout.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1615m
1st - Hard To Catch; 2nd - Showify; 3rd - Jujulio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “It was yet another great ride by Glen (Colless) – and it’s always good to have him on your horse – but, with all due respect to Glen, I think I could have won on him today. It was his race. It was my mistake he underperformed last time - as I reported to the Stewards afterwards.
“He came back from Sydney and I gave him an easy week. Then we got rain on the Thursday which impacted on his work. I thought I could get away with it and he would be right to race, but I was wrong. It was purely my mistake.
“You can cope with a big weight from an inside draw, because you don’t have to chase and the horse can run its own race. (Hard To Catch carried 60.5kg). This was his true form. Not many horse win $1 million racing in Queensland. That’s how good he is.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “At best he was always going to have a couple of lengths on them on class alone. He got a perfect run and the result was never in doubt. I’d never ridden him before this. Maybe I can get on him again next time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ostras raced wide in the early stages. Crowning Force was held up for clear running inside the final 100m. Inside the final 50m Prosecution was obliged to race in restricted room between Crowning Force, which was held up, and Little Stranger (Michael Palmer), which shifted in slightly. A post-race veterinary examination of Ostras failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Handicap (Mares) - 1350m
1st – Nepro; 2nd – Moppett; 3rd - Mossvana
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Kate Gardner, partner to trainer Matt Kropp: “She’s always had a problem drawing a decent barrier. She’s had shocking luck with that ... and she’s a horse that likes to run handy, so it makes a big difference to her. The time she finished second she had a five draw. This time she jumped from barrier seven. Those are the two lowest barrier draws she’s had in a long time, and she’s produced a result on both occasions.
“No, Matt (Kropp) is not here. He’ll be sorry he missed it but he’s gone off fishing near Port Douglas. He won’t know about it yet. I can’t call him. He’s out of range.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
O’Tonda (C. Reith) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Icedane (S. Drake) blundered on jumping away. Near the 1100m Russeting (C. McIver) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Nepro (A. Spinks) which was taken in slightly by Miz Winfrey (R. McMahon). Near the 1000m Icedane improved up on to the heels of Charvicky (A. Coome) and had to be steadied. When the pace steadied near the 800m Mossvana (Michael Palmer), My First Affair (S. Seamer), Miz Winfrey, Nepro, Gun Belle (Matthew Palmer) and Russeting all had to be steadied to varying degrees. Miz Winfrey, which shifted out when racing three wide, pushed forward to obtain the lead near the 700m. Apprentice M. Hellyer, the rider of Michelle Cafea, was reprimanded under AR. 137(d) for excessively slowing the pace near the 800m. Gun Belle and Kenshe (R. Wiggins) were obliged to race wide for the majority of the event. Russeting was held up for clear running until near the 200m. Inside the final 50m Icedane had difficulty obtaining clear running.
Race 6:
E&G Class 6 Handicap - 1350m
1st – Fangles; 2nd – Rockem; 3rd - Intramuros
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stephen Jones: “Glen said to me beforehand that there was no speed in the race so he thought he should go forward. I said to him, ‘mate, you’re the one riding winners, you’ll get no argument from me.’ Glen said our horse has got speed so why not use it. I just let him do it his way. He rated the horse beautifully. It was a perfect ride.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “I mentioned to Steve that I thought there wouldn’t be speed on and that if I went to the front I might be able to dictate things. Everything worked out perfectly.”
The track preference of the winner should also be noted here as it arguably played a significant role in the result. Fangles has now won three out of five starts at this track and is two from two over the track and distance.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rockem (R. Goltz) stood flat-footed as the gates opened and lost ground. Mr Doyle (B. Pengelly) raced wide throughout. Rockem laid out from passing the 800m until shortly after straightening and was then held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. S. Cormack, the rider of More On The Toe, accidentally dropped his whip near the 150m.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Mr Doyle , jockey B. Pengelly stated that the horse, from its wide alley today, was unable to obtain any position better than three wide mid-field, however when placed under pressure approaching the home turn failed to respond to his riding. He added that in his opinion the horse felt flat. Trainer P. Balzen advised that in his opinion the horse may have come to the end of its preparation today and will be sent for an immediate spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Mr Doyle failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Bold Reason; 2nd - Black Ink; 3rd - Heart Of The Citi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He appreciated the speed in the race which helped him to get home well. I’ve never ridden him before. I’ve ridden against him a good few times and it was a pleasure to be on him today.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start Stood Up (Michael Palmer) was placed in restricted room between Black Ink (J. Byrne) and Vocalic (P. Wolfgram), which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 800m Messiaen (Matthew Palmer) was obliged to race in restricted room inside Mr Aristos (W. Clasohm) for a short distance. Heart Of The Citi (M. Radecker) raced wide throughout. In the early stages of the straight until near the 200m Mr Aristos was held up for clear running. Pepperwood (C. McIver) was held up for clear running until after passing the 100m. Between the 100m and the 50m Blood ‘N’Bone (R. Wiggins) had difficulty obtaining clear running.
Stewards questioned apprentice C. McIver regarding his ride on Pepperwood, especially from shortly after entering the straight. Apprentice McIver stated that his instructions were to let the horse settle in the early stages and search for clear running in the straight. He added that after obtaining a position towards the rear of the field in the early stages, the horse raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 500m improved on to the heels of Black Ink and had to be steadied. He further added that he elected to stay close to the rail in the straight, hoping for an opportunity to present itself to the inside of Tellasecret (A. Spinks), however no run eventuated and he was unable to obtain clear running over the concluding stages of the event. Trainer L. Birchley confirmed the instructions and stated to stewards that he was satisfied with apprentice C. McIver's handling of Pepperwood.
Race 8:
Class 6 QTIS Plate - 2020m
1st - Regal Gaze; 2nd - Grand Corso; 3rd - Derry City
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “I keep on shaking my head at the run I’m having. I don’t remember having a hot streak for this long before.”
Jockey Glen Colless whose win on Regal Gaze meant he had ridden four winners on the day, surpassing the treble he rode at last weekend’s meeting. “I’m just enjoying having a bit of luck. You get on the right ones and they make you look good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As G. Baker was injured, J. Byrne was substituted as the rider of La Zeel. Stewards permitted J. Byrne to ride that horse half a kilogram overweight. Palace Lover, which was fractious in the barriers, was a late scratching at 5.26 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice. Trainer M. Nolan was advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate prior to the horse's next start. Great Honour (R. Wiggins), which was obliged to race wide in the early stages, pushed forward and obtained the lead near the 1000m. Near the 600m Uncle Jan (A. Spinks) had to be checked when tightened for room between Great Honour, which when tiring shifted out slightly, and Regal Gaze, which shifted in. G. Colless, the rider of Regal Gaze, was severely reprimanded and advised that he was being given the benefit of a grave doubt as to whether he was fully culpable. Near the 500m Kentish Rose (C. McIver) was held up and had to be steadied off the heels of the tiring Great Honour, and again had to be checked passing the 400m. Leges Opinio was held up for clear running from the 500m until shortly after entering the straight. Near the 400m Uncle Jan again had to be checked when tightened for room between Tariki (P. Hammersley), which was taken out by the tiring Great Honour, and Monchenglabach (S. Cormack), which was taken in slightly by Supreme Agenda (K. Wharton).
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